Abandoned house plagued by rats and 6ft weeds finally sells after 17 years

21 December 2023 , 23:36

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The owner died in 2006 and the house became overgrown and plagued by rats (Image: South Staffordshire Council)

A house which had laid empty for seventeen years and was in a state of disrepair has finally been sold off because council bosses secured a court order.

The owner died in 2016 and no legal heirs could be found about the house, in Great Wyrley, Staffordshire.

The home had become an eyesore. It featured overgrown gardens with weeds more than six feet long - and there were also rats and unstable fencing. Its state of disrepair led to numerous complaints from neighbouring residents. South Staffordshire Council had to tackle a range of safety issues concerning the property, and fund the work using taxpayer's money.

However, there was a huge amount of council tax which was owed, so the local authority could obtain a court order and sell the property off.

This house was abandoned for 17 years (South Staffordshire Council)

The council was able to recoup the outstanding council tax and money spent on emergency repairs. A total of £21,157.89 was recovered and put back into the public purse, Birmingham Live reports.

London flat for rent for £1,400 a month with bed tucked away in kitchen cupboard

The two-bedroom end-terraced house was purchased by a third party at an auction earlier this month for the sum of £120,000. South Staffordshire Council said there's now an opportunity for the property to be renovated and it could be transformed into a much-needed family home in Great Wyrley.

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Victoria Wilson said: "The council is always keen to bring empty properties back into use. In this case, council taxpayers’ money was spent on keeping it in a safe condition - and the sale of the property has meant we have been able to recover these costs and outstanding council tax debts.

"It’s very good news that after such a long time, the empty property will once again be used for its intended purpose - and that neighbours will no longer have to look at an unsightly house and garden."

Jamie Brassington