A new Empty Homes Strategy has been created to build on the significant progress made in reducing the number of empty properties across the County Borough and we want residents to share their views.
Since 2017, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has helped reduce the number of private sector homes empty for six months or more from 3,556 to 2,687, a reduction of 869 properties.
Empty homes are a wasted housing resource and a financial expense for both owners and the Council. They can also have a negative impact on communities through their appearance, and by attracting anti-social behaviour. Bringing these properties back into use helps increase housing supply, supports local communities and provides more affordable housing opportunities.
The proposed new Empty Homes Strategy (2026-2031) sets out a clear vision:
"Bring empty homes back into use as safe, good quality housing that meets local need, supports thriving communities and makes the best use of our existing stock across Rhondda Cynon Taf."
To achieve this vision, the Strategy is built around four strategic objectives:
Continuing to work with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), private sector partners and voluntary organisations to identify new ways of bringing empty homes back into use, while expanding the Council's Social Lettings Agency and exploring opportunities to work with estate agents and probate solicitors.
- Provide advice, assistance and financial support
Maximising opportunities through Welsh Government schemes, including the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme and Houses into Homes loans, while providing clear information and support for property owners through an enhanced Empty Homes website.
- Deliver proportionate and effective enforcement
Using a balanced approach of support and enforcement, including enforcement action where necessary, debt recovery measures and targeting problematic empty properties.
- Support regeneration and community wellbeing
Delivering targeted interventions in areas most affected by empty homes, supporting town centre regeneration, implementing renovation programmes to improve community outcomes.
A recent report delivered to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet highlighted further positive achievements, including:
- Delivering the Welsh Government Houses into Homes loan scheme, providing £1.85m in loans and funding and leveraging £2.21m of investment in private housing stock.
- Leading the Valleys Taskforce Empty Homes Grant Scheme, helping bring 263 empty homes back into use through £4.6m of investment in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
- Delivering the Welsh Government's National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, enabling 121 empty homes to be brought back into use in RCT through £2.8m in grant funding.
- Securing £7m of Welsh Government Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme funding with Registered Social Landlords (RSL’s) to bring empty homes back into use and reduce homelessness pressures.
- Supporting 24 first-time buyers through the Homestep Plus scheme.
- Developing the Council's in-house Social Lettings Agency, which now manages and lets 54 previously empty private rented properties to households currently in temporary accommodation.
The report also highlights the positive impact of Council Tax premiums introduced for long-term empty homes and second homes. Following a public consultation in 2023, the premium for long-term empty properties was introduced from April 2023, with the second homes premium following in April 2024. These introductions have contributed to a 25% reduction in long-term empty homes.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said: "The progress made over recent years demonstrates the positive impact of the Council's commitment to tackling empty homes. Since our first Empty Homes Strategy was introduced, we have reduced the number of empty properties by 869.
"Empty homes represent a missed opportunity at a time when demand for housing remains high. They can also negatively affect neighbouring residents and communities if left empty for long periods.
"The proposed Empty Homes Strategy 2026-2031 sets out how we will continue to work proactively with homeowners, Registered Social Landlords, community organisations and other partners to bring more properties back into use. The Strategy combines practical support, financial assistance and, where required, appropriate enforcement action.
"It also places a strong focus on regeneration, community wellbeing and making the best possible use of existing housing stock. Through initiatives such as the Social Lettings Agency, grant funding programmes and targeted interventions, we want to ensure that empty homes can once again provide safe, good-quality accommodation that meets local needs.
"We are now undertaking a six-week public consultation on the proposed strategy. Feedback from residents, property owners and stakeholders will help shape the final document before it is presented for consideration."
The six-week consultation will provide residents and stakeholders with an opportunity to comment on the proposed Empty Homes Strategy before a final version is considered by Cabinet.
Take part in the Empty Homes Strategy consultation
Posted on 17/07/2026