Empty Homes

An empty home is a privately owned property that has been unoccupied for 6 months or more (not a second home or holiday home).

It is an owner’s responsibility to look after their property. However, if a home is empty for a long time, we may be able to help.

Report an empty home

To report an empty home contact us at emptyhomes@midlothian.gov.uk

Please provide as much information as possible including an exact address and we will attempt to contact the owner.

Advice if you own an empty home

You can access support to bring your home back into use.

• Our Empty Homes team can offer advice on your options for example:
  • repairs and renovation including information on merchant discounts and VAT relief
  • selling or letting
  • information on the Council Tax implications of an empty home
• Midlothian Council Open Market Purchase Scheme may, under certain circumstances, buy back ex-council properties if they are listed on the open market.
• The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership offers a Matchmaker service for those looking to buy or sell an empty home.