Free helpline set up in bid to bring life back to empty homes

A free helpline has been set up to make it easier for people in Orkney to report empty homes in the area, and for owners to receive help to bring homes back into use.

Set up by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is run by housing charity Shelter Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government, the service also offers access to a free matchmaker service to make it easier for potential buyers of empty homes to pinpoint empty properties whose owners are willing to sell.

Until now, potential buyers who want to buy an empty home needed to register their interest with each individual council area they were interested in buying an empty home in. The process has now been simplified with one central helpline.

To report an empty home, get advice if you are the owner of an empty home or register interest in buying empty properties, people in Orkney can now call 0344 515 1941.

Kristen Hubert of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “We encourage people to call the helpline if they know of a long-term empty home in their area, or if they’re in fact the owner of an empty property. The helpline is manned by expert staff who will discuss all the options available to help transform empty houses back into homes again.

“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.”