Matchmaker scheme for renting
The matchmaker scheme aims to introduce homeowners who are looking to rent their empty property to people on Aberdeen City Council’s housing waiting lists.
This scheme requires the property to meet the Repairing Standard.
Properties that do not meet the Repairing Standard will not be eligible for this scheme but can be referred on to the Empty Homes Matchmake to Sell Scheme.
Benefits for owners/landlords
- Free: It is free to provide details of your property to Aberdeen City Council, where it will be listed until the property is let.
- Increased exposure: The scheme increases the amount of exposure your property receives by highlighting it to visitors of Aberdeen City Council's Empty Homes website.
- Targeted marketing: The empty property will be seen by potential tenants suggested by the Aberdeen City Council who are specifically looking to rent a home immediately.
- Non-exclusive: The property can remain for rent with an estate agent if it is and the rental agreement can continue through this agent (if you want it to) if a 'match' is made via the scheme.
- No tenant finder fees: Going through affordable housing or local authority routes takes away the management fees of property companies.
- Continuity: Most requests for accommodation to the local authorities are usually for long-term occupancy which gives an advantage of continuity as well as allows for less periods between lets.
- Potential landlords can have their details passed on to renters who they otherwise would have struggled to contact, potentially allowing access to properties not listed through commercial websites or estate agents.
Benefits for renters
- Free: It is free to leave your details with Aberdeen City Council, allowing us to match you to suitable properties and owners.
- Opportunity for access to the Private Rented Sector: An empty home can be an immediate answer for anyone in need of suitable accommodation. The scheme looks to match potential landlords with individuals or families on the Aberdeen City Council’s waiting list for housing.
- Access to other types of properties: Empty properties come in various sizes and types, giving potential renters an increased opportunity to choose from other types of properties.
- Security of Tenancy: With the new Private Rented sector tenancy Legislation (PRT), tenants are better protected. The tenancy is open-ended and will last until you wish to leave the let property or your landlord uses one (or more) of 18 grounds for eviction.
Joining the scheme
Tenants should contact Aberdeen City Council Housing Access Team and can also view available properties on the Matchmake to Rent property page.
Landlords can complete the form below.
Matchmaker scheme for selling
The matchmaker scheme aims to introduce long-term empty home owners who are looking to sell their property with people who are looking to purchase an empty property.
This scheme can be used whether the property requires some form of repair work or the property is in a condition that is ready to move in.
Benefits for owners/sellers
- Free: It is free to put the details of your property on the Matchmaker website, where it will be listed for an indefinite period of time until the property is brought back into use.
- Increased exposure: The scheme increases the amount of exposure your property receives by highlighting it to visitors of Aberdeen City Council's Empty Homes website.
- Targeted marketing: The empty property will be seen by buyers who are specifically looking to acquire an empty home and who would often be willing to carry out renovation works.
- Non-exclusive: The property can remain for sale with an estate agent and the sale can continue through this agent if a 'match' is made via the scheme.
Benefits for buyers
- Free: It is free to put your details on the Matchmaker website, allowing us to match you to suitable properties and owners.
- Opportunity for Investment: An empty home needing some renovation can provide an opportunity to buy at a more affordable price, increasing the possibility of making a profit through either renting the property out or selling it on at a later time.
- Vacant possession: An empty home gives the buyer the advantage of vacant possession, so you can start developing on the property as soon as you like.
- Additional sellers, additional properties: Potential buyers can have their details passed on to sellers who they otherwise would have struggled to contact, potentially allowing access to properties not listed through commercial websites or estate agents. Additionally, if you are also interested in being notified of empty properties in other local authority areas, you can notify us of this on the Buyers’ Application, and we will pass your details onto that authority’s empty homes Matchmaker Scheme.
Joining the scheme
If you are selling a property we would also suggest that you include a picture of your empty property as this will encourage interest from a wider range of potential buyers.
Buyers can also view available properties on the Matchmake to Sell property page.
Contact us
housingaccess@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Housing Advice Team
Housing Access & Support
Aberdeen City Council
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1AB
01224 523502