If you own, live near to, or know of an empty house or flat which has the potential for people to live in it, please report it to the council's Empty Property team.
We're dedicated to returning empty properties back into use. This helps to:
- increase the supply of much needed housing
- reduce homelessness
- contribute to the regeneration of an area
If you own a vacant property
There are initiatives designed to help you get your property back in to use:
- help in selling a vacant property in need of substantial refurbishment
- Developers List. A scheme whereby we can help in selling a vacant property in need of substantial refurbishment. We can notify property developers of properties available for sale, where the owners have requested marketing assistance from the council. Interested parties will be invited to view properties and have the option of making sealed bids. To join the Developers List, please download the application form below and email it to: emptyproperties@wirral.gov.uk
- Developers List application (PDF)
Find out how much it can cost to keep a property empty
Problematic empty properties
Sometimes an empty property can fall into disrepair, be the subject of anti-social behaviour or be a blight on a neighbourhood. In these circumstances the council may be able to take legal action to force an owner to maintain an empty property in a reasonable and safe condition.
Legal action can be taken under the Building Act 1984 or The Town and Country Planning Act 1990, this can include undertaking works in default and recovery of any costs incurred and, in terms of officer time, this has been set locally as £45.83 per hour for 2022-23 and £48.71 per hour for 2023-24. This charge is reviewed on an annual basis. Charges may be updated during the year and the council reserves the right to amend the schedule at any time.
Contact us
The Housing Standards Team at Wirral Council is here to help. If you would like to consider any of these options or would like to know more about any of the support outlined, please contact the Housing Standards Team by email: emptyproperties@wirral.gov.uk
The PDF file below may not be suitable to view for people with disabilities, users of assistive technology or mobile phone devices.