Empty properties

How to report an empty property

• online
• call the empty property hotline, telephone 020 8760 5470

We will investigate and contact the owner to try to bring the property back into use; enforcement powers may be used, where appropriate.

If you are an owner of an empty property

We have details of schemes and useful contacts to help you bring your property back into use.

We want to work with you to negotiate a way for the property to be occupied. Once negotiations have started we will ask for updates on your progress every 3 to 4 months.

If we receive regular complaints from neighbours about an empty property, we may consider enforcement action that could result in the compulsory purchase of the property.

If you are an investor or property developer

If you are an investor or property developer interested in purchasing empty properties in Croydon, you can apply to have your details, including areas and property types you are interested in, added to our developers list.

We use this list to notify purchasers and developers of long-term empty properties that are being sold locally or at auction.

This list is sent to owners of empty properties in the borough who are thinking about selling. 

To apply to have your details added to the list, use the developers list online form.

Empty property grants and loans

The empty property grant scheme is currently not available.

Empty property grants are occasionally available to owners, freeholder or leaseholder, of flats and houses in the borough which have been empty for at least 6 months and require essential repairs and improvements. Please check this page frequently to learn of future financial assistance that may be available.

If you own an empty property in the borough of Croydon, or are considering buying one, and wish to discuss other options with an empty property officer, call 020 8760 5470 or email hsg-emptyproperty@croydon.gov.uk.

Empty property loans

We have an empty property loans scheme to help owners bring empty properties back into use. Loans granted under this scheme will be for a maximum period of 2 years and can be up to £40,000 for a property with 2 or more bedrooms.

If you own an empty property in the borough of Croydon, or are considering buying one, and wish to discuss other options with an empty property officer, call 020 8760 5470 or email hsg-emptyproperty@croydon.gov.uk

Landlord schemes

A number of schemes are available for landlords with properties within the M25 including Kent and Sussex who wish to work with us as part of our housing solutions strategy. 

We can provide a seamless lettings service to accommodate your needs free of charge, offer a range of generous monetary incentives, deposit bonds and all legal documentation such as tenancy agreements. For more details of the service we can offer see the Letting services and initiatives page.

For more details of the schemes available see the Housing Initiatives schemes page.

Using a scheme with grants or loans

Not all of the landlord schemes can be used with the Empty Property Grant or Loan mentioned above. To ensure you receive up to date information and assistance, contact the empty property officers on 020 8760 5470 or email hsg-emptyproperty@croydon.gov.uk.