A new initiative to tackle long term empty properties has been launched in Liverpool.

The free matchmaking service, unveiled by the city council today, 18 October, aims to introduce buyers and sellers of vacant properties to bring more empty homes back into use.

Since 2014, the number of empty properties in the city has dropped from 6,381 to 4,800.

To mark Empty Homes Week, Mayor Joe Anderson has set a new target of bringing a further 3,000 new homes back into use over the next three years.

Mayor Anderson said: "Empty properties are wasted homes and can cause a range of problems that impacts on the environment and value of neighbouring properties. 

"We've made huge strides in bringing down the number of long term vacant properties in recent years and this matchmaking service is part of a new approach to stimulate the market and create even more new affordable homes for families."

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Other key initiatives are also taking place to tackle the number of empty homes in Liverpool, including the council's homes for a pound scheme which has now seen 40 properties fully converted with another 60 in the pipeline.

In addition, the local authority is also working alongside private sector partners in the Liverpool Housing Partnership which aims to bring up to 1,000 vacant homes back into use as part of a £205 million investment over a five-year period.

The scheme has already resulted in the opening of the Marwood Towers regeneration, an £8.5 million project which created new high-quality modern apartments in Everton, north Liverpool.

Speaking about the new match-making initaitve, Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Frank Hont said: "We are regularly approached by investors enquiring about empty homes in the city so we know the demand is there.

"A lot of effort will be going into making this pilot scheme work, with an empty homes loan being looked into, because it has the potential to make even more progress in breathing new life back into communities blighted by this issue."

For more information, email [email protected]

(LM/MH)