Brent homes that attracted prostitutes and rats refurbished

A detached house in Kenton in the HA3 postcode and a terrace Kingsbury home in NW9 are two Brent homes that were sold to new owners after Brent Council stepped in to stop their misuse.

The council said that there was a flurry of issues reported at the abandoned houses, such as squatters, dumped rubbish, prostitution and rats.

They fell into a state of disrepair over the years until the council took legal action to sell the properties.

Rubbish left inside the abandoned property (Image: Brent Council)

Councillor Promise Knight, cabinet member for housing, homelessness and renters security, said: “Letting an empty home turn into a blight on the neighbourhood is absolutely unacceptable, especially when housing is so sought after within our borough.

“I am glad that these two properties have been turned around and that people will be living in them again.”

The addresses for the two newly renovated properties have remained private for the sake of privacy of the new home owners.

The kitchen at the Kingsbury property (Image: Brent Council)

Brent Council is encouraging owners of empty properties to report it to them.

An owner of a two-bedroom property could receive up to £26,000 in grant aid for refurbishment or conversion works, and a potential average rental income of £14,500 per year. The owner of a commercial property could receive a grant of £156,000 for four or more units.

A look inside one of the neglected properties (Image: Brent Council)

Cllr Knight said: “We can also provide advice and assistance and support to all owners of empty properties in the borough.

“Our empty property page on the council’s website has information about eligibility criteria and how to apply for a grant, or to contact the Empty Property team.”

To report an empty property in Brent or apply for a grant, email: empty.property@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 2384.