Landlords can get an extra £2,500 to bring their empty homes back into use.

Barnet Council is offering Empty Homes Grants, to encourage people to renovate empty houses.

Owners can currently get £15,300 for a one-bedroom property, £20,400 for two bedrooms and £25,500 for three bedrooms or more - as long as they agree to rent them out.

But now, as an added incentive, landlords can get an extra £2,500 on top of these figures as long as they apply by November 30.

Cllr Gabriel Rozenberg, chairman of the Barnet Council Housing Committee, said: “Barnet has hundreds of vulnerable families who are looking for a long-term home.

“When we face such an extreme supply shortage, it’s vital that any empty homes are brought back into use as quickly as possible.

“Empty Homes Grants give landlords great incentives to help out Barnet’s social housing tenants.

"Having homes occupied means a reduction in the risk of vandalism, squatting or burglary.

“It’s a win-win.”

To apply for an Empty Homes Grant, call 0208 359 4359 or email empty.properties@barnet.gov.uk.

If there’s an empty property near you, please report it to Barnet Council via 0208 359 4359 or empty.properties@barnet.gov.uk.