Local people struggling to renovate empty houses in the region can access funding to transform them into much needed homes.

Babergh council is reminding owners about the Empty Homes Renovation Loan designed to help improve vacant properties across the districts which have been empty for over six months and in need of significant repairs.

Cllr Jan Osborne, Babergh District Council's cabinet member for housing, said: The councils also encourage residents to report any long-term empty homes they notice across the districts.

"There are many reasons why properties are left empty and unattended.

"We are encouraging everyone to report homes that have been left vacant and could potentially cause damage to neighbouring properties or attract vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

"Bringing these homes back in to use will also help us meet the growing demand for housing."

Empty homes renovation loans of up to £20,000 are interest free, and can be used to restore empty homes into safe, liveable properties, relieving the financial pressures of returning empty homes back into use.

The loan can help to carry out a range of major repairs including installing a central heating system, electrical rewire or fixing a leaking roof.

Cllr Osborne added: "We want to help owners breathe new life into properties that have been left empty for long periods of time.

"Our empty homes renovation loan will not only help owners secure a regular return on their property but also provide a good quality home for local individuals and families."

Find more information on the empty homes renovation loan or how to report an empty home on our website or contact our private sector housing team on 0300 1234000 (Option 3).