Empty Homes

Cost of owning an empty property

Empty Homes can leave the owner up to £12,937 out of pocket. Charges and lost income from an empty property include:

Cost	Details
£4058	Council Tax Council Tax on a Band D Property in Winsford is £2029, plus an additional 100% empty premium charge for long-term empty properties gives a total Council Tax bill of £4058.
£7139	Lost Rental Income Using the Local Housing Allowance rates, a 3-bed property in Winsford gives a potential rental income of £7139 per year.
£1000	Work in Default The potential costs for work carried out for failing to comply with notices served by us, including refuse and securing the property, could mean a liability of £1000.
£500	Insurance Premium Leaving a property empty for more than 30 days poses more risk to insurers and therefore higher premiums. Building insurance cost an average of £230 in 2022, but the additional premium cost is likely to be up to £500 per year.
£240	Utilities Charges Utilities charge for maintaining supplies even if there is no usage, giving an annual cost of £240 per year.
£12,937	Total cost to an empty homeowner.

standing charges for gas, electricity and water, even if there is no usage
specific insurance to cover empty properties
damage caused through lack of maintenance
risk of burst water pipes during winter
garden maintenance and the potential removal of fly tipping
risk of damage to windows or doors through vandalism
risk of people gaining access to the property for various reasons e.g. drug use, squatting, theft