Empty homes funding open for applications
A fund to bring empty homes across Wigan Borough back into use is open for property owners to apply.
Wigan Council’s Empty Home Investment Scheme (EHIS) is available to owners of long-term vacant properties in significant disrepair.
Financial support – up to £25k - will be provided for the renovation works, after which the property will be taken onto a lease with the council to provide affordable housing.
A limited number of places on the scheme are available with anyone interested encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible.
Councillor Susan Gambles, cabinet portfolio holder for housing and welfare, said: “This pilot scheme is one of several to help bring long-term empty properties back into use for local families.
“Finance is provided to help cover the costs of refurbishing works so that it can be managed by our Ethical Lettings Agency.
“We know the impact an empty property can have on our communities and this scheme is helping us to increase our capacity of affordable housing in line with our Progress With Unity approach.”
A limited number of places are available and applicants must meet eligibility criteria for both the property itself and its ownership rights.
For example, the property must have been vacant for at least two years and cannot be occupied in its current condition. And the owner must not have outstanding debts with the council, including council tax arrears relating to the empty property.
Any homes that are brought back into use through the scheme will be available at an affordable rent rate (equivalent to 80 per cent of market rent), under Wigan Council’s Ethical Lettings Agency.
Councillor Gambles added: “We are encouraging property owners to get in touch because even if they’re not eligible for this particular scheme, advice and guidance will be available for other options for their empty home.”
For more details about the Empty Home Investment Scheme, including eligibility criteria, please get in touch with [email protected]
Posted on Friday 15th August 2025