Southend-on-Sea City Council has launched a refreshed support programme in one place to help bring more empty homes back into use.
This initiative supports one of the Joint Administration's key priorities to increase housing supply and improve neighbourhoods across the city.
The programme focuses on working in partnership with owners of long-term empty properties, offering practical guidance and a one-stop place for support to help unblock common issues such as the cost of repairs, uncertainty about next steps, or complex legal matters.
Leaving a property empty for long periods can become increasingly costly for owners. Since April 2024, long‑term empty homes no longer receive a council tax discount, and additional premiums may apply where homes remain unoccupied for extended periods. Engaging early with the council's support offer can help owners avoid unnecessary charges, access financial guidance, and resolve issues more quickly.
This targeted initiative sits alongside the existing MySouthend reporting routes but focuses specifically on working directly with owners to understand why properties become vacant and how they can be brought back into use.
As part of this work, the council is contacting owners directly with tailored information and a short survey to help the Empty Homes Team understand individual circumstances and offer the right level of support.
The team regularly works with owners to help them navigate common issues such as probate delays, contractor access, or uncertainty about renovation options, providing guidance to help move stalled properties forward.
The council has also proposed additional investment in the service, with funding for a second Empty Homes Officer included in the 2025/26 budget proposals. This forms part of the administration's wider commitment to tackle empty and neglected sites, including the recently launched "Dirty Dozen" list.
The Dirty Dozen initiative has generated strong public interest, with residents sharing comments and further site suggestions online. This feedback is helping the council better understand community concerns around neglected and problem properties.
Cllr Anne Jones, Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing, said: "Bringing empty homes back into use is a clear priority for this administration. At a time when housing demand is high, we cannot afford to have good-quality homes standing empty for long periods.
"We recognise that many owners face barriers, whether that is the cost of renovation work, legal complexities, or simply not knowing where to start. Our aim is to work with owners, to provide a one-stop shop for practical support and help find the right route forward for each property.
"I encourage all owners contacted by the council to complete the short survey enclosed with their letter. The more we understand about each situation, the better we can support owners to bring these homes back into use for the benefit of the whole city."
Support available to owners of empty homes
The council's support offer includes:
- financial guidance, including eligibility for a VAT reduction from 20% to 5% on certain renovation works, with formal letters available
- advice on selling or renting, including licensing requirements, safety standards and links with trusted estate and letting agents
- ouncil acquisitions, where suitable, through the authority's existing acquisitions programme
- specialist signposting to legal advisers, contractors, financial experts and genealogists where ownership or probate matters need resolving
While the focus of the refreshed offer is on collaboration and support, the council does hold statutory powers that may be used where properties become dangerous or persistently neglected. These include improvement notices and, in the most serious cases, compulsory purchase powers. These tools are used only as a last resort, with the priority always being early engagement with owners.
This work complements other measures introduced to discourage properties being left unused. Since 1 April 2024, empty and unfurnished homes no longer receive a council tax discount, replacing the previous 14-day reduction.
Owners of empty properties who receive the council's letter are encouraged to complete the enclosed survey or contact the Empty Homes Team for advice and support.
Residents can continue to report empty or problem properties through MySouthend. These reports help the council identify priority sites and engage with owners at an earlier stage.
Empty Homes Team: 01702 534559
Email: EmptyHomes@southend.gov.uk