The empty Homes Doctor Service
Our Empty Homes Doctor Service is completely free, thanks to grant funding from Leeds City Council.
With over a decade of experience, our expert team understands the emotional, legal, and financial challenges that can come with owning an empty property. We offer practical, personalised support to help you bring your home back into use.
Here's what you can access through our service:
- Clear, impartial information
- Free expert advice from local property professionals
- Reduced VAT on eligible works
- Support from trusted local contractors
- Key safe services
- Help with clearance
- Support for inherited homes and probate-related issues
- Hands-on assistance all the way until your property is back in use
How Our Service Works
Initial contact
Share your situation and goals and get to know us.
Property Assessment
We visit with experts to gather quotes and valuations.
Detailed Report
We prepare a clear summary of your options and costs.
Action Plan
You decide what to do next; we help you build a plan.
Ongoing Support
We are here to help you until your home is back in use.
Ready to bring your empty property back into use?
Whether you’ve just inherited a property, are facing practical barriers, or simply aren’t sure what to do next – we are here to help.
Our Mission
At Empty Homes Doctor, we are committed to helping tackle the long-term empty homes crisis across the UK. Empty properties are more than just unused buildings — they impact neighbourhoods, safety, and community wellbeing.
Our mission is clear:
To deliver innovative and effective solutions that address the empty homes crisis, reduce the number of vacant properties, and enhance communities by fostering positive change.
We understand that homes can become empty for many reasons, including inheritance, changes in circumstances, financial challenges, relocation for work, relationship breakdowns, family disputes, ill health, or moving into residential care.
Through our free, expert support, we work alongside homeowners, local authorities, and trusted property professionals to bring empty homes back into use. Whatever your situation our team are here to provide information and support tailored to your needs.
See how we’ve helped others bring their empty homes back to life
The Empty Homes Doctor Team
Jo Widdop
Jo is one of the directors of Social Business Brokers, the CIC behind the Empty Homes Doctor service and leads the delivery of the project. She brings over 10 years of experience in housing and social enterprise, with a focus on practical, people-centred solutions. Jo is passionate about helping owners bring empty homes back into use, often navigating complex legal, personal, or housing challenges.
Sarah Laycock
Sarah is an Empty Homes Doctor, working closely with property owners to help bring empty homes back into use. She provides the same one-to-one support as the rest of the team, bringing a thoughtful, people-focused approach to every case. With a long-standing commitment to community life – including over a decade of chairing a much-loved local festival – she brings warmth, reliability, and a natural ability to put people at ease.
Why not give our Empty Homes Doctors a call to talk things through?
Sometimes, all you need is a listening ear to help you take the first step.