OIC set up matchmaking scheme for empty homes

Orkney Islands Council has announced a new matchmaking scheme for people looking to buy or sell empty properties in the county.

The council recently became the first island authority to employ an Empty Homes Officer, whose responsibility it is to get many of the empty homes across Orkney occupied through sale or rental.

A recent report highlighted that Orkney has the highest percentage of dwellings in Scotland that are vacant, at 6.9 per cent, and the third highest percentage of dwellings that are second homes at 3.5 per cent.

In 2006 there were 802 homes unoccupied, with 433 empty and 369 being second homes, and in 2016 this had risen to 1151 — 759 empty and 392 second homes. The new Council scheme is primarily targeting the 759 empty properties on the island to try and bring them back into productive use.

Empty Homes Project Officer, Rachael Bowes, is now setting up a scheme which will encourage people to register their interest in either buying or selling a property, with a database then set up to help match up buyers and sellers.

Rachael can also help empty home owners who register to access discounts for renovating their properties, including VAT discounts on restoration works and discounts on materials from recognised retailers.

Rachael will also be liaising with community groups on the inner and outer isles to bring forward potential housing projects.

Rob Crichton is Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee said. He said: “Orkney has a high percentage of homes classed as ‘empty’ and there are a number of area related reasons for this. The Council is committed to bringing long-term empty homes back into use to meet housing needs and we’re delighted to welcome Rachael to the team at the Council to lead this.”

Further details on the matchmaking scheme is available here.