Making Homes from Houses Project

The Making Homes from Houses Project, in partnership with Community Gateway, aims to renovate empty properties so they can be brought back into use as a home for those in housing need (Eligibly properties are typically empty over 1 year and in need of repair).

Who does the project help?

We currently have over 1,000 people on our housing waiting list. Many of these people have a long wait for a suitable home as we have lack of social housing in Preston. Renovating and reusing empty homes gives people an affordable home and helps reduce the waiting list.

How does the project work?

The project offers two options:

1. Buying your empty home

CGA will buy your property and we will fund any renovation works so it can be rented to people in need of social housing.

2. Repair and Lease Scheme

If you do not want to sell your property, we can help you fund the repair works. These works will be carried out by CGA.

Once the work has been completed, CGA will lease the property from you and will then rent it out at an affordable rate to people on our housing waiting list for a set number of years.

CGA will manage the property for you and you will receive a rental income, minus any management costs. At the end of the lease period, you will be free to do as you wish with the property.

How to get involved

If you are an empty home owner and are interested in either selling or the repair and lease of your property through the project, you can complete the online form to register your interest in getting involved.

Register your interest in Making Homes from Houses Project

Please note: you are free to cancel your interest at any stage after completing this form.

What happens next?

Once you have completed the form, we will be in touch within 5 working days to further discuss details and arrange a visit appointment to assess your property's eligibility to the scheme.

Eligibility to the scheme will be decided following the visit.

Why are empty properties a problem?

Empty properties have a negative impact on communities. By bringing empty homes back into use, we can greatly improve an area's appearance and boosts people's confidence in their neighbourhood. They can also be a magnet for crime and anti-social behaviour.

There is currently a shortage of satisfactory affordable housing across the country. Your empty property could be a new home for a person in housing need, a young family looking for their first home or an older person looking to downsize.

Reusing your empty home can also save you money. Keeping your property empty can cost you nearly £8,000 a year.