A new Shelter Scotland helpline aim to tackle the estimated 27,000 homes laying empty

A free national helpline has been launched encouraging the public to report empty homes and help bring them back into use.

There are an estimated 27,000 private, empty homes in Scotland which, for one reason or another, are not being lived in.

Shelter Scotland has launched the Scottish Empty Homes Helpline in a bid to bring these homes back into use.

Offering advice for bringing unused homes back to life, the helpline, which is being funded by the Scottish Government, links callers with local officers dedicated to helping owners bring properties back into use.

Whatever the reason for an empty home - help is available

A recent survey by Shelter showed young renters think reducing the number of empty homes would be the most effective way of helping first-time buyers.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “The launch of the national empty homes helpline is another step towards bringing more of Scotland’s 27,000 long-term private empty homes back into use.

“Whatever the reason for an empty home – whether it’s because the owner has sentimental attachment to it or they simply don't have the finances to carry out repair work, help is available.

"Bringing empty homes back into use has many benefits and whilst this alone won’t solve Scotland’s housing crisis, it can be part of the solution.”

The helpline is an extension of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership which, since its launch in 2010, has helped families move into over 900 homes.

Information on locally available funding for empty homes will also be provided by the new service.

Once reports are received through the helpline, an empty homes officer will work to identify and contact owners, as well as working with local authorities to facilitate bringing the property back into use, either through a sale or rental.

The Empty Homes Agency in England has estimated that the cost of refurbishing an empty home is from £6,000 to £25,000.

The average cost of a new build home in Scotland is £100,000.

Minister for housing and welfare, Margaret Burgess, added: “Housing is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s ambitions to create a fairer and more prosperous country.

“This innovative scheme plays a vital part in helping to create more affordable housing in Scotland – it makes absolute sense to make the best use possible of the 27,000 homes lying empty across the country when homelessness still exists.”

The Scottish Empty Homes helpline is 0344 515 2444.