South Ayrshire’s empty housing strategy has been boosted by the implementation of a match making service which unites buyers and sellers.

The new service is aiming to bring empty properties back into use, whether they require repair work or are in walk-in condition.

This increases the market exposure for sellers, while buyers are provided with a database of empty properties that may not be registered with an estate agent.

The Council's loan scheme offers interest free loans to owners of empty properties which is intended to allow owners of unused accommodation the opportunity to bring them up to an acceptable living standard.

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South Ayshire Council then rents the property for use as mid market rent or temporary homeless accommodation with the intention of managing and maintaining the property for a period of three to five years.

The scheme follows the Council’s securing of £414,271 from the Scottish Government's Innovation Fund. The Council says the idea has now been adopted by the Government as a model of best practice.

A £4m loan scheme is now being offered to other local authorities to develop similar initiatives.

Councillor Philip Saxton, Portfolio Holder for Housing commented: "There are just over 500 empty properties in South Ayrshire and we're determined to bring them back into use as homes for people who need a high quality place to live."

Further to the loan scheme, the Council is also offering advice and guidance to landlords free of charge.

Councillor Saxton continued: "This trio of measures, matchmaking, loan and advice is targeted at getting people into homes in South Ayrshire and will be of direct benefit to all sellers, landlords, tenants and the homeless and will help ease the pressure on housing waiting lists."

He concluded: "Nobody wants to live near or next door to an empty property that may be falling into disrepair, or attracting vandalism."

(IT)