Mendip District Council supports residents to turn their empty properties into homes.

Working with social enterprise Lendology CIC, the council can help turn vacant properties into rental or homes for owners to sell or occupy.

Low-interest council-funded loans of up to £25,000 are available to support owners with any renovation works.

The timely reminder comes during Empty Homes Week (27 February - 6 March) which aims to raise awareness of the action councils take to tackle the issue.

Cllr Richard Pinnock, Portfolio Holder for Housing Services and Governance, said: "It's Empty Homes Week, so now is the perfect time to contact the Council or Lendology for advice and guidance on what to do with your vacant property.

"Our partnership with Lendology allows eligible empty homeowners to access low-interest loans to help spread the costs of expensive renovations to create homes for families in the district."

Emma Lower, CEO of Lendology, said: "Empty homes are a valuable resource being put to waste at a time when housing is so important.

"We understand the challenges people face in financing and renovating empty homes, and a lot of homeowners are unaware of the lending scheme funded by Mendip District Council. 

"Our unique approach to lending allows us to solve a range of finance issues in local communities and we love turning empty houses into loved homes".

Follow the council on social media during Empty Homes Week to see exclusive before-and-after pictures of properties that have benefited from council funding.

How to get help with your empty home:

Empty home owners can contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 0300 303 8588, email privatesectorhousing@mendip.gov.uk or fill in the online form here: www.mendip.gov.uk/emptyproperties.

For information on loans, visit: www.lendology.org.uk/loans/empty-property-loans.