Commitment and Strategy

Tackling empty homes is a key priority for Malvern Hills District Council and we are proud to launch our new Empty Homes Strategy 2025-30 to set out how we will bring homes back into use, to make best use of housing stock across the district and reduce the negative impact empty homes can have on surrounding neighbourhoods and communities.

By having an Empty Homes Strategy and a clear programme of actions and interventions, we can:

• improve neighbourhoods and create better environments for local communities
• reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour
• improve the health and wellbeing of communities and individuals
• help meet housing need by providing additional housing options for the local community
• ensure best use of assets
• improve housing conditions
• increase Council Tax income

Homes are left empty for a wide variety of reasons and plans to bring properties back into use need to be tailored to each circumstance. This Strategy will play a key role in addressing housing shortages, revitalising communities and recognising there is no one simple solution to the problem of empty homes as well as outlining a range of options to bring properties back into use. 

To achieve this, we have invested in new resources, including a dedicated Empty Homes Officer who is already working with property owners, landlords, and local partners to tackle empty homes, and an empty homes grant incentive scheme to help with renovation costs to get properties up to the necessary standard to rent or sell.

Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing