Empty homes

How we can help

We understand that bringing an empty property back into use can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

We’ll work with you to find the best solution for your property - whether that’s selling, renting, or renovating.

Support from our Empty Homes Officer

Our Empty Homes Officers can provide practical advice and guidance, including:

• Options for selling your property, including selling to the council.
• Advice on renting out your property.
• Support with becoming a private landlord.
• Guidance on renovating your property.

We can also help you reduce costs by advising on:

• Access to merchant discounts, for example kitchens, bathrooms and building materials.
• Potential VAT reductions where applicable.

In addition, we can connect you to schemes such as the Matchmaker Scheme, which helps link property owners with potential buyers.

What is an empty home?

A long-term empty home is a privately owned property that has been unoccupied for six months or more.

When left empty, these properties can affect neighbours and the surrounding area. When brought back into use, they can provide much-needed housing and improve local communities.

Why bring an empty home back into use?

Reusing empty homes is one of the quickest ways to increase housing supply—without building new properties.

Bringing a property back into use can:

• Provide homes for people in need.
• Improve the appearance and condition of neighbourhoods.
• Reduce anti-social behaviour.
• Make better use of existing buildings.

For owners, it also offers the opportunity to generate income and restore the property’s value.

Report an empty property

If you know of an empty property, you can report it to us:

EmptyHomes@northlan.gov.uk

You can also contact the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership for independent advice. Bringing Scotland's Empty Homes Back to Use - Scottish Empty Homes Partnership