Leasing or selling your property to us

Property Purchase Scheme

This scheme is used when there are limited options for renting or building. It helps meet the need for affordable housing by:

  • Buying housing for social rent in communities where there is a high need for housing alongside limited supply options
  • Helping maintain or create viable sustainable communities
  • Making good use of empty homes

How the scheme works

The property must meet these criteria to be considered:

  • the Council has identifed funding
  • it is in sound order with the main elements (roof, kitchen, bathroom, windows, doors and heating) having a reasonable life left in them
  • it can be purchased, brought up to and, maintained at our expected property and energy efficiency standards for a reasonable cost which also represents value for money
  • there is strong evidence that the property will meet an unmet housing need
  • no potential difficulties around managing and maintaining (due to adjoining properties for example)
  • the seller has made their own arrangements for re-housing and if tenanted, no tenants should be required to leave

In exceptional cases, this scheme may be used to unlock strategic regeneration or development projects.

Funding is currently very limited. Only exceptional cases will be considered.

The incentives to owners are:

  • no marketing and home report fees
  • we organise and cover the costs of surveys and valuations
  • simplicity e.g. no buying chain; no multiple viewing
  • no obligation to accept if we make you an offer
  • you avoid premium empty / second property council tax payments

If your property meets this criteria,get in touch.Tell us about the criteria it meets.

Contact us at housing.development@highland.gov.uk