Empty homes

How to report an empty home, how much it costs to leave a home empty and how to buy or sell an empty home.

Buy or sell an empty home

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership’s (SEHP) National Matchmaker Scheme connects owners of empty homes with people interested in buying them.

The scheme is a free, easy way to help bring empty properties back into use, supporting communities and making the most of existing housing.

How the scheme works for sellers

If you own an empty property, you can register it with the Matchmaker Scheme at no cost. Your property will be listed for as long as you wish, and you can continue to market it with an estate agent if you choose. 

The scheme gives your property extra exposure to buyers specifically looking for empty homes, whether they need repairs or are ready to move in.

Register your property

Register your property online. If a buyer is interested, you’ll receive an email notification and can decide whether to follow up.

Register your property – Scottish Empty Homes Partnership

How the scheme works for buyers

If you’re looking to buy, you can view a list of available empty homes, including partial addresses and photos. Buying an empty property can be more affordable and gives you the chance to renovate and personalise your new home. There’s also potential for investment, whether you plan to rent out or sell in the future.

If you're interested in buying an empty home

Register your interest in a property and your details will be sent to the owner, who will decide whether to get in touch.

Find an empty home – Scottish Empty Homes Partnership

If you need advice

While SEHP cannot provide legal advice, their Empty Homes Advice Service and website offer practical guidance for owners and buyers.

For further support, you can also contact Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Strategic Housing team by email:

Email: [email protected]