Empty Properties

Did you know there are private properties lying empty in Islington? There is a shortage of housing, especially affordable housing, in Islington, so empty properties are a wasted resource.

Empty properties are a cause for concern since:

• they fall into disrepair and become eyesores that spoil the look of the neighbourhood
• they can often become dangerous. Unfortunately, children are often attracted to playing in and around them and this can lead to accidents
• they can attract squatters
• they also attract vandalism, arson and other anti-social behaviour
  

Empty properties devalue surrounding properties and are a wasted asset to owners. There are also significant costs to owners just to keep a property empty.

What are we doing about it?

Islington has an empty property strategy, which aims to increase the availability of affordable, decent homes by encouraging and supporting owners to bring their properties back into use.

If you have an empty property, the council can help with grants and advice so that your property can produce an income for you and, at the same time, a much needed home for a family.

The council is a key player in the regeneration of Islington, bringing together partnerships to achieve sustainable change. An example of such a partnership has been delivered in the Finsbury Park area where funds were allocated via the Single Regeneration Bid scheme. Work included improving housing and shop fronts on the main roads around Finsbury Park Station.

Plans for the future

Our overall aim is to work in partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies and with the tenants and owners of private sector housing to make full use of all housing resources in the borough to increase the choice of decent affordable homes.

Report an empty property

In order to bring empty privately owned homes back into use, we need the help of landlords, owners and residents to identify all empty flats and houses in the borough.

To report an empty property use our online form under the Do it Section or contact us using the details below.

If you own, live next door to or simply know of an empty property, which is either a house or flat or which has potential to become residential accommodation, please get in touch.

The Empty Property Officer provides an empty property surgery, where you can discuss any empty property issues. Please use the contact details below to arrange a suitable time.

Contact

Empty Property Officer
Islington Council
393 Highbury Quadrant
London N5 2SX
Tel: 020 7527 6080
email: empty.property@islington.gov.uk

North London Sub Region Empty Property Freephone
Tel: 0800 953 6305

For more information about our work involving Empty Property, click on the documents linked below or visit the North London Sub Region Empty Property Initiative website, linked from the right handside of this page.