New research has revealed the top five reasons why thousands of privately-owned Scottish homes are left empty for long periods of time.

The data was compiled by Shelter Scotland one year after its empty homes helpline was launched.

Overall, 27,000 homes in Scotland are left empty for six months or longer.

Two of the top reasons are the fear of becoming a landlord and the responsibilities it brings, along with waiting for property prices to rise in order to sell.

In addition, a lack of motivation or know-how was also often quoted as a reason for leaving homes empty for six months or longer, as well as a lack of insurance to cover the cost of repairing a damaged home.

Some owners also admitted they had an emotional attachment to the properties and found it sell, sometime for decades on end.

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One empty home owner did not realise for years that they had inherited a property – worth over £150,000 – after a relative passed away.

Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government and operated by Shelter Scotland, estimate that long-term empty private homes are worth a combined £4.5 billion

It is suggested many of these properties could be brought back into use with the right advice and support for owners/communities.

The cost of refurbishing an empty home ranges between £6,000 - £25,000, while the average cost of building a new home is £100,000.

Since launching in 2010, over 1,750 homes across the country have been brought back into use by the SEHP.

Kristen Hubert from the SEHP, said: "One year on from the launch of the empty homes helpline, we have helped hundreds of owners to start the process of bringing their properties back into use, either for themselves or others in need of a home.

"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, we are here to help find solutions.

"While 27,000 long term empty homes lay empty across Scotland there are 150,000 families and individuals on waiting lists for a home. Making use of the existing housing stock makes both social and economic sense and whilst empty homes alone won't solve Scotland's housing crisis, they can be part of the solution."

(LM)