This blog post is written by Paula, our Housing Manager, and it outlines the struggle East Marsh United has to bring empty homes back into use…
In the heart of the East Marsh, a forgotten property stood as a stark reminder of the area’s challenges. Abandoned since November 2007, this house was a shell of its former self, a victim of neglect and time.
In March 2023, East Marsh United (EMU) took on the daunting task of transforming this eyesore into a home. What we found was a scene straight out of a horror movie: a building stripped bare to its brickwork, a gaping hole in the roof, and a Buddleia bush thriving where a ceiling should be. To add insult to injury, the house was a live electrical danger, thanks to rats feasting on the mains cables, while the drains harboured a nest of these unwanted guests.
East Marsh United had ambitious plans to transform this eyesore into an Eco Exemplar home. A local organisation had generously donated an air source heat pump, and solar panels and external wall insulation were on the agenda. This project held the promise of demonstrating that existing homes, not just new builds, can be retrofitted to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient. It was to be EMU’s show home.
The initial dream of an eco-home was dashed when a partnership fell through with a funder, leaving EMU to shoulder the entire financial burden. The house was in a far worse condition than anticipated, with structural issues that consumed the £15,000 grant from North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) and the rest of the money from our own funds, we embarked on a Herculean task. The dream of an Eco Exemplar had to be scaled back, a painful decision given the potential benefits to the environment and the future residents.
This project highlights a critical issue: the urgent need for increased investment in the retrofitting of older homes. Properties built in the early 1900s, often home to low-income families, are energy guzzlers. Soaring energy costs place an immense burden on these households, trapping them in a cycle of poverty.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, we persevered. The house was reborn as a three-bedroom haven with modern amenities. Eco-friendly features like lime render, ‘A’ rated appliances, and top-notch insulation were incorporated to create a sustainable and comfortable living space.
However, the journey was far from smooth. The £15,000 grant, although helpful, barely covered the essential structural work needed to make the house safe and habitable. The reality is that bringing an empty property back to life is a costly and time-consuming endeavour.The financial burden of this home was significant. The property itself was purchased for £31,500, which was double its market value given its derelict state. The refurbishment costs then soared to over £100,000. To put this in perspective, the average house price in East Marsh is just £64,000. In total, EMU has spent a staggering 117.97% over this average house price to bring this empty property back to life.
EMU’s experience is a stark reminder that turning derelict properties into habitable homes is a complex and costly endeavour. While we have successfully transformed this derelict house into a home for a deserving tenant, our experience highlights the urgent need for increased support from local authorities and funders. Empty properties are a blight on communities and a wasted resource.
To truly address the issues of empty homes and energy poverty, we need a multifaceted approach. This includes increased funding for property renovation, support for community-led initiatives, and policies that incentivize the retrofitting of older homes.
East Marsh United’s efforts are a beacon of hope, demonstrating what can be achieved with determination and community spirit. Their story is a call to action for policymakers, the housing sector, and the wider public to work together to create a future where everyone has access to a warm, safe, and sustainable home.
Paula Graves, 2024
