A derelict property that stood empty for 14 years and caused a nuisance to the community has been transformed into a family home by Oldham based Aksa Homes, part of the New Charter Housing Trust Group.

Aksa Homes, in partnership with Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council, has developed a new letting and property repair service - Homes for All - that has renovated the property on Busk Road, Oldham.

New tenant, Natalie Ann Kirk, commented on her new home: "I was living in temporary accommodation with my three children prior to moving into Busk Road but now we have a permanent home. I would like to thank Aksa for all the help they have given to us, it is very much appreciated."


Previously, the property had been neglected so Oldham Council contacted the owner to discuss Aksa Homes' Homes for All service in order to help bring the property up to a good standard. The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) submitted the successful joint Empty Homes funding bid on behalf of the 10 district authorities in Greater Manchester.

Aksa took on the property and carried out extensive work including:

•rebuilding the pathways and patio area

•new gates and pathway

•refitting the kitchen (all utility adjustments, installation of new boiler, repair/renewing doors and furniture)

The total cost for the work carried out was £14,000, which will be paid back through rental income.

Commenting on the new letting service, Mushtaq Khan, Director of Aksa Homes, said: "This is the first empty property we have brought back to use which has involved major work. The owner now receives a monthly income rather than the liability he previously had. And we are able to re-house a family from temporary accommodation which is unsuitable for families.

"We have set up a programme with the help of the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) where we can invest over £1.3m in Oldham in bringing empty private homes back into use. We want to turn those properties into desirable homes for single people and families to rent."

(CD/GK)