Empty homes initiative

Empty homes grants

We have budget available to support owners of long‑term empty properties to carry out essential repairs so their property meets the Repairing Standard under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006.

• Grants of up to £7,500 per bedroom.
• Awards are discretionary and subject to available funding.
• Properties must be brought back into use as affordable private rented accommodation.

Who can apply

You may be eligible if:

• the property is currently empty
• the property requires work to meet the Repairing Standard
• you are (or will become) a registered landlord
• you agree to let the property in line with Council conditions

If you are not the property owner, written consent is required from the owner or all joint owners before an application can be made.

Eligible works 

Funding is available for essential work only, including (but not limited to):

• electrical rewiring or upgrades
• window replacement
• heating upgrades
• boiler installation
• plumbing repairs
• other works required to meet the Repairing Standard

Works not covered 

Grants cannot be used for cosmetic or non‑essential improvements, including:

• new kitchens
• bathroom suites
• floor coverings
• decoration (although £500 per property is available via the grant as a contribution towards any decorating required on completion of works)

Important information before you apply

Do not start work before receiving written grant approval. If work begins before approval, the Council may be unable to award a grant.

Grant conditions

Mandatory legal conditions (10 years)

The following conditions are enforceable under Section 83 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 and will be registered on the property title for 10 years from completion of works:

• the house must be a private dwelling
• the house must not be occupied by the owner or a family member (unless it is their only or main residence)
• the owner must keep the property in a good state of repair
• the owner must certify compliance if requested by the Council

If there are secured loans on the property, lenders should be informed before applying.

Letting and management conditions (5 years)

For 5 years from completion of works, you agree to:

• make the property available through the Council's Rent Bond Guarantee Scheme or similar initiatives
• set rent levels no higher than the relevant Local Housing Allowance for the property size and location; view further information about current Local Housing Allowance rates
• allow the Council up to 8 weeks to identify a suitable tenant before seeking one elsewhere (following consultation)
• permit periodic inspections to ensure property standards are maintained
• provide tenancy information if requested
• apply no additional service or supplementary charges
• request no more than one month's rent as a deposit (unless otherwise agreed)

Council tenancy or property management services may be offered but are optional and chargeable.

Repayment conditions

If grant conditions are breached, repayment may be required on the following sliding scale:

• Year 1 - 100%
• Year 2 - 80%
• Year 3 - 60%
• Year 4 - 40%
• Year 5 - 20%

Once the 5‑year period ends, these letting conditions no longer apply. The statutory conditions remain until the end of the 10‑year period.

Financial and administrative information

• A £70 administration fee will be deducted from the grant to cover legal registration cost.
• Only approved works are eligible for funding.
• If you carry out works yourself, only material costs will be reimbursed (no labour costs).
• All works must be completed by 31 March 2027.

Any changes to the agreed works must be reported to the Housing Co-ordinator in advance. Failure to do so may jeopardise your grant.

Local Housing Allowance

Rent levels must not exceed the current Local Housing Allowance rate applicable to the property. Properties may fall within different broad rental market areas, even if located within Perth and Kinross. Applicants should always refer to our webpage about current Local Housing Allowance rates, as rents will be assessed using the rates in force at the time a tenancy is created.

Apply or get more information

To discuss eligibility, arrange a property inspection, or request further information, you can contact the team on 01738 474540 or email [email protected], and the Empty Homes Accommodation Team will guide you through the application process.