So create a tax for leaving property empty and use that to fund programs to address homelessness.
There are plenty of solutions which aren’t permitting theft.
Banning short term rentals for instance would be pretty effective. There could be other side effects but it’d certainly lead to many second homes being sold.
> We aren't paying low, the problem is the crazy rent market.
I sympathise with this. My assumption would be that imposing punitive taxes on unoccupied properties is the most realistic solution.
If that forces people to sell, supply goes up. If people continue as they were, there’s more money available to do something with.