The Vacant House Demolition Support Project, which supports the demolition expense for privately owned vacant houses, will accept online applications starting on the 25th. Until now, owners had to visit the jurisdiction of the vacant house in person to proceed with demolition, but the establishment of an online application system is expected to reduce the owners' hassle. Local governments are also expected to be able to speed up vacant house maintenance.
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on this day, the Vacant House Demolition Support Project, which supports the demolition expense for privately owned vacant houses, is introducing an online application system. Under the Vacant House Demolition Support Project, local city, county, and district governments directly support demolition in return for publicly using the site for a certain period after demolition, such as as a parking lot or community garden.
Previously, if a vacant house owner wanted to apply for the program, the owner had to visit the city, county, or district where the vacant house is located, which caused inconvenience for those living in other areas. Local government officials also faced a heavy administrative burden because they had to locate each owner, confirm the owner's intention to demolish, and provide guidance.
From now on, owners who wish to demolish a vacant house can conveniently apply for the program online through websites such as the Vacant House Love portal. Once an application is received, the relevant local government official will review related documents, including the degree of dilapidation and the certified copy of the register, to determine whether the applicant is finally eligible for support.
With the ability to apply for the Vacant House Demolition Support Project online, convenience for vacant house owners is expected to increase. As voluntary demolition applications by owners expand, local governments are expected to be able to focus on receiving applications and implementing the program instead of unnecessary persuasion. If owner participation improves, speedy vacant house maintenance will be possible, and data creation and management through the system are expected to minimize missing or erroneous applications.
Kim Hyeong-cheol, head of the Urban Vitality Support Division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), said, "It will serve as a catalyst to accelerate vacant house maintenance," and added, "We will continue to put our heads together to resolve vacant house issues effectively."