Bringing empty properties back into use should be part of a wider programme of government initiatives that includes: tackling low demand and market failure, tackling antisocial behaviour, the provision of affordable homes and ensuring that all homes meet a decent standard.

In Scotland, local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) have made efforts to tackle the problem of empty properties through schemes such as Scottish Homes Lead Tenancies Scheme, launched by Scottish Homes in 1994, and the Empty Homes Initiative (EHI), which ran from 1997 to 2002. 

The issue of empty homes is particularly important at a time when the lack of affordable homes is resulting in increasing numbers of homeless households being housed in temporary accommodation, including in bed and breakfast (B&B) hotels. Empty properties need to be tackled since they represent waste in terms of unmet housing needs. Properties that are vacant for long periods can also have an adverse affect on the local community as they can attract vandalism, arson or antisocial behaviour.

That said, the impact of bringing empty homes back into use on housing supply should not be overstated. Tackling the issue of empty homes should be part of a wider strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing. Shelter Scotland believes that it is important to use our existing housing stock effectively as well as addressing homelessness through a commitment to providing affordable homes.