Empty Homes

We're working towards the Scottish Government commitment to bring empty homes back in to use as affordable housing where possible.

What's an empty home?

Scottish Government Legislation defines an empty home as a property that has been empty for six months or longer and is liable for Council Tax. A second Home is defined as any home not used as someone's primary residence but that is occupied for at least 25 days in a year.

For more information read The Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 (legislation.gov.uk act)

Empty homes are generally determined by Council Tax definitions, as follows:

♦ long-term empty properties

Properties which have been empty for more than 6 months and are liable for council tax

♦ unoccupied exemptions

Generally properties which are empty and unfurnished for less than 6 months and exempt from paying council tax

♦ Second homes

Homes which are furnished and lived in for at least 25 days in a 12-month period but not as someone's main residence

What can you do if you own an empty property?

We encourage all property owners to keep up repairs and keep the property safe and secure at all times. You should, where possible, carry out regular visits to the property to ensure it's in a good state of repair.

We encourage owners to put properties back in to use at the earliest opportunity by either renting or selling of an empty property.

If you own an empty property and want to discuss future plans and options with us we can work with you to find a solution that works for you and assists us in our aim to bring empty homes back in to use. East Renfrewshire Council will consider purchasing homes that are suitable to be put back in to local use.   email emptyhomes@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 07833 716729 to discuss options with our empty homes officer.  

What if I want my property to remain empty?

The decision to keep a home empty must be given careful consideration. Empty homes can cause significant issues to the immediate area and other residents. They can attract antisocial behaviour, lower property prices and become damaged and in need of expensive repairs.

Homes which are empty for more than 12 months can also also be liable for a 100% council tax premium. 

Find out about council tax for empty properties 

Report an empty property

If you believe there is an empty property in your area, please contact us at emptyhomes@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or call 07833 716729.

More information

You can read more about empty homes in Scotland on the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership website.