Up to 2,000 empty Welsh homes could be restored over the next two years thanks to a new scheme.

The National Empty Homes scheme boasts a £50m fund and will run alongside with other Welsh Government schemes like Leasing Scheme Wales, in an attempt to improve access to longer-term affordable housing in the private rental sector.

Up to £25,000 will be available for homeowners or prospective homeowners. The purpose of the grants is to facilitate the removal of significant hazards from properties, making them safe to live in, and to improve their energy efficiency.

Qualifying properties must have been registered as empty for a minimum of 12 months before the start of any works. Successful applicants must then use the property as their main and sole residence for a minimum of five years following the completion of any works.

The scheme is also accessible for registered social landlords, local authorities and community housing groups, in an attempt to bring life back into empty properties.

Developed by local authorities, the scheme will be administered by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Participating local authorities will have a yearly allocation of properties and will be responsible for undertaking surveys to identify and recommend the works that qualify for grant funding.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “I am pleased to announce the allocation of £50m that will be used to bring more empty properties in Wales back into use.

“The latest statistics show there are more than 22,000 long-term empty properties in Wales. These are a wasted housing resource that can become a blight on our communities.

“The funding announced today will be used to reduce the number of empty properties and, therefore, increase housing supply.”

A list of the participating local authorities can be found here. More local authorities will be added to the list once ready to accept applications.