THERE are more than 90,000 abandoned homes in Scotland – and they could be worth more than £18 billion, according to new research.
The analysis from commercial and residential lender Together found that there are 10,479 vacant homes in Edinburgh alone, which it estimated were worth around £3.6bn.
A poll further found that more than half of people in Scotland (52%) think the number of abandoned buildings in their area is getting worse. A total of 56% of Scots said they see a vacant home every week.
The analysis found that the total volume of vacant homes in Scotland has risen by 5.6% in the last three years.
READ MORE: Glasgow formally declares housing emergency amid increase in homelessness
As of 2023, there were a total of 93,938 residential homes standing empty across Scotland, which Together estimated were worth £18.47bn.
These homes are registered as completely abandoned – with no usual or short-term residents in place, no use as a second home, and no plans for sale or redevelopment.
After Edinburgh, Aberdeen was the area with the most vacant homes, on 7863.
As part of a UK-wide campaign, Together has partnered with BBC Homes under the Hammer host Lucy Alexander to champion the redevelopment of these properties.
Alexander said: “Throughout my TV career, I’ve seen my fair share of once-loved-now-neglected properties, some of which can quickly become an eyesore for local residents.
“It’s a real shame especially as so many people struggle to find affordable housing options and get that first foot onto the property ladder to begin with.
“Spotting those property ‘hidden gems’ can really help potential buyers and developers open the doors to a newfound building opportunity – be it for housing, the creation of a new business or restorative project. So many existing sites today could see their former glory restored and new purpose given if the right support can be put in place.”
In December, charities called on the Scottish Government to declare a national housing emergency, claiming Scotland’s homeless system is at breaking point due to a worsening cost of living crisis and a new Home Office policy that puts refugees on the streets.
Elliot Vure, corporate director at Together, said: “There’s a clear case for addressing and solving the UK’s abandoned and crumbling properties, as our research makes clear.
“Part of the solution could be turning old and disused buildings into much needed homes – although this is by no means a magic bullet. However, it should be a matter of civic pride that we don’t have these towering eyesores as a feature of our towns and cities.
“Although many are way past their best, buildings such these can offer a huge amount of potential for investors and developers with a vision to restore them back to their former glory or repurpose them.
“There also needs to be greater incentives to encourage homebuyers and investors to make the most of the more than 93,000 empty homes across Scotland.
“In both cases, we need a joined up and pragmatic approach from the property industry and government allowing us to reap the rewards of wider economic benefits, while preserving our architectural heritage and creating places for people to live.”
Together’s analysis on the number of empty homes in Scotland uses Scottish Government data as well as figures from local authorities. The expected average prices of the empty properties were estimated using HM Land Registry data.
Polling was conducted by Censuswide research between February 21 and 23, 2024 among 2005 UK adults and is weighted to be nationally representative.
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