Overall there isn’t a problem with vacant houses in Warrington as only 1.6% of private housing is empty at any one time and most of these are being actively marketed.
There are two types of vacant properties, those which are actively being marketed (transactional) and those which aren’t (non-transactional). There are many reasons why some properties have been left empty for a long time and in most cases they do not cause a problem to their neighbours.
However some long term vacant houses do become targets for vandalism or cause a nuisance and the council will take action against these first.
Financial aid may be available to owners to renovate these properties but it is discretionary and depends on whether the council has any money. Other types of action may include enforced sale, compulsory purchase or empty dwelling management orders but these are also very expensive and long term.
Recently, an empty property officer was appointed to private sector housing to concentrate on bringing empty houses back into use. If you have any queries or wish to report an empty house that is causing problems then please contact Private Sector Housing:
01925 248487 / 248483
privatesector@warrington.gov.uk
A copy of the Vacant_Homes_Strategy.pdf is available to download