Owners of empty homes, property developers, landlords, letting and estate agents are being invited to take part in a free networking event.
The annual Under 1 Roof event, run by Calderdale Council, takes place on Tuesday 13 October at The King’s Centre in Halifax, to help turn Calderdale’s 1,646 empty houses into homes that feel loved again.
Between 2pm and 7pm, owners of empty properties can get advice from a range of organisations on how to earn a regular income through renting or make a cash lump sum through selling.
By getting together under one roof, property developers, landlords, letting and estate agents can meet owners of empty properties to look at ways of working together for mutual benefits.
Information and advice will include:
- Marketing your property for sale or letting
- How to improve energy efficiency, home security and accessibility
- Financial support for renovations
- Technical advice or help to find a contractor
- How to be a successful landlord – your rights and responsibilities
- Finding and keeping a good tenant
- Property auctions
- Landlord insurance
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Skills and the Environment, Cllr Jenny Lynn, said:
“Keeping a property empty costs money. For example, there’s insurance, security, maintenance and Council Tax to pay for. So the Council is working with owners of unused properties to bring Calderdale’s 1,646 empty houses back into use. We offer a wide range of advice and information, including technical advice and financial support, and the Under 1 Roof event is part of this. We urge you to come along and find out how to make the most of your empty property.”
Under 1 Roof takes place on Tuesday 13 October at The King’s Centre, Park Road, Halifax, HX1 2TS. You can drop in between 2pm and 7pm or stay for the full event.
For more information visit www.calderdale.gov.uk and search ‘Under 1 Roof’, email under1roof@calderdale.gov.uk or call 01422 392438.
Keith’s story
Keith Briggs from Halifax had an empty flat for four years. With help from Calderdale Council he has brought the flat back into use and now has three tenants living there. Keith says:
“I bought two flats in Halifax 15 years ago. I live in one of them and the other was for renting out. I had several tenants over the years, but got to the stage where the flat had been empty for four years. Calderdale Council contacted me and offered me support to bring it back into use. They organised some renovation work, found good quality contractors and supervised the work.
“I’m so pleased with all the help I’ve been given. My flat looks great and I now have three tenants. I’m earning an extra income from the rent and don’t have to waste money on an empty home. The work that the Council is doing is really important and I encourage anyone with an empty property to ask for support.”