GAO VACANT PROPERTIES: Growing Number Increases Communities’ Costs and Challenges

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There is a new report by the GAO with regard to the costs of vacant properties inflicted by the national foreclosure crisis.

From the GAO:

According to Census Bureau data, nonseasonal vacant properties have increased 51 percent nationally from nearly 7 million in 2000 to 10 million in April 2010, with 10 states seeing increases of 70 percent or more. High foreclosure rates have contributed to the additional vacancies. Population declines in certain cities and high unemployment also may have contributed to increased vacancies. However, these data do not indicate the number of vacant properties that are inadequately maintained and imposing costs on local governments.

The report can be downloaded here.

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