The Welsh Government has published guide for finding out how to bring empty properties back into use.
Welsh Government writes:
… Using this handbook
This handbook is for stakeholders who are interested in empty properties. These might be people working directly with empty properties (such as Empty Property Officers, community groups, or landlords) or those who have a broader interest (such as elected members, the public, and policy organisations).
The handbook aims to be an informative practical guide to assist stakeholders with empty properties. It provides a broad introduction to the important areas of empty property work and is intended to be accessible to all stakeholders. This outline is supported by exemplar and template documents, an outline of some of the processes in a more detailed format, and information around financial considerations for the renovation of empty properties. While it does not provide in-depth guidance, it covers the important elements for consideration and outlines the broad steps necessary to tackle empty properties. The handbook should be used as a starting point for accessing information about how to bring empty properties back into beneficial use….
The handbook can be used in two ways, depending on the type of stakeholder:
1) As an informative broad overview to the processes, tools, context, and ways of working around tackling empty properties in communities in Wales – this could be used for stakeholders interested in the process but not directly involved in tackling empty properties or as a training resource for those newly involved in empty property work.
2) As a practical resource to support those involved in the empty property process – the process overviews and template documents could be used as a supporting toolbox by Empty Property Officers to assist their work in tackling empty properties.
Scope
The handbook looks at the processes around bringing properties back into use. The focus in this handbook is on both residential properties and small-scale empty commercial properties that have the capacity to contribute to town centre renewal and meet housing need. Where information around these differ, separate sections will be provided.
The handbook focuses on empty properties in Wales, with guidance provided in a Welsh context. It has been informed by a broad range of Welsh stakeholders – see Resource 1 for a list of contributors.
