Brent Council house bought for £530k remains empty
Property purchased in April 2023 for affordable housing is awaiting final sign-off before occupation.
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A terraced house in Sudbury, acquired by Brent Council in April 2023 for £530,000, continues to stand empty more than a year after its purchase. The property, intended to provide affordable housing and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation, has faced multiple delays.
Refurbishment and Setbacks
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The council undertook refurbishment and compliance works on the two flats within the property, costing £75,360.33 excluding VAT. Following these works, the property reportedly suffered flood damage and subsequently damage from squatters. These incidents contributed to the prolonged vacancy.
Despite assurances from Brent Council in January 2026 that the two flats were "now vacant and fully under the council’s control" and expected to be let out imminently, they remain unoccupied. The property is described as "boarded up with dumped rubbish piling up" by the local ward councillor.
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Sudbury representative Cllr Paul Lorber has criticised the council's handling of the property, calling it "an appalling waste of money" and stating that "Labour councillors are not fit to run Brent Council." He has called for responsibility to be taken to ensure the flats are used for their intended purpose of housing families.
A Brent Council spokesperson stated that the property was purchased to provide additional affordable housing. They confirmed the refurbishment and compliance costs and explained that "While the refurbishment works have been completed, the council is currently awaiting final Building Control sign-off before the homes can be occupied. This is the only outstanding requirement before tenants can move in."
The council is spending approximately £100,000 per day on temporary accommodation for families in Brent. The spokesperson added that subject to receiving the necessary approval, the council expects the homes to be occupied from October 2026. The council "remains committed" to bringing the homes into use as quickly as possible.
Questions this report answers
+How much did Brent Council pay for the house in Sudbury?
Brent Council purchased the terraced house at 7 Station Approach, Sudbury, for £530,000 in April 2023. The property was acquired to increase the availability of affordable housing within the borough.
+What has Brent Council spent on refurbishing the property?
The council spent £75,360.33, excluding VAT, on refurbishment and compliance works for the two flats within the house. This expenditure was necessary to bring the property up to the required standard for occupation.
+When will the two flats be ready for people to move into?
As of January 2026, the flats are awaiting final Building Control sign-off. The council expects that, subject to receiving the necessary approval, the homes will be occupied from October 2026.
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