Cornwall Council Launches Loan Scheme to Bring Empty Homes Back Into Use

Owners of empty homes in Cornwall are being offered a new way to bring their properties back into use through a council-backed loan scheme.

Tackling Empty Homes

With housing pressures across the county continuing to rise, the Empty Home Loan scheme forms part of Cornwall Council’s wider strategy to increase available housing. Property owners can apply for a loan to fund renovation and restoration work, helping them to sell, rent out or move back into their properties once the work is complete.

Peter La Broy, Cornwall Council cabinet member for housing, said:

“There are currently around 3,200 empty properties in Cornwall – around 1.2% of the county’s total housing stock. At a time when we have around 750 households in temporary accommodation and more than 22,000 households on the Homechoice social housing register, empty properties are a wasted resource.

“This new loan scheme takes into account each applicant’s individual circumstances and offers repayment options based on a fixed-rate loan term. It provides a more flexible way for property owners to fund the works needed to bring empty homes back into use.”

Partnership with Lendology CIC

The loans will be managed and delivered by Lendology CIC, a not-for-profit organisation that already works with several other councils across the south-west to run similar schemes.

Emma Lower, CEO of Lendology CIC, said:

“We’ve seen first-hand how transforming empty homes can breathe new life into communities. We are delighted to extend our partnership with Cornwall Council, meaning we can help property owners turn unused houses into warm and welcoming homes.”

To learn more about the Empty Home Loan scheme, visit Lendology’s Cornwall Council page.

Free Webinar This November

Cornwall Council and Lendology CIC will also host a free webinar on Wednesday, November 19 to answer questions about the scheme, including eligibility and how to apply. Those interested can register on Eventbrite