Empty homes
Help for owners of empty homes
If you own a private property that has been empty for 6 months or more, we can help you bring it back into use. Empty homes can affect local communities and sit unused while people need somewhere to live. On this page, you will find clear information about council tax charges, support available to you, and practical options for selling, renting or renovating your property.
Our aim is simple: to help owners reduce costs, avoid problems, and turn empty homes back into lived‑in homes across South Lanarkshire.
What counts as an empty home
An empty home is a privately owned property that has been unoccupied for at least six months. Long‑term empty homes can:
- increase costs for owners
- deteriorate faster when left unused
- affect the look and feel of a neighbourhood
Bringing a property back into use can benefit you and the wider community.
Council tax on empty properties
If your property has been empty for more than 12 months, you will usually pay double council tax. This also applies if the property has been empty for up to two years but is being actively marketed for sale or rent.
You can find full details about charges, exemptions and reductions on our council tax page for unoccupied properties.
Support available to empty home owners
We have a dedicated Empty Homes Officer who provides free advice and practical support to owners of long‑term empty properties.
We can help you:
- understand your options for bringing a property back into use
- reduce ongoing costs such as council tax, insurance and maintenance
- find grants, discounts or financial support for renovation
- explore selling or renting if that works better for you
Every property and situation is different, and we will work with you to look at realistic options.
Why bring an empty home back into use
Many owners choose to act because it allows them to:
- cut ongoing costs
- earn rental income or sell the property
- prevent further damage or deterioration
- provide a home for someone in the local area
Renovating an empty property
VAT reductions on renovation work
You may qualify for a reduced VAT rate on renovation or conversion work if:
- the property has been empty for a qualifying period
- the work is carried out by a VAT‑registered trader
A separate VAT relief scheme may apply if your property has been empty for more than ten years.
We can provide an evidence letter confirming the last known occupation date. This can help when applying for reduced VAT. For full details, check government guidance.
Discounted builders merchant rates
Through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, empty home owners can access discounted rates at several national builders merchants. These discounts can help reduce the cost of repairs and improvements.
If you are a local supplier or builder in South Lanarkshire and want to take part in this scheme, contact the Empty Homes Officer.
Finding trusted tradespeople
We run a buy with confidence approved trader scheme. This helps you find reliable local businesses that have met set standards. You can browse approved traders before arranging work.
Selling your empty property
Selling on the open market
If your property is suitable for sale, standard estate agent routes may work. Citizens Advice Scotland provides clear guidance on:
- getting a home report
- energy performance certificates
- the conveyancing process
It is a good idea to get more than one valuation before deciding how to sell.
National Matchmaker Scheme
The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership runs a National Matchmaker Scheme. You can list your empty home for sale for free to buyers who are specifically looking to purchase empty properties.
Other selling options
If your property is in poor condition, a traditional sale may not be suitable. The Empty Homes Officer can talk you through other options, such as selling at auction.
Open market purchase scheme
In limited cases, we may consider buying empty properties to meet local housing needs. Properties empty for more than 12 months may be considered, even if they are not actively marketed for sale.
Each case is assessed individually. Contact the Empty Homes Officer to discuss whether your property may be suitable.
Renting your empty property
If you plan to rent out your home, you must meet legal responsibilities as a landlord. You can get advice from:
- the Scottish Government for landlord responsibilities
- the private landlord registration service
- landlord accreditation Scotland for training and accredited letting agents
- the Scottish Association of Landlords for sector guidance
Get in touch or report an empty property
If you:
- own an empty property and need advice
- want help bringing a property back into use
- want to report a long‑term empty home
Contact the Empty Homes Officer by email using the contact details on this page, or use our online form.
Only report properties that have been empty for 6 months or more. For council tax reductions on unoccupied properties, use the council tax pages instead.
When you get in touch, include as much detail as possible and your contact details if you want us to respond.
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