Approximately 1% of Surrey homes are standing empty. This situation generates a range of problems for the Surrey property market, but did you know it can create problems for the owners of these properties too?

In this blog, we look at the reasons behind properties standing empty, why it’s a problem and what you can do if you’re the legal owner of a vacant property.

Why are properties vacant?

Properties become vacant for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they have been bought as an investment and are being renovated. Sometimes, the original owner has died without leaving a will and the case is going through probate, meaning that no one can take ownership until all the paperwork is sorted out. And sometimes the owner just can’t bring themselves to take action with it, either because of personal issues, sentimental attachment, lack of funds for renovation or something else entirely. 

Why are vacant properties a problem?

Vacant properties are a problem because they take property away from someone who needs a home. The property market is under great pressure at the moment, with not enough houses to go round. As estate agents, we always feel so frustrated when we see a house standing empty!

Uninhabited houses can also become unsafe. Without people living in them, opening the windows, turning on the heating and mending things that break, vacant properties can become prey to damp and structural damage. They might also attract vandals or squatters who might inflict further damage to the property. What this means is that if you can’t face doing up the house now, it might not be worth doing up in future. 

Vacant homes are also bad news for the rest of the street. No one wants to live next door to a vacant home. If the vacant property develops structural problems, it can affect its neighbours too. And if you’re selling your property, a vacant property nearby might put buyers off. 

Lastly, vacant properties can be a problem for the owner. In addition to the stress associated with having a vacant property on your hands, after two years, many councils (including Guildford Borough Council) charge an empty homes premium on top of regular council tax. This will increase your monthly outgoings considerably.

What should you do if you have a vacant property?

1.        Acknowledge why the property is empty

The first thing to do is to recognise the reason the property is empty. If there’s a practical reason, like probate or refurbishment, and you are supporting the process, you can feel confident that everything is going in the right direction. 

However, if the property is empty for a negative reason and you can’t face tackling it, it’s time to get help. If there’s a financial reason why you’re stuck, start by talking to your bank. If it’s a family dispute, consider mediation. And if poor health is holding you back, talk to your GP – they’ll point you in the right direction. Surrey also has a community helpline which can help you find the right support to get back on track. 

Once you’re ready to get your vacant property habitable again, there are a number of things you can do. 

2.        Clear the property out

Assuming you’re going to sell the property, the first step is to get it cleared. If you were attached to the person who used to live there, keep one or two special things that were important to them. If there’s anything obviously valuable, sell it and let a house clearance firm take the rest. However, you should resist the urge to Google every item to see if it’s worth something – remember, getting the house sold or rented is your priority. 

3.        Carry out repairs

The next step is to work out whether it needs fixing up and if it’s worth it. For example, if you inherited it and it didn’t cost you anything, you’ve got nothing to lose by selling it as it is. However, you should accept that if it lacks twenty-first century basics like central heating and double-glazing, you will have to make these improvements or accept a lower price for the property. Equally, if it has sustained any major damage through being empty, you will need to get it repaired otherwise you will struggle to find a buyer. 

It’s not worth putting in a new kitchen or bathroom before you sell. There is a high chance that the new owners will refit it anyway! 

4.        Tidy it up so it’s ready to sell

Once any big projects are completed, paint the walls in neutral colours and give it a really good clean. Clear the garden so it’s tidy.

You might be surprised at how quickly the renovation moves along once you’ve made the decision to act! 

Sell property in Guildford

If you have property to sell in Guildford, Cobbles are here to help. Whether you’ve just got it ready to sell or you’ve been living in it for years, we’ll put our local knowledge and years of experience to work selling your property quickly and for the right price. Get in touch today to find out more.