Redeveloped Properties - Empty Property Landlord Loans
Loans are available to assist owners to carry out repairs or improvements to enable the property to be occupied. They will be available for owners who wish to sell or rent out the property and can be used to upgrade residential properties or to convert commercial buildings into residential, which can include splitting a property into flats. Properties must be empty for a minimum of 6 months. Loans can go up to £35,000 per unit with a maximum of £250,000 per application.
A recent example of a transformation for a disused/redundant hotel now converted into 7 residential units during 2024-2025.
The site is located approximately 7km south-west of Cardiff City Centre and approximately 1.1km north-west of Penarth Town Centre, within the Vale of Glamorgan.
"The Empty Property Landlord Loan from the Vale of Glamorgan Council is an extremely low-cost finance option which left more budget for the conversion and renovation work. We believe this has allowed us to deliver an enhanced and thoughtful finish to the newly created homes”
Example 1
The parcel of land extends to approximately 0.05 Hectares and originally comprised of the Station Hotel, which is a detached three-storey building considered to date back to the Victorian era and had been operating as a pub and hotel.
The main lounge and bar areas were offered at ground floor with ancillary and residential accommodation situated on the first and second floor levels. To the rear was an enclosed courtyard/beer garden. Having been vacant for some time, the property was in disrepair and in need of modernisation.
The corner plot presented an opportunity to re-design for a residential conversion along with parking and associated works.
A loan of £245,000 was approved by the Vale of Glamorgan Council to create a mixture of 1 bed studios and 2 bedroom units finished to a high quality standard which have now been successfully let soon after the completion of works. The characteristics of the original Station Hotel still remain and strongly feature within the property now with a modern and sustainable approach.
The schedule of works included:
- Rear buildings demolition and site clear
- Excavation and drainage
- Roof repairs, PV strategy and insulation
- Internal floor structure and internal walls - adjustments
- ElectronicsPlumbing (Kitchen and bathrooms)
- Replacement of all windows and doors
- External and internal decoration - render/paint
- Landscaping
Example 2
Another example of the loan which helped transform an empty property with works which included a re-roof, new
windows and doors, new kitchen and bathroom, damp treatment and plastering.
“Having access to the council loan gave us the confidence to undertake more substantial works to remedy problems with the house. As a result, the property is finished to a higher standard and, we hope, will be low maintenance going forward. This means more comfortable living and less disruption for the tenants and more predictable costs for us.”
Before
After
Example 3 - 2026 update
Another recent example was completed this year 2025-2026 which helped transform an empty property above a commercial unit on Windsor Terrace into the creation of 3 high-quality residential flats .
"We would like to acknowledge the support received through the Empty Property Landlord Loan, which has been instrumental in enabling the redevelopment of the property. The assistance provided has helped bring the building from a previously uninhabitable condition to a completed and lettable standard, contributing positively to the local housing supply. I have to really thank you for your vision and the help you have provided during this process."
Before
After
Follow the link for further examples of longterm empty properties that have been transformed through housing loans facilitated by the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
Contact us
Should you wish to find out more information about the loan schemes please contact:
Housing Loans
Regeneration and Planning
Vale of Glamorgan Council
Civic Offices
Holton Road
Barry
CF63 4RU