Empty homes wanted by Groundwork

Phil Treaton with trainees visiting a current refurbishment property

An innovative housing programme in Rochdale is targeting landlords with empty properties in a bid to increase the level of rentable homes in the borough.

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale is looking for property owners who have homes that have been empty for at least six months. The homes may have run into disrepair or may need some refurbishment work but Groundwork is able to assist with this work through the Housing Refurbishment Programme.

Phil Treaton, Land & Design Manager, commented: “We have a limited offer whereby we can offer landlords capital investment into their property to get it into a rentable standard. We will then manage the property on the landlord’s behalf for a period up to 10 years and provide an income to the property owner. It’s a great opportunity, one that will make more homes available on the rental market and provide genuine returns for landlords.”

The Housing Refurbishment programme, delivered by Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale in partnership with Rochdale Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, will see 16 homes brought back into use over a three year period.

Across Rochdale there are currently around 3,700 empty homes, many of which are falling into a state of disrepair. With an increase in the level of homelessness and house building at an all-time low, this programme aims to increase affordable housing within the borough.

Any property owners with empty domestic properties in Rochdale borough should contact Phil Treaton via email phil.treaton@groundwork.org.uk or call 0161 624 1444.