An Empty House Purchase Scheme in North Lanarkshire is proving to be successful, according to the local authority.

The initiative was introduced in 2013 and involves the Council buying long-term privately-owned homes in high demand areas. These properties are then rented out to tenants.

More than 80 applications have been submitted from owners expressing an interest in selling their homes to the Council and to date, seven properties have been purchased while a further four are in the process of being purchased. Work on the homes is currently underway to complete any repair and improvement jobs before re-letting them out to those on the council's waiting list.

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The properties must meet at least one of the specific criteria, such as:

• There is an identified need for the type and size of property, and it is located in a high demand area

• The purchase of the property would give the council complete ownership of a block and allow major common works to proceed, or

• To meet the particular needs of a household which cannot be met from within the existing council stock.

Councillor Sam Love, Convener of Housing and Social Work Services, said: "Given the demand for affordable housing across North Lanarkshire, it's vital we look at ways of increasing the supply of homes in the area.

"We've committed £500,000 to the Empty Home Purchase Scheme to help those in greatest need by providing additional properties for rent. In addition, the Scottish Government is providing funding of £20,000 for every property purchased.

"We are aware of a number of vacant private and ex local authority properties, often in serious disrepair, with owners who have asked if we would be interested in buying back their property. I'm pleased with the scheme's initial success and I'm confident it will continue to go from strength to strength."

(JP/MH)