Guide

Options for owners of empty homes

Publication date
11 September 2025

Why you should explore your options

Empty homes cost owners on average £14,306.31 per year, with common expenses including:

  • lost rent
  • council tax payments
  • insurance
  • security
  • maintenance.

By bringing an empty home back into use, you can also help increase housing supply and reduce carbon emissions in Renfrewshire.

What your options are

Our More Homes Officer can give advice and discuss your options to bring your empty home back into use, including:

  • Matchmaker Scheme - you can connect with developers looking to buy properties (read more about the Matchmaker Scheme on the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership website)
  • VAT discounts - you may be eligible for reduced VAT if your property has been empty over a certain period of time
  • merchant discounts - you may be eligible for discounts from participating builders merchants under the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership
  • letting opportunities.

How to get advice and discuss your options

Contact our More Homes Officer, Allana McLuskey: