A bungalow in Church Crookham has been sold at auction by the Council after standing empty for more than a decade.
The move follows our commitment to prioritise bringing empty homes back into use with dedicated funding and a targeted action plan.
The site attracted anti-social behaviour, resulting in frequent calls to the police, with neighbouring residents worried about the state of the property and build-up of waste.
As part of our action plan, the Council stepped in to secure the bungalow and clear the garden after many unsuccessful attempts to engage with the legal owner.
The cost of the work has never been paid for which means a sale can be enforced under The Law of Property Act 1925. An Enforced Sale is a legal process by which a person or organisation can sell a property or land if they are owed money and the owner refuses or is unable to repay the debt.
Councillor Peter Wildsmith, portfolio holder for Communities, said: “Our new empty home action plan has been developed to work with owners and the community to bring properties back into use.
“Enforcement is always a last resort. Many attempts were made to rectify the issues with the legal owner before a decision was made to put the property up for auction.
“In the current housing crisis, properties sat empty are a huge waste to both the owner and local community. They can also often become a wider cause of nuisance and distress, attracting anti-social behaviour, looking unsightly and potentially a source of danger.
"We are committed to bringing empty homes back into use and can help owners with practical support and advice. If you’re aware of a property that has become empty or derelict, please do let us know.”
More information can be found on our empty homes page.