National Empty Homes Week 9th – 15th March 2026 This week is National Empty Homes Week, which aims to highlight the importance of bringing empty homes back into use and the impact long term vacant properties can have on our communities.
Owners of vacant properties are being urged to make the most of assistance available to them through North Devon Council:
- A continuing partnership with Lendology CIC to provide affordable loans to owners of empty homes to renovate, develop and convert their properties and provide housing to people who live and work in North Devon
- Providing advice to people interested in letting their home and assisting them to find tenants and provide tenancy support
- Operating a matchmaker service to connect owners of empty homes who are looking to sell with potential buyers, investors or developers who want to buy an empty property
- Identifying long-term vacant properties and those with council tax arrears and tracing and engaging with owners
- Charging council tax premium on homes empty for more than a year, a move which is hoped to encourage homeowners to act
- Identifying empty homes that have fallen into disrepair and taking enforcement action, leading to properties being sold and renovated and visually improving the local area
Find out more here: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/housing/empty-homes-project You can also learn more about National Empty Homes Week here: https://www.actiononemptyhomes.org/ehweek
