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Introduction
According to a Post-Budget end of 2025 survey providing an outlook of UK Landlord intentions for 2026 by Lendlord, 66% of UK landlords are planning growth activity over the next 12 months. This growth activity covers acquisition of new property, refinancing and refurbishment and shows that despite current economic uncertainty there is still a positive outlook in the sector.
- 23% plan to acquire more properties and bring them up to standard if required
- 22% plan to review their portfolio and refinance to save on costs
- 21% plan to carry out refurbishment of existing property in order to increase property value
Businesses, property developers and landlords looking to improve and renovate commercial and housing properties can seek grants and loans from local authorities to help with eligible costs. Council funding priorities permit funds being allocated first for improving empty homes so they can be brought back into use, home improvement activity to improve living standards for existing tenants and conversion grants to change unused commercial premises into new housing dwellings.
What Are Some Of The Latest UK Property Development Funding Opportunities Available?
i) Grants for Empty Commercial Properties
Brent Council is running a scheme providing grants for the owners of empty commercial properties in the local area to convert them into residential units. Funding up to £156,000 for 4 units or more is available, or £39,000 for each 3 bedroom unit. Project costs of 70% of reasonable cost of works are eligible to be funded. The Empty Property Team can also provide support with planning applications.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
ii) Private Landlord Home Improvement Grant – Standard Grant and Houses in Multiple Occupation
The Royal Borough of Greenwich Council is providing grants for the owners of empty residential properties to repair and refurbish their properties and bring them back into use. Grants of up to £15,000 are available for each house or flat and grants of up to £50,000 are available for properties that are to be let as a House in Multiple Occupation.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iii) Empty Property Grants
Barnet Council is providing grants for landlords who own empty properties in the local area to repair, renovate and/or convert their properties and bring them back into residential use. Funding up to £40,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
iv) Leasing Scheme Wales
Wrexham County Borough Council is running a scheme that allows landlords to lease their properties to the council for guaranteed monthly rental income. The benefits of joining the scheme include grants of up to £25,000 to bring properties up to rental standard and up to £5,000 to improve properties energy ratings.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
v) Grants For Landlords
Ribble Valley Borough Council provides grants for local landlords to renovate their existing housing stock to make them fit for occupation, or to convert commercial premises into accommodation for rent. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vi) Below Tolerable Standard Grants
Dumfries and Galloway Council is providing grants for residential property owners to improve and repair their properties if they fail to meet the Tolerable Standard. Remedial works that are eligible for funding include issues with structural stability of building fabric, inadequate water supply, damp issues, electric supply safety regulation compliance issues, insulation and heating and ventilation issues. Funding up to £20,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
vii) Empty Homes Grants
Cheshire West and Cheshire Council is providing grants for landlords and property owners to bring their empty homes back into use by contributing towards the cost of essential repairs. Eligible costs are awarded for structural and repair works and the cost of labour. Funding up to £15,000 is available.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
viii) Vacant Property Feasibility Grant – Individual and Larger Projects
Perth and Kinross Council is providing grants for owners of empty buildings to help fund professional fees for preparing a feasibility study about bringing an empty property back into residential or commercial use. Grants of up to £3,000 are available for individual projects and grants of up to £5,000 are available for larger projects.
Application Deadline: Applications are invited on an ongoing basis
How To Apply For Property Development Funding Schemes
Full details about how to apply for schemes and the eligibility criteria is available on each individual scheme page on the relevant website. Any deadlines, who can apply and what eligible costs the grants will cover will also be outlined on these pages. Interested individuals and businesses can speak to funding advisors based at each provider who can guide them through requirements and eligibility criteria to see if the relevant funding is a match with their needs and help them to apply. There are also application forms and other supporting guidance available on scheme pages as well.