Empty Homes Could Hold Key To Homelessness

Homeless numbers could be eased across Scotland by renovating and selling 27,000 homes that are currently sitting empty.

They have a collective value of £4.3bn, according to housing charity Shelter. They are calling on owners of unoccupied properties to get them back on the market.

Over 2600 homeless applications have been made in Fife over the last year. 325 children are among those living in 545 temporary households in Fife.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: "Bringing Scotland’s empty homes back into use represents great value for money but it also provides homes to families and individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford a home of their own, or would be forced into expensive private rents.
 
"Not only have empty homes projects across Scotland helped over 1,000 families and individuals realise their dream of a home, empty homes work across Scotland has assisted the owners of these properties to make the most of their assets, while regenerating local communities and neighbourhoods.
 
"While we acknowledge that empty homes alone cannot solve Scotland’s housing crisis, they can be part of the solution to finding permanent and affordable homes to the 150,000 families and individuals across the country on waiting lists."