Turning Derelict Houses into Opportunities: A Friendly Guide to Earning Extra Cash
Hey there! Have you ever walked past a derelict house in your neighborhood and thought, “What a waste!”? Well, you’re not alone. Derelict houses are more than just an eyesore – they can actually be an opportunity to earn a little extra cash while helping your community. Let’s dive into how you can turn these neglected properties into a win-win situation for everyone.
## The Growing Problem of Empty Homes
In October 2022, there were a whopping 676,304 recorded empty homes in England, which was a 3.6% increase from the previous year. Of those, 248,149 were considered “long-term vacant,” meaning they had been empty for more than six months[1]. That’s a lot of empty houses that could be put to good use!
### Why Report Derelict Houses?
Let’s face it: Britain is in a housing crisis. With rents soaring, a lack of social housing, and hundreds of thousands of homes sitting empty, it’s clear that something needs to be done.
Derelict houses can attract vandals, squatters, and pests, causing safety and health issues. They can also lower the value of surrounding properties.
Reporting these houses helps get them back into use, improving your community while rewarding you with some decent cash for your efforts.
### The Benefits of Reporting Derelict Houses
1. **Improve Your Community**: Getting these houses back into use can clean up your neighborhood and make it a safer place to live.
2. **Help Those in Need**: These properties can be turned into suitable housing for people who desperately need it.
3. **Earn Extra Cash**: You can make some money by reporting these properties. It’s a win-win!
## How to Make Money by Reporting Derelict Houses
Now, let’s get to the fun part – how you can make money by reporting derelict houses. There are a few simple steps to report a derelict house, and two websites make this process easy and can even offer rewards.
### YouSpotProperty.com
YouSpotProperty.com is a fantastic platform that makes it super easy to report derelict houses. Here’s how it works:
1. **Take a Photo**: Snap a picture of the empty property.
2. **Provide Details**: Upload the photo to YouSpotProperty.com, along with the address and any details about the condition or how long you’ve known it to be empty.
3. **Get Rewarded**: For simply reporting it, you’ll get a £20 Amazon or M&S gift voucher (although there are some terms about this, such as if it’s been reported before).
When they have your report, they will try to make contact with the owner and buy the property from them.
If they manage it, you get 1% of the purchase price. The average house price in the UK is £283,000, although it will likely need repair, so it won’t sell anywhere near that.
Still, even if the house sells for half of that, you’d get £1,415. The reward is capped at £10,000.
They also donate £500 to a local charity in your area.
### PropertySaviour.co.uk
PropertySaviour.co.uk is another great option. Here’s how you can use it:
1. **Take a Photo**: Snap a picture of the empty property.
2. **Provide Details**: Email over the photo, address, and details on the property to PropertySaviour.co.uk.
There are two options for your reward:
– **£1,000**: They track down the owner, confirm it’s empty, and then buy it.
– **£2,000**: You give them the owner’s details, and they buy it.
If the property qualifies under their terms, they’ll also send you a £20 voucher and, if they buy the house, donate £250 to a local food bank of your choice.
## The Bigger Picture: Addressing the Housing Crisis
The UK is facing a severe housing crisis, with more than one million properties across England being unoccupied[3].
This issue is exacerbated by the rising cost of living, frozen Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, and an insufficient supply of affordable housing.
Bringing empty homes back into use can help alleviate some of these pressures.
### The Impact of Empty Homes
Empty homes can have a serious impact on the viability of communities. As the number of empty properties within an area increases, so can the incidence of vandalism, which acts as a further disincentive to occupation.
Tackling empty properties can have social, regenerative, financial, and strategic benefits[4].
### Government and Council Efforts
Local authorities have a range of powers and incentives at their disposal to bring empty homes back into use.
These include Empty Dwelling Management Orders, council tax exemptions and premiums, enforced sales, compulsory purchase, and measures to secure the improvement of empty properties.
Despite these efforts, the number of empty homes continues to rise, highlighting the need for more proactive measures[4].
## Why Are There So Many Empty Properties?
Several factors contribute to the dereliction of properties. Frequently, derelict properties require extensive repairs or have structural issues that the owner lacks the financial resources to address, leading them to remain untouched for extended periods.
Other circumstances include insolvency or repossession proceedings, unfinished property developments, issues related to inherited properties, and environmental problems such as contamination or subsidence[2].
### The Role of New Builds
The influx of new builds means eating up more green spaces and leaving thousands of people unable to get on the property ladder.
This creates a baffling correlation between the volume of vacant properties and increasing housing demand.
The government has called on private developers to help address this issue, but more needs to be done to bring existing empty homes back into use[1].
## How You Can Make a Difference
By reporting derelict houses, you can play a crucial role in addressing the housing crisis. Not only will you be helping to provide suitable housing for those in need, but you’ll also be improving your community and earning some extra cash.
It’s a simple and effective way to make a positive impact.
### Steps to Report a Derelict House
1. **Identify the Property**: Keep an eye out for empty or derelict houses in your neighborhood.
2. **Take a Photo**: Capture a clear image of the property.
3. **Provide Details**: Use platforms like YouSpotProperty.com or PropertySaviour.co.uk to upload the photo and provide details about the property.
4. **Get Rewarded**: Enjoy your rewards for reporting the property and making a difference in your community.
## The Benefits of Renovating Empty Homes
Renovating empty homes can have numerous benefits for the community and the economy. It can provide much-needed housing, improve property values, and create job opportunities.
Additionally, renovated properties can enhance the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods, making them more attractive places to live.
### Social and Economic Benefits
– **Increased Housing Supply**: Bringing empty homes back into use can help address the housing shortage and provide affordable housing options.
– **Job Creation**: Renovation projects can create job opportunities in construction, real estate, and related industries.
– **Community Improvement**: Revitalized properties can enhance the overall appearance and safety of neighborhoods, making them more desirable places to live.
### Environmental Benefits
Renovating existing properties is also more environmentally friendly than building new ones.
It reduces the need for new construction materials and minimizes the impact on green spaces.
By repurposing existing structures, we can make more sustainable choices for our communities.
## Your Role in the Solution
As a community member, you have the power to make a difference. By reporting derelict houses, you can help bring these properties back into use and contribute to solving the housing crisis. It’s a simple action that can have a significant impact.
### How to Get Started
1. **Stay Informed**: Keep up-to-date with local news and developments related to empty homes and housing issues.
2. **Take Action**: When you spot a derelict house, take a photo and report it using the platforms mentioned earlier.
3. **Spread the Word**: Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to report derelict houses as well. The more people involved, the greater the impact.
## Conclusion: A Win-Win for You and Your Community
Reporting derelict houses is a simple and effective way to earn some extra cash while making a positive impact on your community.
By bringing these properties back into use, you can help address the housing crisis, improve your neighborhood, and provide suitable housing for those in need.
So, next time you see a derelict house, snap a photo and take a few minutes to report it – it’s a win-win for you and your community!
Remember, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a difference and create a brighter future for everyone. So, let’s get started and turn those derelict houses into opportunities!
Citations:
[1] https://www.clearway.co.uk/news/how-many-vacant-properties-are-there-in-the-uk/
[2] https://thepropertysellingcompany.co.uk/sell-or-claim-derelict-house/
[3] https://www.local.gov.uk/about/news/empty-homes-england-rise-nearly-10-cent-five-years
[4] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn03012/[5] https://developmentfinancetoday.co.uk/article-desc-10215_Almost%20half%20of%20Brits%20call%20for%20their%20cities%E2%80%99%20neglected%20buildings%20to%20be%20revived
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