FAMILIES are being offered thousands of pounds to let out their homes to visitors who want to jet to Glasgow for next summer's Commonwealth Games.

A city wide search for 200 properties has been launched by businessman Mark Hanlon, who reckons hesitant home owners, slow off the mark, could lose out on a small fortune.

Letting homes to spectators at major sports events is big business and one man in King's Park will be banking £5000 after agreeing to give up his five-bed home to a family from abroad.

While his house guests will be in Glasgow for the 11-day sports extravaganza he will be holidaying with his family in Florida.

Another West End property owner will be sunning himself in Italy after agreeing to let his home.

And today Mr Hanlon appealed to more city home owners to cash-in on the Games.

He said: "We've been signed up by an international sports federation and need 200 homes in Glasgow.

"Ideally, they will be within 20 minutes' distance from one of the venues. For example, Mount Florida and Battlefield would be ideal for Hampden Park.

"So far I have 18 home owners on our books, but I really could do with a lot more. But the people of Glasgow don't seem to realise just how quickly the Games will come around.

It's not just spectators from abroad who are searching for a temporary home in the city. The families of many of the athletes and officials - more than 6000 are due to arrive in Glasgow next summer - and they are all keen to find accommodation, from one-bedroomed flats to large houses.

One hotspot for Mark is the city's West End. It's not just sought after by residents living elsewhere in Glasgow but also visitors keen to find a "home from home."

Mark added: "I've just signed up a man from King's Park who has a five bedroomed house. He's being paid £5000, which is an awful lot of money. While the Games are on he will be in Florida with his family.

"I just hope others come forward and don't hang back. I'm really worried people will miss out on a small fortune because they were too hesitant. I realise this is a new concept to the people of Glasgow, but it really is a great way to make some serious money and fund a nice holiday."

His appeal comes after the Evening Times revealed two months ago how Glasgow's hotels are fully booked for the Games, with thousands of rooms snapped up by tour operators and big corporations who have made block bookings.

Despite the city having more than 40 hotels offering more than 11,000 rooms, some sports fans were turned away less than a week after being told their ticket applications for a range of events had been successful. Some furious fans were being quoted prices of up to £800 a night for a room.

However, thousands of rooms are expected to become available in the coming weeks as tour operators and corporations review the number of rooms they actually need.

Interested home owners can contact Mr Hanlon on his info@commonwealth letting.co.uk website.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk