Empty homes

An empty home is a property which has been unoccupied for six months or more. It is not a second, or holiday, home. There are over 800 empty homes in North Ayrshire.

The reasons for empty homes are varied, they include:

• homes bought as a development opportunity
• inherited property
• issues with selling or renting
• financial problems

Empty homes falling into disrepair, makes future use less likely and can have a detrimental impact on communities.

Report an empty home

If you think that a property has been empty for six months or more, contact us.

Empty home buy backs

In rare circumstances, we may consider the purchase of empty homes in areas of high demand for rental properties. To be considered, properties:

• must have been empty for at least six months
• could be reasonably brought up to the letting standard as well as maintained to statutory standards

Matchmaker scheme

A free scheme that matches people who own empty properties with people who would like to invest. It aims to match owners of empty homes, who wish to sell their property, with people who want to buy in the area. If you are interested, or to arrange a visit, contact us.

Matchmaker code of conduct

The code of conduct applies to all parties on the matchmaker scheme. The scheme promotes a suitable and satisfactory outcome for all parties. At all times communications and negotiations between parties must be:

• respectful
• honest
• reasonable

You must ensure that no action or omission on your part has an adverse effect on the interests of the scheme. Failure to meet the standards and requirements may result in removal from the scheme at the council’s discretion.