Glasgow City Council is stepping up its efforts to tackle the city’s housing crisis by urging the owners of thousands of empty homes to either sell or rent out their properties. SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly is calling on the owners of more than 2,500 vacant properties in Glasgow to utilise council support to bring these homes back into use.
Kelly, who serves as the convener for housing and development at the local authority, revealed that letters are being dispatched to the owners of vacant properties, urging them to take action and outlining the assistance that the council can provide. The move comes as Glasgow continues to grapple with a shortage of housing, with around 7,000 homeless applications and over 4,000 households residing in temporary accommodations.
The councillor stressed the urgency of the situation, highlighting that while there are thousands of empty homes in the city, the demand for housing has persistently outstripped the supply. He emphasised the need for swift action, stating, “Addressing the thousands of vacant properties in Glasgow could be one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways of making a major impact.”
In 2023, Glasgow declared a housing emergency due to unprecedented pressures, leading to a surge in rents and a substantial number of unresolved homeless cases. To combat this issue, the council has increasingly resorted to compulsory purchase orders to bring vacant properties back into use. However, Kelly expressed a preference for supporting owners in selling or letting their properties, offering practical aid for necessary investments in homes requiring repair or renovation.
The councillor highlighted that the council is willing to facilitate connections between property owners and potential investors for sales, as well as provide resources for private landlords looking to rent out properties. Moreover, he mentioned discounts on repairs and renovations, along with assistance in navigating relevant processes provided by council officers.
In summary, Glasgow City Council is actively engaging with property owners to address the housing crisis in the city by encouraging the sale or rental of vacant properties, thereby aiming to increase the supply of housing and alleviate homelessness in the region.