Owners of neglected properties in Haringey face losing them if they do not address ‘years of neglect’.

Four homes in Wood Green on Sirdar Road, Granville Road, Woodside Road and High Road could be bought using compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) unless the owners take action to address issues raised by Haringey council.

A property in Harringay Gardens, Crouch End, as well as homes in Cissbury Road and Onslow Gardens in Tottenham also face the same fate unless their owners repair them.

The properties have been repeatedly broken into or squatted and face problems such as overgrown gardens, serious damp and pest problems, which have resulted in complaints from neighbours.

The move comes after the owners of the properties repeatedly ignored warning letters, offers of grants for repairs and advice to help them bring the homes into use.

Councillor Alan Strickland, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “While families across Haringey struggle to save for a deposit or find an affordable place to rent, it’s unacceptable that homes are being left empty and falling into disrepair.

“CPOs will be used as a last resort and is one of a range of measures we’re taking to get homes back into use.”

In the last nine years 262 properties have been brought back into use by the council using the threat of compulsory purchase with many owners taking action after realising they could lose their property.

Any homes that are purchased under the scheme are sold as soon as possible to housing associations or private buyers.