The council is supporting owners of empty residential properties in Westmorland and Furness. We're doing this by establishing up to date information about properties.
Returning properties back to use can benefit owners, local communities and housing supply.
Advice and guidance
Contact us to provide information about the empty property.
Empty Homes Team
Email: emptyhomes@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
This helps us to establish your position and identify relevant advice and guidance. This includes:
- bringing a property back into occupation
- selling or letting options
- VAT reduction letters for qualifying renovation works
- general advice on managing and maintaining empty homes
Providing information early can help prevent a property becoming long term vacant and may reduce the need for further council involvement.
Council Tax implications
Properties left empty for extended periods can be subject to increased Council Tax. In some cases, charges may rise to up to 400% of the standard charge. This is dependent on the length of time a property has been vacant.
Learn more about Council Tax implications on homes that are empty for over a year
Next steps
We'll consider the appropriate next steps in line with our Empty Homes Strategy.
Read our Empty Homes Strategy 2025 to 2030 (PDF , 630KB)
Report an empty property
Empty homes can negatively impact the local community. If you are aware of one, please let us know.