Vacant Properties
Big money in vacant property security
A problem exists with the UK for the government to create a climate of affordable housing for its population. The poor supply of housing has been blamed on the steep price rises, making home ownership almost impossible for many people.
There is great pressure on housing associations and local councils to build 3 million new homes by 2020. This has great consequences for the countyside and the environment in general. The issue is contentious and divides opiniion, allowing the idea of ‘nimbyism’, aka ‘not in my backyard’.
The Pre-Budget Report was commissioned by the government, and promised to look at the utilisation of vacant propety. According to the Empty Homes Agency, there are currently 840,000 vacant properties in the UK. A further 420,000 are registered on the National Land Use Database. This comprises of pubs, commercial factories and spaces above shops. The amount of vacant properties amount to about one million, nearly a third of the government’s target.
You can’t always know who the owner of the derelict building is, or why it has been abandoned to deteriorate. The local council has always been traditionally responsible for monitoring empty properties and promoting renovation. It is only recently that resourses and incentive has been channelled in this direction.
The same poor incentive used to exist for empty property owners. They would argue that they had to rely entirely on the private sector, utilizing the services of a vacant property security specialist. Its up to these companies to offer strategic advice including traveller eviction and squatter removal. Often these eviction services included the removal of hazardous material, whilst affecting a general site clearance.
Owners of derelict propety often see squatters as their main problem, although they can often have a beneficial effect. Their are advantages to the owner when a property is ’squatted’ by professional squatters as it can be rennovated and improved. When these buildings become secure, they are less likely to be hit by vandalism, saving the owners extra maintenance cost.
