An empty homes officer deals with empty property and homes within a council area. In Southwark, we deal with privately owned empty property only. Other empty homes officers may deal with council housing too.
I meet with empty property owners and offer advice and guidance on the best way to bring their property back into use, taking into account their circumstances. This can involve design guidance, helping with the planning process, appointing builders, obtaining funding, working in partnership with housing associations on leasing schemes, or providing support to owners who want to embark on the process themselves.
I spend a lot of time tracking down owners of properties, which involves a bit of detective work using tracing agents.
What attracted you to the job?
I've always had an interest in the development of housing, and had some practical knowledge from my training in architecture. I thought this job would be a good way to combine my skills in both fields.
What are the hours like?
Flexible – I have to balance time in the office with hours out on site visits.
Hard graft?
Dealing with owners of empty properties who are very reluctant to co-operate with me is a challenge, as is managing the owners' expectations in line with our budget. Patience is needed. It often takes time to get a scheme up and running, and it's quite hard to maintain the owners' interest.
The sheer slog of trying to track down an owner, which can involve international searches, is difficult.
I spend a lot of time tracking down homeowners, which involves a bit of detective work
It must be rewarding, though.
I've helped convert bakeries, halls, offices, pubs and flats above shops into homes for people from all sections of the community. The end product is always worth the wait.
Persuading owners to have the determination to see an empty home project through to the end, and the look on their faces when the work is finished, is very rewarding.
Well paid, is it?
Enough to buy a bike, but not enough to buy my island in the sun.
What skills do you need?
I trained as an architect, but have had to call on other skills to fulfil all the roles thrown up by the position: estate agent, mother (adviser and mentor), interior designer, negotiator, housing officer, mediator, financial planner, letting agent, business coordinator. Above all, you need a lot of common sense.
What's the worst that could happen?
I have had some frightening experiences when going into empty properties for the first time, including my share of dead cats and pigeons – which always seem to come in that order.
Source
Housing Today
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