Liverpool City Council has unveiled a new initiative offering financial incentives to landlords and property owners to bring long-term empty homes back into the rental market. This forms part of a broader housing strategy aimed at improving housing availability and standards across the city.

Grant scheme to tackle empty homes

The council’s £7.3 million Empty Homes Grant scheme will provide grants ranging from £5,000 to £20,000 to owners of properties that have been vacant for at least 12 months. The funding is intended to support the refurbishment and improvement of these homes to meet legal safety standards, including addressing serious hazards such as unsafe wiring and gas faults.

In return, the properties must be offered as affordable rental accommodation to households on Liverpool’s housing waiting list. The scheme is expected to run for up to three years or until the allocated funding is fully utilised.

Addressing housing shortages and neighbourhood decline

Councillor Hetty Wood, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for housing, emphasised the importance of this initiative in addressing the city’s housing needs. She stated, “Empty homes are a waste when so many people across our city are desperate for somewhere safe and secure to live.”

She highlighted that bringing empty properties back into use can help families move out of temporary accommodation, reduce pressure on housing services, and improve neighbourhoods affected by long-term blight. Councillor Wood also stressed that while support will be offered to owners willing to engage, the council will take firm action against those who refuse to cooperate.

Complementary housing measures

This grant scheme is part of a three-pronged housing strategy that also includes proposals for compulsory purchase and enforced sales of homes. Additionally, the council plans to continue its freehold sales programme, enabling long-leaseholders of single residential properties to purchase the freehold at a fixed price.

Selective licensing consultation

Liverpool’s existing selective licensing scheme, which covers approximately 80% of privately rented homes, is due to expire in 2027. The scheme has been credited with improving housing conditions and tenant protection, although challenges with non-compliance remain.

The council will consult residents, landlords, and letting agents on the future of the scheme, including whether it should continue city-wide or focus on specific neighbourhoods. A final decision will be made by the council’s cabinet.

Councillor Wood described the consultation as “an important next step, giving residents and landlords the chance to shape how we continue that work in the future.”

What this means for landlords

For landlords in Liverpool, the Empty Homes Grant scheme offers a significant opportunity to access funding for property improvements, particularly for those with long-term vacant properties. By bringing these homes up to legal standards and offering them at affordable rents, landlords can contribute to addressing the city’s housing shortage while benefiting from financial support.

However, landlords should also be aware of the council’s firm stance on non-engagement, which may include compulsory purchase or enforced sale measures. The forthcoming consultation on selective licensing also signals potential changes to regulatory requirements, emphasising the importance of compliance and engagement with local housing policies.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/