A CAMPAIGN has been launched to revive Scotland’s ‘hidden gem’ properties — including here in Dumfries and Galloway.
Currently there are 3636 empty properties in this region, worth £586,524,066.
The study by property lender Together also found there has been a 6.9 per cent rise in the volume of empty homes locally since 2021.
And nationally there are over 93,000 sat abandoned and derelict with a value of £18.5bn if redeveloped.
As such, BBC’s Homes under the Hammer host Lucy Alexander, above, is backing the Hidden Gems campaign and calling for redevelopment support to breathe new life into existing sites.
Analysis from Together found thousands of homes are registered as completely ‘abandoned’ – with no usual or short-term residents in place, or use as a second home, without any clarity on plans for sale or redevelopment.
And, the total volume of vacant homes in Scotland has risen by 5.6 per cent in the last three years.
However, 41 per cent say they have already purchased or would consider buying or investing in an abandoned building to renovate it. A further 11 per cent are keen to pursue plans provided the right finance is in place, with three per cent planning to do so this year.
Elliot Vure, corporate director at Together, said: “There’s a clear case for addressing and solving the UK’s abandoned and crumbling properties, as our research makes clear. Part of the solution could be turning old and disused building into much needed homes – although this is by no means a magic bullet.
“However, it should be a matter of civic pride that we don’t have these towering eyesores as a feature of our towns and cities.
“Although many are way past their best, buildings such these can offer a huge amount of potential for investors and developers with a vision to restore them back to their former glory or repurpose them. There also needs to be greater incentives to encourage homebuyers and investors to make the most of the more than 93,000 empty homes across Scotland.”
Lucy Alexander added: “Throughout my TV career, I’ve seen my fair share of once-loved-now-neglected properties; some of which can quickly become an eyesore for local residents.
“It’s a real shame especially as so many people struggle to find affordable housing options and get that first foot onto the property ladder to begin with. Spotting those property ‘hidden gems’ can really help potential buyers and developers open the doors to a newfound building opportunity. So many existing sites today could see their former glory restored and new purpose given if the right support can be put in place.”
