Councils offer help to transform empty properties into a home
12 March 2026
The transformation of hundreds of empty properties into homes once more is under way as councils offer help to homeowners.
Over the last year Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils have been working with owners of 854 empty properties to understand why their properties are empty and offer support. Of these, 232 properties are now back in use (130 Vale, 102 South).
An estimated 1,162 properties (565 in the Vale, 597 in South Oxfordshire*) are currently empty but could once more become a home for those who need it most.
Some of these homes are unoccupied for a good reason – such as undergoing major refurbishment or awaiting sale. The councils’ work targets those properties that may need some extra help in being brought back into use.
Ms McLean, local empty homeowner says: “The Empty Homes team provided helpful advice on available financial support, guidance on energy-saving improvements, and assistance with council tax paperwork, giving me the confidence to start bringing my property back into use.”
Mr Jacobs, owner of an empty home in South Oxfordshire says: “The Empty Homes team were approachable and supportive, offering help which has enabled me to begin resolving issues that have prevented me from bringing my property back into use.”
A resident from Wantage, who lives next to an empty property says: “The assistance I received from the council helped us to understand the next steps and make contact with the owner of an empty property which was negatively affecting our property.”
Cllr Andy Crawford, Cabinet Member for Housing at Vale of White Horse District Council says: “We’ve made some brilliant progress on working with empty homeowners – and there’s huge potential to transform many more properties.
“We encourage people to continue to tell us if they know of a home standing empty in their neighbourhood. In straightforward circumstances homes are often brought back onto the market naturally; however, there are varied and sometimes complex reasons why a home could be currently empty.
“The help we’re offering property owners will hopefully address situations where more advice and support is needed to bring a really positive outcome for everyone.”
Cllr Tony Worgan, Cabinet Member for Housing at South Oxfordshire District Council says: “We are an area of high housing demand. Every property sitting empty is a wasted resource. Every property should become a home for someone who really needs it.
“We’re making huge efforts to work with property owners to help bring these homes back into use and positively impact our work to provide the homes that people need now and in the future.
“We hope all help we’re offering property owners will be a real incentive to work with us to turn properties around.”
The councils offer homeowners information, advice and support to bring their empty properties back into use, including:
- Help to make the property more energy efficient
- Refurbishing the property including VAT reduction for renovation and alteration works
- Additional revenue by renting the property to a tenant in housing need, alongside financial assistance if the property requires minor refurbishment works before being let
- Additional revenue by letting privately
- Selling the property privately, through an estate agent or through auction
Property owners can find out more about the help available and how to report an empty property on the council websites whitehorsedc.gov.uk/empty-homes and southoxon.gov.uk/empty-homes
Watch a 30 second interview with local empty homeowner Fi McLean on YouTube
ENDS
* these properties have been classified as empty from a council tax perspective as of March 2026
IMAGE CAPTION: Ms McLean at the home she has transformed, photo credit South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils
