People across Scotland are facing rising rents, long waiting lists and housing insecurity, while thousands of homes lie empty.
Now, new momentum is building behind a plan to change that.
Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands, Ariane Burgess, has secured a major step forward after sustained pressure on the Scottish Government to act on underused housing stock.
The Government has now confirmed that its latest consultation on compulsory purchase reform will include questions on Compulsory Sale Orders (CSOs) and Compulsory Lease Orders (CLOs), tools that could give councils new powers to unlock empty homes.
These powers would allow local authorities to force the sale or rental of long-term vacant properties, helping bring them back into use for those in need.
“Councils should have the powers to order the owner of an unused property to either sell it or rent it,” said Ms Burgess.
“This could help us turn more empty properties into homes.
“We must open every possible avenue to creating more homes in Scotland.”
Currently, councils can purchase properties, but many are not making full use of that power.
“CSOs and CLOs would offer a faster and more targeted approach, especially in areas with high levels of housing need.
The new proposals have now been included in the Government’s public consultation on compulsory purchase reform, which follows questions lodged by Ms Burgess in Parliament and her ongoing push to include CSOs and CLOs in the upcoming Land Reform Bill.
“I’m delighted the Scottish Government has listened,” she said.
“For too long, valuable housing stock has sat unused while people struggle to find secure, affordable homes.”
She called the powers essential to restoring fairness in Scotland’s housing system.
“This is about ensuring that land and property serve the public good, not just private profit.
“Where someone is holding multiple empty properties, a CSO or CLO would give the council the power to act and share the value of that home with the community.”
Ms Burgess said the powers could help tackle homelessness, regenerate communities, and help make Scotland fairer.
The consultation is now live and open to the public through the Scottish Government’s Citizen Space website
