Empty Homes
Management of empty properties in Bridgend, Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
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Empty homes are a waste of resources and a missed opportunity during times of significant housing need. Whilst there are several reasons a property may become and remain unoccupied; property owners are responsible for preventing their houses from falling into disrepair. Once abandoned, vacant properties can become an eyesore, attracting anti-social behaviour such as unauthorised entry, vandalism, fly-tipping, and pests.
Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) are committed to helping owners bring empty properties back into use and resolve any environmental issues caused.
How is an 'empty property' defined?
A property that has been unoccupied for six months or longer is a long-term (non-transitional) empty property.
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Reporting an empty property
If you are concerned about a property located in Bridgend, Cardiff or the Vale of Glamorgan that has been empty for longer than 6 months or has become unsecured, you can report it to us by using the button below. Our officers will start to make enquiries to find out who owns the property and take preventive measures to stop the property from falling into disrepair.
When reporting an empty property to us, please include the following information:
- The full address of the property
- Property type (e.g., flat or house)
- A description of the property condition from the outside
- The length of time the property has been empty
- Name and contact details of the owner (if known)
- Anything else you know about the property
- Your contact details
Please Note: It is not an offence to leave a property unoccupied and enforcement action may not always be possible. Enforcement action will only be taken as a last resort if the property continues to cause a nuisance or blight to an area.
Unsure what to do with an Empty Property?
If you have an Empty Property and are unsure of the options available to you. Please complete the our Empty Property Survey. Your details will be passed to a member of our Empty Property team. Based upon the information you provide, officers will be able to provide you with tailored advice and support.
Enforcement Action
Shared Regulatory Services want to engage with empty property owners to help complete any essential works needed to bring a property back into use. However, for properties that remain detrimental or a nuisance to the local area, the Council will have no choice but to consider using it legislative powersBelow are actions SRS can take to relieve the harmful impact on the community and bring the property back into use:
- Enforced sale
- Empty dwelling management orders
- Voluntary acquisition
- Compulsory purchase orders
Financial assistance is available to help bring an empty property back into use.
Empty Property owners fail to take advantage of the potential income that could be generated through letting or selling their property. Several initiatives are available to help owners bring their property back into use. Owners are encouraged to consult the links below for information, help and support.
Please click the local authority below to find out what assistance is available for your empty property.