Abandoned properties that have blighted neighbourhoods across the Lancaster district have been transformed and returned to use.
By working with property owners and, where necessary, using enforcement powers, Lancaster City Council brought 63 long-term empty homes back into use in 2025.
This work has helped increase the supply of much-needed housing, improved the look and feel of neighbourhoods and supported wider regeneration across the district.
Properties can remain empty for many reasons, including death, bankruptcy, family disputes and future investment plans.
The council tackles the issue through engagement with owners, intervention works to support improvements and, where required, legal action to compel urgent repairs. In the most extreme cases, where engagement has failed and a property remains inactive, the council can take steps to enforce the sale of a home.
To deter homes from standing empty, the council applies a council tax premium of 100 per cent to properties that have been empty for more than one year, meaning owners pay double their usual bill.
The premium increases the longer a property remains empty: homes empty for more than five years pay triple the standard charge, rising to four times the bill after ten years.
Exceptions are available where owners are actively working to bring a property back into use, such as listing it for sale or rent, or where legal restrictions prevent occupation.
Claire Taylor, Lancaster City Council’s empty homes officer, said: “Empty homes reduce available housing and can quickly fall into disrepair, affecting local residents and the wider community. We are committed to tackling the issue and bringing much-needed homes back into use for local people.
“While the council cannot control how many privately owned properties become empty, we can work to reduce the length of time they remain so, particularly where they are left in a poor state of repair.
“Each case is different and must be dealt with individually, which means finding a solution is not always straightforward. It is always really rewarding to see much needed homes brought back into use - particularly when it is ones that have been empty for so long.
“I continue to work with empty home owners to see that their properties are brought back into use as soon as possible in order to uphold our commitment to increase the supply of local housing.”
Since 2013, the council has helped bring 789 homes return to use and continues to work to bring the current 875 unoccupied properties back into use.
In one case, a property on Beecham Street, abandoned for 24 years and falling into a dangerous condition, is one of the homes recently fully refurbished and reoccupied.
The owner was traced, but after failing to act on a council-issued notice to carry out urgent repairs, the council had to step in to undertake emergency works to make it safe, including removing a dangerous dormer.
The owner was invoiced for the repairs and the property was later sold through the owner’s estate.
Another property on Bay View Avenue stood empty for almost four decades after being left to a family member. The council repeatedly contacted the owner to address issues, including overgrown gardens.
When ownership later transferred to another family member, the council worked with the new owner, who sold the property. It has now been renovated, sold and is once again lived in.
Residents concerned about properties that have been empty for two years or more, or that are in a state of disrepair, can report them to the council for investigation.
Adam Lakeland unveiled as new Morecambe FC manager
LISTEN: Mastermind champ from Lancaster to host charity quiz at city venue
Unique workshop tackling racism in schools to be held in Lancaster
Painless blood test championed by Lancaster family wins NHS Excellence Award
Police issue wildfire warning after bonfires reported on fells near Lancaster
Launch in Morecambe for book which could save you thousands in tax
Plans for up to 90 new homes near Bay Gateway could get green light
Mayor to re-enact ancient sheep tradition at Lancaster farm
Lancaster by-election candidates named
Firefighters tackle lorry fire at business premises in Heysham
Lancaster police continue drive to tackle city centre street drinking
Exhibition inspired by Eden Project Morecambe to open in Lancaster
Spectacular night-time drone show to be part of Armed Forces weekend in Morecambe
LISTEN: Sing along as venue celebrates Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Morecambe Vintage Bus Day receives grant boost
Morecambe pensioner, 94, to release debut album for charity
Mental health champion arrives in Lancaster on 10-month charity walk
Celebrating a day of discovery in Morecambe with Lancaster University
Cafe couple love being back by Morecambe Bay as new sign goes up
Morecambe primary school's pioneering eco-garden set to open
