Targeting Scotland’s empty homes won’t solve the housing crisis

The Scottish government’s focus on bringing empty and second homes back into use will not solve the nation’s housing crisis, one property expert says.

David Alexander, the chief executive of Scotland’s largest lettings and estate agency, DJ Alexander Ltd, says the efforts are commendable but won’t tackle the urgent need for homes.

His comments come after Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan announced measures to tackle ‘unacceptable’ levels of empty homes across Scotland.

She pledged funding for additional empty homes officers, who will work under the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) to identify and encourage owners to bring unused properties to market.

Scottish housing emergency

Ms McAllan stated: “Bringing homes back into use is a vital part of our plan to tackle the housing emergency – when too many families are struggling to find somewhere to live, it is unacceptable to me that so many houses are lying empty for long periods.”

The SEHP, supported by a £2m annual Scottish Government investment, has facilitated the return of nearly 11,000 homes to use over the past 15 years.

According to SEHP data for 2023/24, 46,217 homes were vacant for at least six months, with 28,280 empty for over a year.

Highland reported the highest number of long-term vacant properties at 3,334, followed by Edinburgh (2,751) and Aberdeen (2,615).

In contrast, East Renfrewshire recorded just 62 homes vacant for six months, with no data for longer periods, while Clackmannanshire and East Dunbartonshire had 102 and 220 homes empty for over a year, respectively.

Reasons for empty homes

However, SEHP notes that reasons for prolonged vacancies vary, including challenges contacting owners, ongoing repairs, financial constraints, inheritance issues or legal delays.

Some owners are undecided about their property’s future, while others are unwilling to sell or rent.

The debate also touches on second homes, often cited as a factor in housing shortages.

Yet, recent Scottish Government figures reveal a 10% drop in second homes to 21,606 in 2024, the largest decline in a decade.

These properties now represent just 1% of Scotland’s housing stock.

Government misses the wider issue

Mr Alexander said: “There is little doubt that regenerating and reviving homes which have been empty for a substantial period of time can be beneficial for an area.

“A property that is an eyesore in a village, town or city can only be improved by renovation.”

However, he warns that focusing on the 28,280 homes vacant for over a year misses the broader issue.

He added: “Even if all of these houses are put on the market immediately, this will do little to alleviate the accumulated problems the country currently faces.”

Mr Alexander highlighted that vacancies often stem from legitimate reasons, such as owners being abroad, in hospital, or dealing with complex estate settlements.

House building is needed

He also expressed concern that targeting empty and second homes distracts from the critical need to boost housebuilding.

Mr Alexander said: “While the aims may be laudable, this is not the solution to the current housing emergency.

“The answer is to increase the volume of new home building which would resolve our current housing issues long before reducing the number of empty and second homes and holiday lets would make a small dent in the overall shortages.

“These are sticking plaster solutions to a gaping wound problem.”