Dundee welcomes reduction in number of empty homes

Figures published by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership show that while the council is tackling the issue, most of the empty homes in the city have been unoccupied for more than 12 months.

Figures from September 2024 showed that there were 43,538 empty homes in Scotland. Of these, 31,596 were classed as long-term empty (residential properties liable for council tax that had been unoccupied for 12 months or longer).

In Dundee, there were 1,014 total empty homes, of which 557 were categorised as long-term.

This represents a reduction of 1,724, or more than half, when compared with the September 2023 figure. Most of the unoccupied homes are in private ownership and have been empty for 12 months or more.

The figures come almost a year after Dundee City Council’s Empty Homes Strategy was approved.

Kevin Cordell, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee, said: “While these figures are a step in the right direction, and are a testament to the hard work that the council is putting into tackling this, it is critical that we continue to use every tool at our disposal to address the issues our communities face.

“These figures show that just over 1.4% of the 71,700 homes in the city are unoccupied at any one time, which compares favourably with other council areas, but we need as many homes as possible to help meet housing need and reduce homelessness.

“Our focus is on bringing as many empty homes back into use as possible so that there is more housing available to meet people’s needs, less intervention by the council and emergency services, improved appearance of our communities and a more consistent financial return for owners.

“Looking to the future I am happy to reaffirm our commitment to tackling the issue of long-term empty homes across the city.”