Frequently Asked Questions
Listing a property
In order to bring empty, derelict and abandoned properties back into use, we need to let people know they exist in the first place.
By listing an empty property, our users can see what is available. They can then go through the procedure of establishing who owns the property and making contact.
If the owner is interested, then potentially an agreement can be reached. It all begins with letting people know what’s out there.
Yes, absolutely. You don’t need to own the property to list it. Just create your account and when you’re adding the property, in the status field, select ‘Availability Unknown’. That tells interested parties that, whilst the property is listed, the owner may not be known and/or may not be interested in doing anything with the property.
There are numerous way to go about finding out who owns an empty property. Sometimes just knocking on a neighbour’s door will give you the answer (and often a bit of the property’s history). There are other more formal methods too. We can help you with your search – just drop us a message using our contact form.
Empty properties are already a target for vandalism – and the local vandals likely know it’s there anyway.
Look at it another way – an empty property deteriorates on its own. Nature takes over quickly and does its fair share of vandalism all on its own! We are not disputing that vandals can speed up the process of course.
A better solution would be to find someone who actually wants to re-love the property. They spend time, money and effort bringing the property back into use – and the target for the vandals disappears.
Whether or not to sell, is of course the owner’s prerogative. However, many owners of empty and abandoned buildings don’t have the finances, knowledge or ability to bring empty properties back into use.
By reaching an agreement with an interested party, a win-win situation can occur.
Of course, if the owner is not interested in selling, then there’s not a great deal that can be done.
Buying a property
To take a purchase forward, simply contact the advertiser to start the ball rolling. The advertiser should be able to answer any of your questions.
We don’t offer conveyancing services, however, we do have solicitors we work with and are happy to pass on your details.
The properties listed on our site typically do not qualify for a traditional mortgage as they are usually uninhabitable. There are specialist lenders who may be able to assist you, many of whom have access to exclusive loan products and deals not available on the high street, so it is certainly worth speaking with them. We would be happy to pass on your details if it helps. Just drop us a note on our Contact Form.
As most of our properties are typically uninhabitable, they typically do not have a home report or condition report available, however, you should check with the seller.
Many of our properties may be unstable, suffering from dry rot, wet rot, damp or structural issues. Only by getting professional advice from the outset can you be sure what you are taking on.
Some of our properties may have listed building status, therefore we recommend you always seek professional advice.
Properties with listed building conditions can be extremely expensive to restore and you should be entirely comfortable with the costs before proceeding.
Click the link below to search for details on listed buildings. These sites are listed according to country and are extremely useful and informative with regards listed buildings:
You should always seek professional advice to satisfy yourself of a building’s listing status.
Please contact the person advertising the property who should be able to help arrange a viewing.
Remember, many of our properties are in a dangerous and ruinous condition and therefore viewings may not be easily organised or come with certain conditions. Contact the seller who may ask you to sign a disclaimer with the seller when viewing some of the properties listed.
In some cases, grants or funding may be available to projects that share the aims and values of your local council or historic environment agency.
You should check with your local council or historic buildings agency to see if there is any grant or funding opportunities are available.
Anything else
Private individuals, property agencies or businesses can advertise their property with us.
Remember, we only list empty buildings and land, so the property you are marketing must be vacant, in a state of disrepair, abandoned or derelict.
We list any type of property as long as it is empty, in a state of disrepair or abandoned – or all of the above!
Absolutely! We are always looking to market vacant land, development plots or old industrial sites. Basically, anything that can be reused.
We have a page listing our sales packages – click here to jump to that page.
When listing a property, you should include several photographs – inside and outside where possible. Remember to include any outstanding features, views, etc.
You should give a true and accurate description of the property you are advertising. Do bear in mind, our users of the website are not expecting a showhome – quite the reverse.
You should list any issues you are aware of, and of course, don’t forget to list the good things too – beautiful views, additional land, outbuildings.
If you have any floorplans, or architect’s drawings, you can upload them too.
You are aiming to paint an accurate picture of what you are listing.
The more information viewers have, to begin with, the less time wasted by both sides.
Not all of them, no.
Some owners may not wish to sell their property outright, preferring to rent or lease it instead. The seller should make it clear whether the property is for sale, rent, or anything else.
Now, you’re probably asking if it’s not for sale or rent, then why is it advertised?
A property owner may not wish to sell or rent, but they may be prepared to make their property available for a photo shoot, or a film for example.
Our aim is to bring people together to explore what possibilities are available.
Videos are a great tool when marketing your property. Even using a smartphone, you can get excellent results. It gives the viewer an excellent idea of the condition of your property.
It’s useful to add a virtual tour of your property to give potential buyers an idea of the layout – there are free apps available that you can use to put together a tour of your property. Just create your on your phone and upload to the 360º Virtual Tour section.
You can include floorplans of your property under the floorplan section.
Typically if you are advertising a property in Scotland you require a Home Report. However, if the property is clearly uninhabitable, or does not have a kitchen or bathroom you often do not require a Home Report. You should always check with your solicitor who will be able to advise you.
