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Advice and information for empty home owners

Published: 16 September 2024

Empty homes can be a magnet for anti-social behaviour, crime, vandalism, arson and fly-tipping. Houses left unoccupied can quickly fall into disrepair, becoming a blight on the neighbourhood and having an adverse effect on the value and saleability of surrounding properties. An empty home costs money to the owner and to the community. It is estimated that an empty property can cost the owner on average £7,000 a year in lost rent and Council Tax. 

For the community the costs can be much higher depending on the state of the property and can include: 

  • the cost of fire and police attendance to an incident at the property 
  • the cost of refuse services to remove fly-tipped materials 
  • cost of removal of graffiti and other vandalism 
  • cost of attendance by Community Safety Officers and Environmental Health Officers 
  • lost spend in the local community 
  • lowering of adjacent property values by up to 18%

Council Tax 

Vacant homes in Dumfries and Galloway qualify for a Council Tax discount of 100 percent for the first 6 months and 50 percent discount for a further 6 months from the date that the property was last occupied for 3 months or more. 

However, Council Tax will be doubled if a property is unoccupied for 12 months or more. This is called the Long Term Empty Property Tariff and applies even if a property is derelict or in very poor condition. 

You may get relief from the tariff if: 

  • you are actively working to bring the property back into occupation 
  • the property is being actively marketed for let or sale 
  • the property is in disrepair and has recently been sold or changed hands 
  • you receive housing benefit or a council tax reduction 
  • you inherited the property 
  • you’ve applied for (or been granted) planning permission 

You may be exempt if your property is a: 

  • second home 
  • purpose built holiday home 
  • job related home 

For further information or to apply for a discount or exemption please call:

Telephone: 030 33 33 3005 

Long term empty property tariff

Thinking about renting? 

Do you want to access a rental income from your property but you are unsure about becoming a landlord? Landlord Training Landlord training is available from the Scottish Association of Landlords. 

For more information:

Telephone: 0131 564 0100
Email: info@scottishlandlords.com   

Landlord registration 

Private landlords in Scotland are now required to register with the council to ensure that they are meeting the necessary standards. For more information on how to register go to the Scottish Landlords Register.

The Repairing Standard 

Landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure that a rented house meets a legal standard of repair called the Repairing Standard.

Landlord rules and regulations 

Landlord accreditation 

For information on the voluntary Landlord Accreditation Scheme and associated standards and training opportunities go to Landlord Accreditation Scotland. 

Renting Scotland 

The website for Renting Scotland is an industry-wide information hub for both tenants and landlords in the private rented sector in Scotland. See more information about being a landlord in Scotland – mygov.scot.

Tenancy deposit schemes 

A landlord may ask a tenant to pay a sum of money at the start of their tenancy which will be held as security. Deposits must now be lodged with an approved tenancy deposit scheme within 30 days of the tenancy starting. There are three tenancy deposit schemes operating in Scotland which have been approved by the Scottish Government. 

Tenenancy deposit schemes

Trusted Traders Scheme 

Our Trusted Trader scheme helps you to choose a reputable trader from customer feedback. The scheme is currently aimed mainly at home improvement traders. The traders are reviewed by customers as well as checked and monitored to make sure they’re trading legally.

Trustmark 

TrustMark is the only Government endorsed scheme for trades in and around the home. They award registered firms with our accreditation after thorough vetting and on-site inspections to ensure the firm is raising industry standards.

Need work done to your property so it can be occupied? There are a number of contacts that may be able to assist.

Gas Safety Register 

Gas Safe Register is the official registration body for the UK, appointed by the local Health & Safety Authority. By law all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register.

Building standards 

Building regulations are in place to make sure that buildings are safe. Building Standards are responsible for checking that buildings in the region meet Scottish standards.

Planning controls 

Planning deal with applications for planning permission in Dumfries and Galloway. This process is also known as development management. 

Care and repair 

Care and repair services operate throughout Scotland to offer independent advice and assistance to help home-owners repair, improve or adapt their homes so that they can live in comfort and safety in their own community. The service is available to owner occupiers, private tenants and crofters who are aged over 60 or who have a disability. 

Help with social care 

Support is available from social work if you’re an older person, have a disability or are ill and having problems with day-to-day life but want to remain independent. 

Under One Roof 

Under One Roof provide impartial advice on repairs and maintenance for flat owners in Scotland. 

Energy Savings Trust 

Energy Savings Trust are a network of local advice centres covering all of Scotland. They offer free, impartial advice on energy saving, renewable energy, sustainable transport, waste prevention, loans, support and more. 

Money Advice Scotland 

Money Advice Scotland are a national umbrella organisation which promotes the development of free, independent, impartial and confidential debt advice and financial inclusion. 

Credit Unions Solway 

Credit Union (SCU) was set up in 1999 by a group of local people interested in promoting thrift, namely encouraging better ‘financial health’ through regular saving and low cost loans. They are able to provide a range of practical, affordable and straightforward financial services to everyone living or working in their Common Bond area of Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale and the Stewartry. 

Turn2us 

Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. They have a grant search facility which allows you to search for available charitable grants locally and nationally. 

Not sure where to start? Contact the Strategic Housing Team. 

Telephone: 030 33 33 3000 
Email: Strategichousing@dumgal.gov.uk  

Thinking about selling? 

If you are thinking about selling your property, there are several options open to you. There are number of companies operating in the area who can assist. For an up to date list please contact:

The Hub, 24-26 Friars Vennel, Dumfries DG1 2RL
Telephone 01387 269161
Email: info@thehubdg.org.uk   

Auction houses 

The following links will connect you to local auction houses that deal with property lots. Selling at auction can provide a quick way of selling your home but there will be auctioneers fees to pay:

Contact us 

We have a range of leaflets on different topics available on request. If you would like further information on the types of assistance available to homeowners please contact: 

Strategic Housing, Kirkbank House, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2HS 
Telephone: 030 33 33 3000 
Email: strategichousing@dumgal.gov.uk 

Empty homes