South Tyneside housing trust to tackle empty house crisis in North East

South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust is aiming to transform 10 empty houses in the region.

The independent, not-for-profit housing company has already bought and renovated more than 50 properties to be rented out as affordable homes across the Borough.

It is now seeking a further 10 properties after securing additional funding from Homes England.

Brian Scott, company secretary of the Housing Ventures Trust, said: “We’re delighted to have received more funding to continue our empty homes programme. We’re now identifying another 10 properties to bring back into use.

“These are properties that have stood empty, often in a state of disrepair, for a long time so the response we have from neighbours and local residents is very positive as it gives the entire area a boost.”

Under the EDMO scheme, derelict homes are refurbished using government and Council funding and then rented out to local people South Tyneside Housing Ventures Trust acting as ‘landlord’. The team also attends auctions to identify suitable properties.

Cllr Mark Walsh, lead member for housing and transport on South Tyneside Council, added: “Empty homes can blight neighbourhoods as they can attract anti-social behaviour and vandalism, especially if they have been left to rack and ruin.

“This process benefits the whole community by giving empty and rundown properties a facelift and addressing the housing need by providing much-needed affordable homes.

“The rental income covers the cost of the renovations and is ploughed back into other properties in need of refurbishment so it is an ongoing process.”

The Ventures Trust provides new homes for people aged over 55, families living with someone with a disability, plus new and refurbished family and starter homes.