Brent brings empty homes back into use

Dozens of empty and run down homes have been brought back into use since April last year thanks to 'detective work' and investment by Brent Council.

So far 88 privately owned homes left to fall into disrepair by their owners have been renovated and brought back into use with this figure expected to rise to 100 by April.

Laurence Coaker, Head of the Private Housing Information Unit, said: "It can often take real detective work by my officers to track down owners of run down properties.

"It took us a month to find the owner of a property recently featured in the local press. This was because the property was registered with an off shore company. But once ownership is established we can try and set up a meeting and help the owners bring their property back into use."

There are various council run incentive schemes to help owners breathe life back into their empty properties.

Empty property grants are available to refurbish a house or to convert a large property - including commercial buildings - into one or more flats.

The council can also offer advice and assistance on how an empty property can be brought back into use.

Cllr James Allie, Lead Member for Housing and Customer Services, said: "I would urge any home owner struggling to maintain an empty property to call the council. We can work together to bring the property back in to use, to give the owner valuable income and maybe even house a family in need."