Empty Properties
Case reference FOI2023/00173
Published 17 November 2023
Request
I hope this email finds you well, Under the Freedom of Information Act, i require information on finding and locating empty/vacant properties, and possibly to help finding a way to contact their owners, but mostly i need information on properties that have been empty for a while, and we will try to find their owners. I have an innovative business plan and it consists of bringing vacant/abandoned properties into use again, and also try to use these potential properties as shelters for homeless and those who are in desperate need of safety.
Response
Unfortunately we do not provide a list of privately owned empty dwellings. Under s.1 (1) (a) of the FOI we can confirm that the Council holds information relating to empty residential properties, however it is exempt from disclosure under Section 31 of FOIA, as it is considered to relate to Law Enforcement. To release this information would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime objective. Disclosures of the list could provide details of empty properties which could encourage an illegal act i.e. criminal damage, theft or anti-social behaviour. This would not be in the best interests of the Council, the persons concerned with the maintenance etc of these properties, or nearby residents of the properties. In addition, the details of deceased persons could be used for identity fraud. Therefore, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs any public interest in releasing the data.
However, we can include your name on a list of interested parties. If an owner expresses an interest in selling their property, we can provide this list. If you are aware of an empty dwelling you may drop a letter through the door, check Oxford City Council's planning application search (agent/owner details are detailed) and try land registry.
Documents
This is Oxford City Council's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.
You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.