Empty and void council properties

Request data on void council properties, how long they have been empty, and turnaround times.

When council homes sit empty, they cannot house the people on the waiting list. This request tells you how quickly councils are turning around empty homes.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information as at [DATE e.g. 31 March 2025]: 1. The total number of void (empty) council properties. 2. A breakdown of void properties by how long they have been empty (under 4 weeks, 4 to 12 weeks, 12 to 26 weeks, over 26 weeks). 3. The average turnaround time from a property becoming void to a new tenant moving in, for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]. 4. The number of properties classified as long-term void (empty for more than 6 months) and the reason for each (e.g. awaiting repair, awaiting demolition, low demand). I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council’s housing department. Find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • The Scottish Housing Regulator publishes some void data. Check published figures first so you can focus your request on the detail that is not already available.
  • Asking for time bands (under 4 weeks, 4 to 12 weeks, etc.) is more useful than just a total, as it shows whether the problem is recent or long-standing.
  • If the council says this would exceed the cost limit, narrow your request to items 1 and 3 only.