11,000 EMPTY HOMES NOW BACK IN USE

Highest number of properties are turned around in a year

- PAUL CARGILL

THE number of long-term empty homes brought back into use in Scotland over the last 15 years is approaching 11,000, according to a report.

The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) said it helped owners reinstate 1875 homes in 2023/24 alone, the highest annual total since the organisation was established in 2010. It brings the total to 10,889.

The SEHP is funded by the Scottish Government and supports its commitment to bring more empty homes back into use as affordable housing where possible.

The Scottish Government declared a national housing emergency in May with ministers blaming UK Government budget cuts and austerity.