Barnet Council launches estate agency to tackle empty homes
Bumblebee Property opens in New Barnet, offering grants to landlords who let properties through the service.
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Barnet Council has opened what it describes as the UK’s first local authority-owned estate and lettings agency. Bumblebee Property, a subsidiary of the not-for-profit Barnet Group, has established a high-street office on East Barnet Road in New Barnet. The agency operates as a commercial business with a social purpose, with profits reinvested to support Barnet Group’s services.
Bringing empty homes back into use
Barnet Developers Shift From Leasehold Flats Amid Market Collapse
High service charges and cladding fears are driving a move towards build-to-rent and other tenures, Barnet Council has stated.
The opening of the New Barnet office aims to provide direct, in-person services to residents, landlords, buyers, and renters. Bumblebee Property works in partnership with the council’s environmental health team to bring empty properties back into use. Council officials recently surveyed 100 homes identified as long-term empty, out of a total of 5,361 such properties across the borough. The surveys aimed to ensure owners were paying appropriate council tax premiums and to explain options for reoccupation.
Owners of properties that have been empty for a long time may be eligible for a grant of up to £40,000. This grant is conditional on them agreeing to let the property through Bumblebee Property for a minimum of five years, providing a home for residents.
Addressing housing demand
Barnet Housing Director Notes Shift from Leasehold to Build-to-Rent
Developers in London are increasingly favouring build-to-rent, co-living, and student housing over traditional leasehold flats.
Councillor Ross Houston, cabinet member for housing, stated that encouraging property owners to realise the value of their assets could help reduce the demand for temporary accommodation. Barnet Council is currently housing over 3,000 households in temporary accommodation. The cost of providing this accommodation has more than tripled since 2023, according to council figures.
Bumblebee Property has been operating online for eight years, providing commercial letting services for Barnet Homes and other clients. The new physical office on East Barnet Road was chosen due to the absence of other estate agents in the immediate area, according to the council.
Questions this report answers
+What is Bumblebee Property?
Bumblebee Property is an estate and lettings agency in New Barnet. It is a subsidiary of the not-for-profit Barnet Group, which is wholly owned by Barnet Council. The agency aims to bring long-term empty properties back into use and reinvests its profits into supporting Barnet Group's services.
+How can landlords get a grant for empty properties?
Owners of long-term empty properties in Barnet may receive a grant of up to £40,000. This is available if they agree to let their property through Bumblebee Property for a period of five years, helping to provide homes for residents.
+Why has Barnet Council opened an estate agency?
The council has opened Bumblebee Property to address the borough's 5,361 long-term empty properties and to help reduce the demand for temporary accommodation. Over 3,000 households are currently in temporary accommodation, with costs having more than tripled since 2023.
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