HERE we go again. Yet another shrill call to end the ongoing housing crisis (October 15).

This time, because it's nothing new – it's been put back on the housing agenda so many times before, ease the current housing crisis by tackling the 'issue of empty homes'.

A marvellous idea in theory.

But in practice, it doesn't really solve the basic problem.

Building lots of houses that those on low incomes can either rent or buy is the answer. 'Affordable'.

Yes, there are lots of empty properties everywhere – including Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester.

Some owned by local councils, many more privately owned. Why?

But more importantly, why do many people who own one property or several (I put my hand up and include myself here) either mortgaged or owned outright, keep them empty instead of renting them out to provide a home for a family?

Putting to one side the contentious issue of holiday homes, many property owners (again, myself included) buy property and leave it empty simply because during these times of soaring property prices in some parts of the UK, it makes perfect sense to utilise this investment choice rather than put large sums of your cash in the bank.

Where of course, current interest rates given to depositors is derisory.

And it looks unlikely that interest rates for savers will rise any time soon.

And interest rates are partly the key to prevent soaring house prices and high rents.

If interest rates were to rise to six or seven per cent or so and stay there, it would not only force property prices to drop significantly, it would also tempt those who put their cash into buying houses into keeping their cash on deposit at the bank.

At the moment in the current financial situation, even leaving a property empty for two years and paying a Council Tax Premium of 150 per cent. Is not really a deterrent to prevent property owners from leaving houses empty. It's not a deterrent to me.

But what a lot of people don't realise, is that when you rent out a property, it is not all roses around the door.

As bad not-paying-the-rent type tenants are rife.

Yes, there are good tenants too.

However, it's much easier and a lot less complicated to leave a property empty. No, it is not a moral thing to do, but everyone has to make choices.

ANDREW MARTIN

Weymouth