WITH the national shortage in housing; and a housing crisis declared in districts across Devon, Teignbridge has released details of how it is working with owners to help bring some private sector houses back into use.

A spokesperson said: ‘The number of empty homes in Teignbridge reported to the Government in October last year was 292, taking the number below 300 for the first time since records began.

‘Empty properties are not only potentially wasted homes, but they also often blight areas, impact on neighbours and residents and attract anti-social behaviour.

‘When a property is identified as empty, we contact the owners to find out what is being done to bring them back into use.

‘Often, they are already being marketed for sale or undergoing refurbishment. Sometimes owners have insufficient funds for refurbishment works or need advice or financial help to comply with property standards before letting, or they need to clear a property so that they can move back in or sell it.

‘In some cases, the occupant has had to move out of a property due to it being so badly ‘hoarded’ that it is no longer safe to live there.

‘These properties are often in the worse condition and are amongst the most difficult to resolve. Because they are not classified as empty, they do not appear on our list and go under the radar unless reported by residents.

‘This is often the time when our private sector housing team will step in to advise, support and even get ‘hands on’ with hoarding to help owners find important items, before a professional clearance company is called in.’

Alison Dolley, the service lead, said: ‘With hoarded properties, we’re often supporting someone who has a number of complexities in their lives – a bereavement; a mental health problem; or simply that things have become a bit overwhelming for them to be able to tackle the issue.

‘My team often steps in to help people solve problems that would be considered above and beyond the role of the council, but it’s about providing that human response to people’s needs; helping people get back on track and just simply rolling our sleeves up and cleaning a kitchen out.

‘If we’re helping to bring some empty properties back into the rental market, it benefits everyone; and hopefully the team also do their bit to support some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.’

l Anyone who is concerned about an empty property in Teignbridge can report it to [email protected]

The council has also invested funds with Lendology CIC, a social enterprise lender to provide loans to owners of empty properties and landlords.

They offer very flexible repayment options including deferred loan option giving owners time to refurbish and rent, sell or move into the property before monthly repayments begin.

l Anyone who would like more information can call Lendology on 01823 461099 or email [email protected].