Highland Council launches strategic plan to tackle empty homes

6th November 2025

‘From empty properties to homes: Bringing houses back into use for Highland communities'

The Highland Council's, Housing & Property Committee met today (Wednesday 5 Nov 2025) and agreed a new strategic action plan titled ‘From Empty Properties to Homes', aimed at addressing the issue of long-term empty homes across Highland. The Council’s plan outlines a coordinated approach to bring these homes back into use for individuals and families in need.

Housing & Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair said: "The Empty Homes Strategy is a key part of our wider ‘Highland Housing Challenge’ and reflects our commitment to meeting the housing needs of communities across the Highlands. By increasing the supply of affordable homes, we can help revitalise communities and support sustainable development."

"This plan is about unlocking the potential of empty homes and supporting owners every step of the way. It’s good for communities, good for housing supply, and good for the local economy."

Cllr Sinclair added: "Our priority is to focus on areas where housing shortages are most acute and where helping owners bring back houses into use can help meet housing demand. Investing where we can deliver the greatest benefit for communities and ensure best value for public money."

Support for Owners of Empty Homes

As part of the strategy, the Council offers a dedicated Empty Homes Service, to help owners navigate the process of bringing properties back into use. Whether a home has been inherited, is in probate, or requires renovation, the service provides tailored advice and practical support.

Owners can access:

Information on their options and progressing these.
Free one-to-one advice on selling, renting, or renovating.
Help accessing financial incentives and reducing costs.
Guidance on managing common issues.
Connections to trusted contractors, letting agents, and advisors.
Easy Access to Advice

The Council is developing comprehensive online resources to help owners:

Avoid the costs and challenges of leaving properties empty.
Explore a wide range of options for bringing homes back into use.
This will also include guidance for communities affected by empty properties in their area.

Housing Purchase Scheme

Owners may also potentially be able to sell their property directly to the Council. This helps provide homes for key workers and local families while simplifying the selling process.

Benefits include:

Reduced costs and hassle compared to selling on the open market
Contributing to the supply of affordable, energy-efficient homes
If you prefer not to sell, and your property meets the criteria, leasing it to the Council may also be an option.

The Council’s housing service understands that dealing with an empty property, especially one that’s been inherited or linked to a family transition can be challenging. Reaching out to us early can help avoid the high costs of keeping a property vacant.

Get Involved

If you own an empty property, The Highland Council encourages you to get in touch. Together, we can turn empty houses into homes and build a better Highland for everyone.

Find out more detail via our Empty Homes weblink, available at https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/997/housing_advice/1011/empty_homes

Contact: emptyhomes@highland.gov.uk

This service is jointly funded by The Highland Council, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.

 

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