SUITABLE housing for the homeless is being sought in Exeter and other parts of the county.

Exeter City Council's Empty Homes Service is searching for empty homes in East Devon, Mid Devon and Teignbridge.

Of the almost 50,000 dwellings in Exeter, 554 have been empty for more than six months.

The most common causes of properties becoming empty are occupants moving into care or dying, repossession or lack of funds to complete renovation projects.

The city council's empty homes service aims to get those homes back into use and help bring down the city's housing waiting list, which currently stands at 5,700 households.

Laura Newton, lead councillor for housing and community involvement, said: "Last year there were 190 households in temporary accommodation and over 5,700 households — over 12,000 individuals — on the housing register.

"Empty properties can attract squatters and criminal activity which costs the taxpayer thousands in emergency service and council time.

"This can also lead to a depreciation of the value of neighbouring buildings by as much as 10 per cent. Vermin and other health and safety issues can also increase.

"An empty property is also a constant drain on the owner, who can lose as much as £10,000 per year through lost rent, repairs and security measures — especially if the property becomes a target for vandals.

"The number of people on the housing waiting list isn't likely to go down in the forseeable future as tough times continue and more families find themselves unable to afford accommodation.

"It is also equally likely that the number of empty properties will increase as owners find themselves short of money to finish building work or unable to sell in the current market. We would be really happy to hear of any empty or abandoned properties in the area."

Details: empty.homes@exeter.gov.uk or 01392 265685.