Vacant and Abandoned Properties: Turning Liabilities Into Assets

Summary

"Highlights
- The absence of universal definitions of vacancy and abandonment complicates efforts to assess the number of vacant and abandoned properties nationally.
- Vacant and abandoned properties are linked to increased rates of crime (particularly arson) and declining property values. The maintenance or demolition of vacant properties is a huge expense for many cities.
- It is critical to match strategies for combating vacancy to neighborhood market conditions."
Text from: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/winter14/highlight1.html