SNP MSP welcomes reduction in second homes – “The result of good SNP policy”

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed new statistics which show the number of second homes and long-term empty properties has fallen across Scotland following the introduction of new measures to curb their growth.

Scottish Government figures released this week show that the total number of second homes and properties that have been empty upwards of six months has fallen to 65,144 in 2024, from a high of 71,799 in 2020.

The total number of empty properties and second homes in Shetland had risen every year since 2009 until COVID hit. 2023 saw a record high of 807 properties; but that fell to 691, the lowest figure since 2017, last year.

The SNP representative said:

“While there’s still a way to go in making use of empty properties, these figures are very promising and show that the efforts being made by the SNP government to discourage houses being left to lie empty are working.

“The growth in second and empty homes in the islands was out of control, and we saw a worrying trend after COVID of sight-unseen purchases of properties across the region. Now, we’re seeing that growth slow dramatically. This is an example of good policy having a fast and positive effect.

“I hope in a year’s time to be seeing even more houses returned to the market where they may be available for someone to live in and contribute to their local community and economy.”