Empty Homes

Inverclyde’s Local Housing Strategy identifies a key action to increase the number of long-term empty homes brought back into use.  

An empty home is a privately owned property that has been unoccupied for 6 months or more. Empty homes can be a wasted resource that could be better used to help meet the need and demand for housing. 

From 1 April 2016, unoccupied and unfurnished properties will not have to pay any Council Tax for the first six months. After this six month exemption period you will be entitled to 50% discount on your Council Tax for six months. Thereafter, a 100% additional Council Tax levy will then be payable for as long as the property remains empty.  Unoccupied & unfurnished properties which are being actively marketed for sale or let will be subject to 100% additional Council Tax levy after 2 years.

Advice for Owners & Prospective Purchasers or Tenants

There are significant benefits to owners and local communities by bringing empty homes back into use:

  • cost benefits to the owner if they rent or sell;
  • condition of a property won't deteriorate as quickly if occupied;
  • the outlook of a neighbourhood can improve reflecting on local house prices;
  • the local economy benefits;
  • social, education and transport amenities are utilised minimising the risk of losing services, particularly in rural areas;
  • the property will be providing accommodation for someone in housing need. 

Inverclyde Council’s Empty Homes Officer can provide information, advice and assistance on a wide range of issues:  

  • Property Condition.
  • Renting your property.
  • Selling your property.
  • Sweat Equity Model - for owners who want to retain ownership of their property but can’t afford repairs and can find a tenant willing to undertake works for low/no rent period.
Renovating Empty Homes

VAT Discounts

Depending how long your property has been registered empty, renovation or alteration works carried out by a VAT registered trader may be eligible for a reduced VAT rate.  Please contact our Empty Homes Officer to find out more.

Builder Merchant Discounts

There are some suppliers who are able to offer preferential rates to empty home owners undertaking works to bring them back into use. Please contact our Empty Homes Officer who can provide more details.

If you are a local builder/supplier in the Inverclyde area and would like to participate in the scheme, please do not hesitate to contact the Empty Homes Officer.

Reporting an Empty Homes

Both residents and visitors to the Inverclyde area can report an empty property.  To report an empty home or if you would like further information on bringing an empty home back into use you should contact the Empty Homes Officer, in confidence, for advice and assistance using the Report an Empty Home Link or contact details on this page.

Shelter Scotland are also a good source of information for owners of empty homes.