There are almost 4000 empty properties in Gateshead at any one time.
Empty Properties in Gateshead
What problems are associated with empty properties?
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They can attract crime and anti-social behaviour including vandalism, litter and sometimes arson.
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They are a wasted resource in terms of potential housing or community use
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They can have a negative effect on the housing market, property values and confidence in the neighbourhood falls when neighbours choose to move away.
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The reduced spending power of the local area can impact on local businesses and the general economic stability of the area.
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Public services such as schools or leisure activities can be affected if the population of a particular area is reduced.
What can the Council do?
The Council has an Empty Property Strategy and an Empty Property Officer to help to deal with the problems associated with both residential and commercial empty properties and to encourage owners to bring properties back into use. The Empty Property Strategy sets out the Council’s key objectives and the way the Council and its partners will work towards reducing the number of empty properties in the borough.
The overall outcome of the strategy is “Empty properties being managed quickly and efficiently helping to create sustainable, safe and pleasant communities leading to the provision of housing that meets the needs of local people”.
Why is this important?
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Increases the supply of much needed housing
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Helps to reduce homelessness
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Contributes to the regeneration of the area
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Helps to create sustainable communities
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Responds positively to public concerns
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Reduces the need for ‘green field’ development
How can I trace the owner of an empty property?
Tracing an unknown/absent owner is the first step towards bringing an empty property back into use. The following steps outline the steps you can take to find the name and whereabouts of an owner.
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Start by posting a notice on the door of the empty property stating that you would like to contact the owner. Talk to neighbours, they may know something about the owner. This method costs nothing and can often yield valuable information about an empty property.
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Next, try a search of the District Land Registry, which has information on all owners of registered land. Land Registry can be contacted on (0191) 301 3500 or e-mail customer.service@landregistry.gov.uk This is a useful way to find the owner’s name, but the address given is often the same as the empty property address. If the land is not registered, the Land Registry will not have any information.
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If unsuccessful, try a search of the Land Charges Registry. This will reveal the owner’s details if there are any charges against the property (e.g. a second mortgage) or if bankruptcy papers have been filed. Land Charges Registry can be contacted on 01752 635 600.
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Once you know the owner’s name, it may be possible to trace him/her via a search agency – look in your local Yellow pages under “Detective Agencies” or contact the Talking Pages. This is often the easiest way to trace an owners whereabouts, but you may have to pay a fee. Fees for such services can range from £20 to around £200.
If the owner of the empty home has died and the will is disputed or the heirs do not come forward, the property can sit ‘in limbo’ while the identity of the new owner is being established.