Orkney property owners are being offered loans of up to £25,000 to bring homes which have been empty for at least a year back into use, with essential workers given priority for the resulting accommodation.
Orkney Islands Council has launched its new Empty Homes Loan Scheme to help owners meet the cost of repairing and renovating residential properties which have stood empty for at least 12 months.
Loans will be available at an interest rate of 5.5%, with renovated properties expected to meet the required Repairing Standard and become available for affordable private rent.
The scheme attempts to tackle two problems at once by returning existing homes to residential use while increasing the supply of accommodation for workers needed to keep island communities and the local economy functioning.
Priority will be given to housing essential workers, including people employed in health and social care, council services, construction and hospitality, alongside other occupations considered vital to Orkney.
The council is particularly interested in owners of one and two bedroom properties in Kirkwall and Stromness coming forward, although other properties may also be considered.
Funding can be used towards a wide range of work required to bring an empty property up to standard.
Eligible improvements can include electrical work, heating systems, roof repairs, replacement or repairs to windows and doors, damp treatment and other essential work.
Applicants will be supported by the council’s Empty Homes Officer, who can provide an initial assessment of the property, advice about eligible work and information about the responsibilities involved in becoming a landlord.
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the council’s Education, Communities and Housing Committee, said:
“Across Orkney we know there are houses sitting empty that could become much-needed homes for people working in essential roles.
“This new scheme is an opportunity for owners to access financial support to carry out necessary repairs while helping tackle housing pressures and supporting our communities.”
Housing availability has become an increasingly important issue for island communities where attracting workers is only part of the challenge, because employers also need those workers to be able to find somewhere suitable to live.
Bringing an existing empty property back into use can add another home without waiting for new housing to be designed and built, while also preventing properties which may already need attention from deteriorating further.
The council says completed applications, accompanied by all the required supporting information, will normally be assessed within 30 days.
Property owners do not need to begin with a formal application and are being encouraged to speak to the Empty Homes Officer first for an informal discussion about whether their property could qualify.
For Orkney, every suitable property returned to permanent residential use has the potential to provide something increasingly valuable, a home for somebody whose work helps keep the islands running.
More information is available online at https://beta.orkney.gov.uk/emptyhomes
or contact:
Rachael Batty, Empty Homes Officer
Tel: 01856 873535 ext. 2198
Email: rachael.batty@orkney.gov.uk
