Council set to bring empty Birmingham properties back into use as demand for family homes increases

The national housing crisis is taking a toll on Brum, with thousands of residents in temporary housing and families stuck in B&Bs for weeks.

With the city facing a high demand for affordable housing, the Labour-run council is looking to purchase or acquire 50 privately-owned properties.

The local authority said these properties have been empty for several years and argued this is having a “negative impact on communities” while also reducing the supply of sustainable housing.

Acquiring the properties will be done either through a negotiation or through compulsory purchase powers, a tool authorities can use to acquire the land needed to deliver positive change.

“Acquisition […] will enable the council to bring these properties back into use, which will increase the supply of much-needed family accommodation,” the council said in a new report.

It continued that according to council tax records, there are approximately 12,209 privately-owned empty properties in the city.

“5,216 have been empty for two years or more, many of which are family homes,” the council said.

“When set against the high demand for affordable housing, it is clear that bringing these empty properties back into use would have a significant positive impact on housing supply in the city.”

It added that guidance is provided to the owners of the 50 properties to avoid the use of compulsory purchase, which it describes as a “method of last resort”.

“If compulsory purchase is approved for these properties, the owners will be provided with advice and assistance throughout the entire process,” the report said.

The council has brought back hundreds of properties back into use over the years through a combination of negotiation and compulsory purchase powers.

On the plans to acquire 50 new properties, the council said: “Following acquisition, each property would be sold on the open market and brought back into use or held by the city housing portfolio.”

Discussing the option of doing nothing and leaving the properties empty, the council’s report said: “This is likely to result in the properties deteriorating further and continuing to impact the enjoyment of the amenities of the neighbours and local residents.

“Experience has shown that leaving the properties empty can lead to crime and anti-social behaviour such as fire, harbourage of vermin, drug dens, cannabis farms and adverse possession.”

“As they remain empty, they will continue to accrue further council tax debt and also continue to be a wasted resource at a time of high demand for accommodation in Birmingham,” it added.

Cabinet members at the council have therefore been recommended to approve the plans for the 50 empty properties at a meeting tomorrow, December 9.