An empty property bleeds money in ways most owners don't fully appreciate until they add up the bill at the end of the year. Scottish councils can charge a 100% council tax premium on homes empty for more than 12 months (and many charge 200% after 2 years). Specialist empty-home insurance costs 2–3x standard buildings cover. Standing charges on gas, electricity and water continue whether the taps are running or not. Then there's the risk of burst pipes in winter, slow leaks going unnoticed, or opportunistic break-ins. We buy empty houses and flats across Scotland in any condition — and the faster we complete, the more of your equity survives the waiting.
How we help — sell empty property Scotland
We buy empty properties anywhere in Scotland — urban or rural
No need to redecorate, clear, or make presentable — we buy as-seen
We take over council tax from completion day so premiums stop clocking
We deal with properties that have been empty 3 months, 3 years, or 30 years
We buy even where the utilities have been disconnected and the property is uninhabitable
Completion in 7–28 days releases the equity before another insurance renewal
The true cost of an empty property in Scotland
Council tax: unoccupied but furnished homes typically get a 10–50% discount for the first 6 months. After that, most councils charge full rate, then 100% premium after 12 months empty, then 200% premium after 2 years in many areas (check your local council — rates vary).
Insurance: standard home insurance policies exclude cover after 30–60 consecutive days of vacancy. Specialist unoccupied-property insurance typically costs £800–£2,000 per year for a standard 3-bed home in Scotland.
Utilities: standing charges on gas (around £0.30/day), electricity (around £0.60/day) and water (£400–£600/year in Scotland) continue regardless of usage. An empty property costs £350–£600/year in standing charges alone.
Maintenance risk: undetected leaks, burst pipes, pest infestation, mould growth and garden overgrowth all compound the longer a property sits empty. The repair bill often outruns the sale price discount you'd accept for a fast sale.
Security and ASB: empty properties attract fly-tipping, vandalism and in some areas, squatting. Scottish police prioritise occupied properties, so enforcement on empty homes is often slow.
Frequently asked questions
How long has a property been 'empty' in insurance terms?
Most standard policies consider a property unoccupied after 30–60 consecutive days with no-one sleeping there. Check your specific policy — some hold cover for 90 days, but once the threshold is passed, many cover exclusions kick in (especially escape of water and malicious damage).
What if the property is in bad condition because it's been empty so long?
We buy empty properties in every condition — including those with water damage, damp, pest issues, or decades of accumulated clutter. The offer reflects condition but you're never asked to clear or repair anything.
Do I still pay council tax while the sale is going through?
Yes, until completion day. From completion, council tax liability transfers to us. Most owners of empty properties apply for a void discount at the start of emptying the property, but it usually runs out at 6 months.
Can you buy a property that's been empty so long utilities are disconnected?
Yes. A disconnected supply actually simplifies the sale because there are no final meter readings to chase. We'll arrange reconnection after completion if we intend to tenant or refurbish the property.
We buy across every Scottish city and town
Wherever the property is in Scotland, we cover it. Browse by location:
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Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful. We offer fair, fast cash offers for property owners across Scotland — with no fees, no delays, and complete transparency every step of the way.
