In line with the theme of conference, Learning from the Past – Visions for the Future, the minister will share his insight into the successes of Scottish empty homes work to date and the crucial part it plays in Scotland’s housing future.

The 13th Scottish Empty Homes Conference is hosted by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP), which said it has been proud to work with the minister throughout his time in office, and looks forward to welcoming him to the conference this year.

The partnership exists to encourage and support work to bring Scotland’s 46,000 empty homes back into use as part of solving the housing emergency. At a time of growing housing need, the role that bringing empty homes back into use can play has never been more important.

In 2023 SEHP launched the Strategic Empty Homes Framework, which provides local authorities with the tools needed to develop a strategic approach to empty homes work linking it to the delivery of wider housing commitments. The conference will look at how the framework is being used across the country, as well as a much-anticipated panel session on how empty homes work can help meet growing housing need.

The conference will also hear from several of Scotland’s Empty Homes Officers (EHOs) and third-sector organisations who have been working in partnership with SEHP to get properties back into use across the country for people who need them most.

Also returning this year are the Scottish Empty Homes Awards. This year’s awards are sponsored by Scottish property experts and auctioneers, Auction House Scotland. The awards recognise best practice in empty homes work and for the first time this year there is an award for members of the public who have overcome significant challenges in making an empty property a home again.

The full agenda for the 13th Scottish Empty Homes Conference is available here.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “Tackling empty homes is a priority for the Scottish Government. We are clear that making better use of our existing stock will help increase the supply of warm, safe and secure housing for those in need and we are taking action to deliver this.

“The independent empty homes audit published in September highlights broad support for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership approach and the critical role of empty homes officers. They should be proud of their achievements – more than 9,000 properties brought back in use as homes, but we recognise there is more to do.

“The evidence gathered helps us to better understand the progress that has been made and the challenges that lie ahead. The annual conference provides a great opportunity to come together and discuss all of this.”

Lisa Borthwick, SEHP national manager, said: “SEHP has been proud to work with Minister McLennan during his time in office and we could not be happier that he has agreed to be our keynote speaker at conference this year.

“As Scotland’s housing minister, he is at the forefront of our housing issues and has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities present throughout Scottish housing, including the role played by empty homes work.

“We look forward to welcoming him to our conference and to him sharing the benefit of his insight and experience.”