Empty Homes Grant scheme evaluation: April to September 2025

The aim of this process and impact evaluation was to identify the main facilitators and barriers that influence the scheme’s effectiveness by:

• understanding barriers to application (i.e. the eligibility criteria) 
• understanding what factors or changes could increase the number of eligible applications and increase the rate of successful applications in the future 
• exploring how many applications have translated into completed works; and understanding the reasons for withdrawals

The main stages of the research were:

• a systematic secondary data analysis of the application and work completion data provided by the Welsh Government and other available datasets
• a survey for applicants to the scheme. 139 responses were received, a response rate of 12%
• two virtual focus groups with local authority officers, attended by seven and eight officers respectively
• one virtual focus group with three RCTCB administration officers
• an online call for evidence. 19 responses were received (six completed and 13 partial responses)

Main findings

• As of April 2025, 582 properties had been approved. 2.6% - or around 1 in 40 - of all current long-term empty homes in Wales. 241 of the 582 approved properties had reached the point of completion, receiving grants worth £5.4 million and representing around 1.1% of all long-term empty homes in Wales.
• In the qualitative research, all local authority officers and administrative officers agreed that the scheme is achieving its objective of bringing empty properties back into use.
• Local authority officers recognised the value of the scheme, and the role played by RCTCBC in administering it. It was generally felt that the scheme should be retained.
• Applicants themselves showed general support for the scheme, with most greatly valuing its role in helping them bring a home back into use.

Issues with the scheme identified by some respondents included:

• the level of funding available for works
• the minimum contributions necessary to access the grant
• the time needed for administrators to process the applications
• council tax premiums incurred by applicants applying for the grant
• the capacities of local authorities to process applications; the promotion of the scheme

The report also includes recommendations for the future of the scheme.