When homeowners die, their property often remains empty during the probate process, during which their assets are legally assessed and distributed.
Jenni Sadler inherited her mother’s house in 2011.
“It’s a huge privilege to inherit a home,” she said. “But it’s bittersweet when it’s such a close family member, because the home is them and they are the home.”
The property had fallen into disrepair, and Ms Sadler struggled to afford the mounting costs of essential renovations. As a result, the house has been empty while work is ongoing.
“We found more and more things that needed work,” she said.
“You find yourself thinking – how am I going to do this?”
Ms Sadler has secured a loan from Lendology which works with councils to offer low-interest loans to bring empty homes back into use.
She now hopes to complete the renovations and rent out the property through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.