Chelmsford City Council has been focusing on returning empty homes back into use,

In January 2017 the city council agreed to use Compulsory Purchase Orders for those empty properties having the most impact on local neighbourhoods.

Other options the Council is progressing with includes Enforced Sale and Empty Dwelling Management Orders.

Since April 1, 148 properties have been brought back into use.

The council are also hoping to engage with home owners to help them to sell or rent out their empty homes and is offering empty property owners a loan of £25,000 to help to sell or rent their homes.

The loan can be used for the renovation works to make sure the empty house is suitable for immediate occupation by either sale, or rent. 

People applying for the loan may be existing or prospective home owners, but they must supply security for the loan.

The improvements must result in the property being suitable for immediate occupation as well as complying with Building Regulations and achieve the Decent Homes Standard.

Councillor Paul Hutchinson, cabinet member for strategic housing said: “We want to work closely with people who own empty homes in Chelmsford to make sure that they make the most of these assets.

"There are plenty of people who would love a good home and the various actions we take helps bring empty homes back into use which benefits both them and empty home owners".

To apply for a loan, call the city councils Customer Service Centre on 01245 606400.

To report an empty property, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing/report-an-empty-property