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Publication - Statistics

Second Homes and Empty Properties in September 2025

Published
16 December 2025

This statistical publication presents latest figures (September 2025) on empty properties, unoccupied exemptions and second homes sourced from council tax base returns collected annually from local authorities. Data relates to all stock of all tenures, including social housing, private rented housing, and owner-occupied homes.

Part of

Supporting documents

Key Points

  • The latest council tax data (in September 2025) shows there were:
    • 20,927 second homes.
    • 44,453 properties liable for Council Tax that had been empty for more than 6 months. Of which, 73% (32,337) were categorised as long-term empty homes (i.e. empty for over 12 months).
    • An additional 44,989 properties with unoccupied exemptions from Council Tax.
    • Per 10,000 dwellings, the highest rates of second homes was in Na h-Eileanan Siar (588), empty homes was in Argyll and Bute (493), and long-term empty home was in Na h-Eileanan Siar (376).

 

  • Compared with the previous year (2024), there was a:
    • decrease of 3% (-679) in second homes.
    • increase of 2% (915) in empty homes that are liable for Council Tax.
    • increase of 2% (741) in long term empty homes (empty for over 12 months) that are liable for Council Tax.
    • decrease of 6% (-2,790) in properties with unoccupied exemptions from Council Tax.
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