Scotland is facing a significant housing crisis, with over 44,000 privately owned homes empty for more than six months, according to recent figures from the Scottish government. The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) is urging greater efforts to bring these properties back into use, highlighting the potential to alleviate housing pressures by utilising existing stock more effectively. This development is particularly relevant for landlords and agents seeking to understand the evolving housing landscape and opportunities within Scotland.

Current State of Empty Homes in Scotland

Data published by the Scottish government reveals that as of September 2025, there are 44,453 privately owned homes in Scotland that have remained empty for over six months. This figure represents an increase of 915 properties compared to the previous year. More notably, 32,337 of these homes have been vacant for more than twelve months, marking the highest number on record.

These statistics underscore a growing concern about underutilised housing stock amid a backdrop of rising homelessness and housing demand. For landlords and property managers, this signals both a challenge and an opportunity to engage with initiatives aimed at reducing the number of empty homes.

Housing Crisis and Homelessness Pressure

In the 2024/25 period, over 34,000 households in Scotland were assessed as homeless or at risk of homelessness. This figure illustrates the acute pressure on housing availability and affordability across the country. The SEHP emphasises that making better use of existing housing stock is a critical component of addressing this emergency.

For landlords, understanding the scale of homelessness and housing need can inform decisions about property management, investment, and participation in schemes that support bringing empty homes back into use.

The Role of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership

The SEHP has been actively involved in tackling the issue of empty homes since its formation in 2010. According to Tahmina Nizam, SEHP national manager, nearly 13,000 empty homes have been returned to use through the efforts of dedicated empty homes officers working within local councils and other stakeholders.

Nizam highlights the importance of this work: “No home was built to sit empty, and we simply can’t afford to let these vital assets go to waste. Bringing empty properties back into use is a cost-effective way to ease housing pressures; in many cases, it will be the simplest, quickest way to expand local affordable and social housing stock.”

For landlords, this statement reinforces the potential benefits of engaging with initiatives that support the refurbishment and reoccupation of empty properties, which can contribute to community stability and provide new rental opportunities.

New Initiatives and Future Prospects

The SEHP recently launched the Matchmaker Scheme, designed to assist owners of empty properties in finding interested buyers. This initiative aims to increase the number of homes brought back into use in the coming year, further addressing housing shortages.

Despite progress, the SEHP acknowledges that more work is needed. Tahmina Nizam notes: “Every single empty property could transform a family or individuals’ life, but collectively they could make an enormous contribution to ending Scotland’s housing emergency.”

Landlords and agents should consider how such schemes might align with their business strategies, potentially facilitating property sales or lettings that contribute to resolving housing shortages.

Implications for Landlords and Agents

The persistence of a high number of empty homes amid a housing crisis presents both challenges and opportunities for landlords. On one hand, it highlights the need for effective property management to avoid long-term vacancies. On the other, it points to potential support from government and partnership schemes aimed at unlocking these properties for rental or sale.

Engagement with local authorities and organisations like the SEHP can provide landlords with access to resources and networks that facilitate bringing empty homes back into the market. This can enhance rental yields, support community housing needs, and contribute to broader efforts to alleviate homelessness.

Looking Ahead: Trusted Partners Hub Launch

In related news, the Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in the first quarter of 2026. This platform will feature verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Service providers in legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other sectors are invited to register their interest.

This development promises to offer landlords and agents streamlined access to trusted services, potentially aiding in the management and refurbishment of properties, including those that have been long empty.