From Casual Observation to Lucrative Hobby
A chance encounter at a bus stop sparked an unexpected income stream for Linda Williams, a 62-year-old card and gift shop owner. While waiting in Haydock, Merseyside, an elderly gentleman pointed to a seemingly ordinary house across the street and remarked that he lived “next door to that empty house.” For most, this would be a fleeting observation, but for Linda, a keen walker, it represented a significant opportunity.
Linda is among thousands across England who have turned their daily routines into a profitable venture by identifying and reporting long-term vacant properties. These observant individuals, often referred to as property scouts, play a crucial role in bringing neglected homes back to life and improving local communities.
The Process of Property Scouting
The concept is straightforward: property scouts actively look for houses that appear to have been uninhabited for extended periods. Upon spotting such a property, they document it with photographs and details, then submit this information to specialized companies. These firms, such as Empty Property Hunters and You Spot Property, then work to locate the property’s owner.
The ultimate goal is for these developers to acquire, renovate, and resell the property, generating a profit. As a reward for their efforts, scouts typically receive a finder’s fee of £20 for each valid tip-off. If the owner is located and agrees to sell, scouts may also earn a percentage of the sale price, usually around 1 percent.
Linda’s Success Story
Intrigued by the elderly man’s comment, Linda inquired further and learned the house had been vacant since 2009, causing damp issues to her neighbor’s property. Upon closer inspection, she noted the property’s overgrown state and immediately emailed photos to Empty Property Hunters. Investigations revealed the owner had inherited the property but faced probate delays, leaving it unoccupied.
Remarkably, within seven weeks, Empty Property Hunters successfully purchased the house for approximately £50,000. Linda received a total of £420 – the £20 finder’s fee and £400 from the property’s sale. She used this windfall to fund a cruise along the Norwegian Fjords.
“It’s nice to know that the house will be given a new lease of life and the gentleman next door will get new neighbours,” Linda commented, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
Earning Potential and Motivation
In the 14 months since becoming a property scout, Linda has earned a total of £600. This includes an additional £200 from other finder’s fees, which she used to treat her family. She initially signed up for free after seeing an advertisement on social media.
With a background as a property landlady and a passion for walking, Linda finds the activity aligns perfectly with her lifestyle. “I’ve always had an interest in property, having been a property landlady for many years, and I love to walk – I do 35,000 steps in a weekend,” she explained. She sees it as an enjoyable way to supplement her income, alongside other methods like collecting supermarket loyalty points and using cash-back apps.
Broader Impact and Eligibility
Empty Property Hunters boasts a network of over 5,000 scouts, some of whom have accumulated substantial earnings. The company accepts property vacancy reports via email, phone, or messaging apps. Ideal scouts often have jobs that involve traversing communities, such as dog walkers, delivery drivers, and tradespeople.
However, not all properties qualify for a finder’s fee. To be eligible, the property must be privately owned (not by the council or a limited company), not currently for sale or recently sold (within five years), and must have been vacant for at least 12 months.
Addressing England’s Vacant Home Crisis
Statistics from the campaign group Action On Empty Homes indicate that there are 303,185 long-term empty homes across England. This figure represents a 50 percent increase since 2016. Common reasons for properties remaining vacant include bereavement, probate complications, family disputes, or owners living abroad.
Expert Insights on Property Scouting
Simon Taylor, founder of Empty Property Hunters, shared an example of a property that remained empty for seven years due to the owner’s distance and being overwhelmed by its condition following a difficult divorce. He noted that after refurbishment, the property was transformed into a modern family home.
Taylor also emphasizes the importance of ethical scouting, advising individuals against trespassing or invading privacy. “However keen scouts are to spot an empty home, they should not be tempted to enter private land, peer through windows or invade someone’s privacy,” he stated.
Innovative Detection Methods
Steve Cox, a leak detector for a water company, has earned £4,480 over two years as a property scout, with £1,580 from finder’s fees. Initially, his submissions were less successful as he identified properties that appeared unoccupied but were still lived in. Through experience, he has learned to recognize definitive signs of long-term vacancy, such as overflowing gutters, overgrown gardens, and accumulated post.
Steve employs a clever tactic: “When I find a property I go on Google Maps, and quite often you will see that everything is still in the same place from three years ago – the bin, the cracked window, the car on the drive with burst tyres – it’s a good way to investigate.”
Ben Radstone, founder of You Spot Property, highlights that tools like Google Maps and Google Street View can even help identify potentially empty properties from home. “We encourage spotters to use these tools to look for signs such as boarded-up windows, visible neglect, deteriorating roofs or other indicators that a property may have been left empty for a significant period,” Radstone advised.
Community Benefits of Property Scouting
Radstone believes that successful scouts are observant individuals who notice properties that others overlook. He added, “Spotters aren’t just earning money, they are helping to improve communities. One neglected property can have a negative impact on an entire street, affect pride in the neighbourhood, deter investment and make it harder for neighbouring homeowners to sell.”
Steve, who recently received £160 in finder’s fees in a single week, is investing his earnings into the stock market for his retirement. He sees property spotting as an ideal side hustle: “It’s a good side hustle for me because I’m literally out driving all over the place all day.”
