The housing market in Leeds is healthy compared to similar local authorities but there are places where decline persists. This can be for a variety of reasons including economic deprivation, social exclusion and anti-social behaviour. In these areas there tends to be a higher level of empty properties.
In any city, there will always be some empty homes. This helps the housing system to function effectively; it allows residential mobility and improvement or redevelopment of housing.
However, in certain areas of the city the turnover of vacant homes and the number of long-term empty properties appears to be consistently high. This can lead to an adverse effect for communities who live in them. The market value and desirability of the stock are affected, and the falling number of residents has a significant impact on local business. When the commercial and financial sectors feel it is no longer viable for them to continue trading or investing in an area this can mean the community declines.
The empty property strategy involves
- Intensive Neighbourhood Management
- Information – (analysis and dissemination)
- Local Ownership – to engage the local stakeholders and foster a sense of ownership within them to deal with the problems of empty properties and the issues that surround them
- An agreed action plan within the areas of low demand encouraging the use of property which is not be utilised
- Community safety
- Environmental management and improvements
- Educational links and raising awareness of the problems and dangers associated with empty property and an insanitary environment.
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The Leeds Private Sector Lettings Scheme.
For information on the current situation regarding empty properties throughout the city please click on the downloadable files opposite.
We welcome your comments. For more information or any enquiries relating to the Empty Homes Strategy please contact jon.hough@leeds.gov.uk