New rise in properties left empty long term

The number of empty properties and second homes in Scotland left empty long term has risen for the third straight year.

According to official statistics published by the Scottish Government, the figure rose by 1,260 properties (2%) from 64,017 in September 2018 to 65,277.

It is the third consecutive annual increase, although the number is 776 (1%) lower than the 66,053 properties recorded at September 2012.

While there was a rise in the number of long-term empty properties and second homes, the number of new-build homes completed increased by 18% in the year to the end of June 2019.

A total of 21,403 homes were completed in 2019 – 3,210 more than the number of homes completed in 2018.

It is the highest level for completions since 2008.

Shaheena Din, national manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is run by Shelter Scotland, said councils faced the challenge of providing support for owners to bring empty properties back into use.

“Most homes become empty due to natural life events such as people dying or moving into residential care,” she said.

“The challenge for local authorities is to provide effective support to owners to bring them back into use so they don’t get stuck empty for years.

“Last year, the combined effort of empty homes officers in 20 local councils in Scotland and our own Empty Homes Advice Service brought back 1,128 homes.

“The latest figures for the current year show that another record-breaking year is in sight.”

Welcoming the increase in the number of new homes completed, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “These figures demonstrate how we are delivering more housing in Scotland.”

He added: “From private to social housing, it is encouraging that both new build starts and completions have increased this year, providing more people with a warm, safe place they can call home.

“The increase points to the strength of Scotland’s new build housing sector.

“We shall continue to push towards our ambitious target of delivering 50,000 affordable homes by 2021.”