Empty Homes Matchmaker Scheme

Do you own an empty home and want to sell it, or would you like to buy an empty property?

If so, the Empty Homes Matchmaker Scheme may be just what you need.

The Matchmaker Scheme is a ‘dating agency’ for empty homes: it aims to match owners who want to sell with people who want to buy.

Selling an empty home

Not all empty home owners have the time or financial resources to return their empty home to use, and sometimes the best solution is to sell to someone who can.

Whether your empty home needs repair or is 'ready-to-move-in' you are welcome to join the scheme.

Benefits for owners

• It is a free service.
• Details of your home will be shared with people who specifically want to purchase an empty home.
• It can help you find a buyer if you’ve been having difficulty selling or the home is in poor condition.
• It is a way of exploring your options if you’ve been thinking about selling but haven’t made up your mind.
• All you need to do is fill out a Owner registration form

Buying an empty home

If you are interested in purchasing an empty home, the Matchmaker Scheme can help you find the property (or properties) that are right for you. You can also let us know if there is a particular empty home that you are interested in purchasing and we can pass your contact details onto the owner.

Benefits for buyers

• It is a free service
• An empty home needing repair can give people on a lower budget the opportunity to buy at a more affordable price
• Access to empty homes that may not be on the open market
• All you need to do is fill out a Buyer registration form

How the scheme works

The Matchmaker Scheme is a free service. We hold two lists; one of potential buyers and one of owners interested in selling their empty property. These contain information relating to the property type, location, approximate purchase price and condition.

There are a wide range of empty home types, ranging from modern to historic, move-in condition to do-er uppers, large to small and rural to urban.

A property profile is created for all empty homes and the details are shared with buyers to follow up with the owner.

How to join

Please download the relevant form, available at the bottom of this page and send to emptyhomes@fife.gov.uk

Disclaimers

1. The Property Matchmaker scheme is not an estate agency, and all negotiations and sales processes take place between the owner and buyer. We strongly recommend that anyone who is seeking to sell their property obtains independent professional valuation and legal advice from a solicitor or estate agent.
2. It is a legal requirement in Scotland for any property which is on the market to have a Home Report. Owners who are considering selling but have not yet taken the step of getting a home report may register with the scheme. You should not enter into any negotiations with potential purchasers until a Home Report is acquired.

For more information and options on Empty Homes, please visit our Empty Homes page.

Related publications and links

• Empty Homes Matchmaker Scheme Buyer Registration Form
• Empty Homes Matchmaker Scheme Owner Registration Form
• Dealing with empty property | Scottish Empty Homes Partnership
• Council Tax charging for Empty Properties
• Property Acquisition (Buy Back) | Fife Council
• Local Housing Strategy
• Private Rented Sector
• Fife Scheme of Assistance 2022
• Repairing Standard - mygov.scot
• Toolkit for neighbours