Empty Homes Initiative

An empty home is a privately owned property that has been vacant for 6 months or more. Empty homes are not only a wasted resource that could be used to address local housing needs and demands. They can also become eyesores risking antisocial behaviour complications, such as vandalism, fly tipping, graffiti and break-ins, and in turn place an unnecessary burden on the resources of the local Council as well as emergency services who must address these issues.

Owners of empty homes can face a significant financial drain as empty properties can cost its owner thousands of pounds each year through Council Tax, insurance, security (e.g. boarding up windows) and maintenance. Bringing it back into use not only saves the owner these costs, but it can also provide rental income or a lump sum through a direct sale.

Shelter Scotland estimates “an empty home can cost an owner over £7000 per annum”.

There are a number of significant benefits to owners and local communities in bringing empty homes back into use, these include:

• Savings to the owner if they choose to rent or sell the property.
• The general condition of the property will not deteriorate as quickly if it is occupied.
• The outlook of a neighbourhood can improve reflecting on local house prices.
• The local economic benefits attached, for example improved spending in local business.
• The property will also be providing a form of accommodation for someone in housing need.

It is the responsibility of home owners to maintain their property and keep it in good condition. There are many different reasons why properties become vacant longer-term and for many owners the thought of bringing a long-term empty property back into use can be overwhelming and often difficult financially. Dundee City Council wants to provide relevant advice and assistance to help owners bring these homes back into residential use

Your Empty Homes Officer can offer a range of advice and assistance to help you consider the options available to bring your property back into use. These include:

• Recommendations on finding a tenant for your property
• Advice on privately renting your property. The Council can assist you in becoming a Private Registered Landlord  and can supply a list of local letting agents
• Help and advice on managing the property yourself
• Advice on selling the property through an estate agent
• Advice on selling using alternative methods such as auction, property buying companies
• Guidance regarding VAT discounts that are available to some empty home owners
• Assistance in securing merchants discounts that are available to all empty home owners
• Property Matchmaker service aims to help prospective buyers and sellers of empty properties to find each other more easily

For further information please contact your empty homes officer:

Michelle Morrison
Empty Homes Officer
Email: empty.homes@dundeecity.gov.uk
Telephone: 01382 435587 or 07881010659
Private Sector Services Unit
5 City Square
Dundee DD1 3BA

You can use our online form to report any concerns you have about an empty property in Dundee.

Report an empty home

Scottish Government: Empty Homes
Dundee City Council Private Landlord Registration