West Oxfordshire District Council launches new loan scheme to bring empty homes back into use

West Oxfordshire District Council has announced a new initiative to bring empty homes back into use, helping to increase housing supply and improve neighbourhoods across the district. 


Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, said: 

“Empty homes can be a wasted resource when so many people need housing. They can also cause frustration for local communities, attracting complaints and sometimes falling into disrepair. Through this scheme, we want to support property owners who may not have the financial means to renovate their homes and get them back into use. 
“This partnership with Lendology will provide a much-needed financial boost to help owners make essential improvements, ensuring properties can be lived in once again and helping tackle the housing crisis in West Oxfordshire.” 

At the end of March 2024, there were 1,128 properties in the district registered as long-term empty, with 125 of these vacant for over two years. Many of these homes require financial investment to be made habitable again. This can be due to people inheriting homes in a poor state of repair or homes being stood empty for long periods. 


The Council’s new loan scheme, delivered in partnership with Lendology, a not-for-profit social enterprise lender, will provide financial support to property owners who need help to renovate empty homes. 


The council is investing an initial £300,000 to create a lending pot and the scheme will be trialled for an initial one-year period, with a review at the end of that time to assess its impact. Loans will be available specifically for properties that are being brought back into use, whether for sale or rent, helping to meet local housing needs. 


Lendology, which already works with councils across the UK, will manage loan applications, repayments, and legal agreements on behalf of the council. Interest rates will be set by the council and fixed for the duration of the loan. They will be at a favourable rate to help people get the funding they need while also protecting taxpayers money. 


The initiative also aligns with the council’s wider priorities of improving housing, supporting communities, and tackling climate change. Renovating empty homes not only helps to increase available housing but also improves energy efficiency, which benefits both the environment and future residents. 


Should the scheme be approved by the Council then loans will be made available to West Oxfordshire homeowners in the coming months once the scheme goes live. 


Contact Information

West Oxfordshire District Council Communications Team

communications@westoxon.gov.uk


More Articles

September 23, 2025
From 22 September until the end of November, there will be some adjustments to the current traffic management arrangements on the B4022.
September 19, 2025
Local leaders in West Oxfordshire are encouraging residents to take part in a major public consultation on the future of rail in Oxfordshire.
September 15, 2025
With autumn and winter approaching, now is the perfect time to make sure you’re ready for the colder nights ahead.
September 15, 2025
Families, older residents and local communities are seeing the benefits of more than half a million pounds of funding from West Oxfordshire District Council.
September 15, 2025
Dear Customer, We're writing on behalf of Thames Water, your water wholesaler, to remind you that the hosepipe ban introduced on Tuesday 22 July is still in effect in your area. Thanks to your efforts, businesses and households across the region have already helped save millions of litres of water each day. However, despite recent rainfall, reservoir and groundwater levels remain well below average. While rainfall has allowed Thames Water to start replenishing reservoirs, it will take months of steady rain for rivers, groundwater and reservoirs to fully recover. That's why the temporary use ban remains essential, and why it's important that we continue the water saving efforts as we move into autumn. FIND OUT MORE HERE Please continue to be water efficient this autumn Your business is covered by the hosepipe ban, and even though the impact is limited, your continued support helps protect the water supply for everyone in your community and reduces the risk of further disruption.  Reduce water use where possible - for example, scheduling vehicle washing outside peak periods (early morning/late evening) Checking for leaks on-site - even a small constant dribble can waste around 400 litres per day Stopping urinals flushing overnight - turning off the flow can save thousands of litres Raise awareness of employees - small steps by everyone can add up to greater savings For more information or to report urgent issues, please call Thames Water's 24-hour helpline on 0800 316 9800. Thanks for your continued cooperation. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us - we're here to help. Best regards, Ray Porter Director of Wholesale and Markets Castle Water
September 15, 2025
Autumn newsletter for West Oxfordshire residents.
September 15, 2025
West Oxfordshire District Council will be considering proposals to speak with local town and parish councils on how to best manage public toilets.
September 15, 2025
West Oxfordshire District Council is launching a new ‘Business Boost’ Grant to help businesses grow, adapt and plan for the future.
September 15, 2025
Are you worried about rising energy bills or finding it difficult to keep your home warm? Help is available.
September 15, 2025
Oxfordshire residents without off-street parking can now apply for an EV cable channel, making home charging easier and safer.
Show More