Welsh Government launches £50m scheme to bring empty homes back to life

The Welsh Government has launched a new £50m scheme to revive empty homes in Wales, as the latest statistics show that there are more than 22,000 long-term empty properties in the country.

The National Empty Homes Grant scheme, which will run for the next two years, aims to bring up to 2,000 long-term empty properties back into use and improve the housing supply.

Under the scheme, grants of up to £25,000 are available to renovate empty properties to make them safe to live in and improve their energy efficiency.

The grant is available in instalments as the work is undertaken.

A minimum 15% contribution is required from the applicant.

Local authorities, Registered Social Landlords and Community Housing Groups are also able to apply for funding.

To qualify, the property must have been registered as empty with the local authority for at least 12 months before the works commence and must be used as the main and only residence for at least five years after completion.

The scheme will be administered by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council on behalf of the Welsh Government, with participating local authorities responsible for undertaking surveys and recommending works for grant funding.

Flintshire County Council has a principal agreement to participate in the scheme currently under consideration

Climate Change Minister Julie James said:

“I am pleased to announce the allocation of £50m that will be used to bring more empty properties in Wales back into use.”

“The latest statistics show there are more than 22,000 long-term empty properties in Wales. These are a wasted housing resource that can become a blight on our communities.”

“The funding announced today will be used to reduce the number of empty properties and, therefore, increase housing supply.”