ANGUS Council is launching a £100,000 campaign to bring long-term unoccupied properties back into residential use.
Owners of an empty property that has lain empty for at least six months are eligible to apply to the fund, which launches on February 1. Currently, there is an estimated 1,200 empty homes in Angus.
The local authority said grants will be awarded on a discretionary basis for property types which it considers that there is a demonstrable demand for housing. Grant subsidy is capped at a maximum of £7,500 per bedroom and is directed at necessary improvements to bring properties up to a standard that is fit for occupation.
On completion of the project, successful applicants must then rent the property out as an affordable housing for a minimum period of five years.
Communities convener at Angus Council, councillor Mark Salmond, said, “We are determined to increase the supply and availability of affordable housing for individual people and families in Angus.
“Building affordable homes that people are proud to call home is one way we can and do achieve this. But we must not ignore the 1,200 or so empty properties that, with our support, can provide vital housing for those in need of a home.
“An empty home can have a negative impact on a neighbourhood and so this is money well spent – not just in support of people and families, but for our communities too. By reducing the number of empty homes in Angus, we make our communities better, more attractive and vibrant places to live.”
