Scotland’s empty homes crisis is focus at upcoming event

Hosted at the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) headquarters in Livingston, its Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be centred on delivering empty homes back into communities.

Those attending on 23 October will hear directly from influential organisations including the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, Homeless Network Scotland, SFHA and others as well as leaders driving innovation across the housing sector.

Lesley Peaty, regional director at SPA, said: “The scale of long-term vacant homes in Scotland is deeply concerning, but what’s even more important is the opportunity they represent.

“Every empty property has the potential to become a secure, warm home for someone in need.

“That’s what this event is all about, not just discussing ideas in theory, but exploring practical guidance and next steps to manage voids, streamline renovations and create a sustainable pipeline of homes that are returned to the heart of our communities.

“From policy insights to hands-on case studies, we’re hoping that this event will inspire real action, bringing together local government, housing associations, landlords, service providers and third sector trailblazers who are making empty homes part of the solution to the housing crisis.”

Speakers on the day will explore themes ranging from innovative funding and collaborative working to practical tools for cutting rent loss and navigating utility challenges in empty properties.

The event’s core focus is to discuss tangible actions that support the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan and its call to bring more homes back into circulation as quickly as possible.

Tahmina Nizam, national manager of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, will offer a scene-setting overview of the current landscape and future priorities for the sector.

She will be followed by Cassandra Dove from SFHA, who will be delivering critical policy context and funding insights.

Grant Campbell from Homeless Network Scotland will discuss joined-up approaches to housing and homelessness, before a Q&A panel brings together leading voices from all three organisations.

Lesley added: “This is a moment for bold thinking, shared learning and concerted effort - and we believe this event will spark just that.

“This is our eighth AGM and, like every year, we’re lucky to have so much experience and insight in one room.

“I’d encourage anyone who can make it to come along. The more we talk, share ideas and learn from each other, the better placed we are to tackle things together as a sector.”

In the afternoon, attention will turn to delivery on the ground. John Addison of the City of Edinburgh Council will share the council’s direct experience of managing and upgrading empty properties, highlighting how energy efficiency, decoration and maintenance all contribute to a property’s journey back to habitability.

Barry Sweeney of Homes for Good, Scotland’s first social enterprise specialising in providing homes for people on low incomes or benefits, will present a recently completed large-scale renovation project, outlining the steps that made it a success, and the lessons learned for others seeking to replicate it.

Further sessions will tackle practical concerns such as how to minimise rent loss on void properties, manage safety concerns, and overcome common challenges related to utility providers, with insights from Louis Fordham of Orbis Protect and Lewis McKenzie, an energy expert and board director at Kingdom Housing Association.

The AGM takes place at 6 Deer Park Avenue, Fairways Business Park, Livingston EH54 8AF, from 10:00am to 2:30pm on Thursday 23 October 2025. Spaces are extremely limited and early registration is encouraged.