If you are the owner of an empty property in Eastbourne you may qualify for a grant to help with the cost of any repairs and improvements needed to bring it back into use.
Qualifying works could be to improve:
Upon completion of the works, the property must meet the Decent Homes Standard and be in a good lettable condition. In return you must let or lease the property for an agreed period of up to five years and grant nomination rights to the council.
Benefits to you include:
- a discretionary grant to assist with the costs of renovating your property
- choice of management options
- an agreed level of rent throughout the period of letting/leasing agreement
- enhanced security, with less likelihood of break-ins
- tenants pay council tax, water rates and fuel bills
- knowing that your property has provided a home to someone in housing
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must have an 'owner's interest' in all the land on which the relevant works are to be carried out. An 'owner's interest' means a freehold or leasehold interest with at least five years to run.
How to apply?
If you wish to apply you should contact the Empty Property Officer. We will discuss in detail what options are available to bring the property back into use. If the property meets our aims and policy objectives you will be sent a questionnaire to complete. We will then arrange to visit the property.
Following the visit, a schedule of eligible works will be drawn up. You will then be asked to submit:
three builders' estimates for the eligible works
confirmation of ownership
planning consent (if applicable)
a certificate of intending letting for an agreed period, together with an agreement giving the council nomination rights
On completion, a final inspection will take place to ensure that the works are satisfactory and comply with the original schedule. You will then receive the grant in a single payment.
