A new strategy to address empty private homes and bring them back into use has been launched by South Ayrshire Council.

The council has committed to tackling the issue of unused residential properties through its new Empty Homes Strategy 2025-2030.

Currently, there are over 800 private properties registered as empty in the area, with more than 400 of these having been vacant for over one year.

Since the Council cannot legally force private owners to act, the strategy details the support available through the Council's Empty Homes Officers, who engage with owners to offer practical advice, assistance, and a range of incentives.

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Councillor Martin Kilbride, Policy Lead for Housing and Property Services, acknowledged the importance of the initiative: "Bringing these homes back into use is important as we look to meet housing demand across South Ayrshire." He also confirmed the Council has set a "challenging but achievable target" of bringing 19 empty private homes back into use annually.

The incentives being offered by the Council include:

Financial Support: VAT discounts on eligible refurbishment works and Empty Homes Loan funding.

Property Schemes: A Matchmaker scheme to assist in selling the property in its current condition, and Strategic Council Buy Backs on some ex-Council residential properties.

Discount Schemes: A scheme providing discounts from suppliers for renovations undertaken by empty homeowners.