Angus Council Empty homes grant fund
This fund offers grant subsidy to help owners renovate homes that have been registered empty for six months or longer. Grant subsidy will only be awarded in areas and for property types for which Angus Council consider there is a demonstrable demand for housing.
The maximum grant award is £7,500 per bedroom with an expectation that owners will make a financial contribution of at least 50% towards the total work costs.
The grant must be used to bring an unoccupied property up to meet repairing standards and make it fit for occupation. Once an unoccupied property has been renovated it must be let out at or below Local Housing Allowance levels for the relevant property size for a minimum of five years. Owners are committed to renting their property to anyone working with the housing service to explore their housing options.
To be considered the following criteria must be met:
- the property must be registered unoccupied for six months or longer
- there must be an expectation that the property would remain empty long term without additional funding support
- the property must not be in a state of repair suitable for letting at the time the bid is submitted
- for security purposes, any owner must have equity in the property that is at least double that of any grant bid
To find out more email emptyhomes@angus.gov.uk
Angus Council Empty homes loan fund
This fund offers low interest loans from £5000 to £17,000 to help owners renovate homes that have been registered empty for six months or longer.
The loan must be used to bring an unoccupied property up to meet repairing standards and make it fit for occupation. Once an unoccupied property has been renovated it must be let out at or below Local Housing Allowance levels for the relevant property size for a minimum of five years.
To be considered the following criteria must be met:
- the property must be registered unoccupied for six months or longer
- there must be an expectation that the property would remain empty long term without additional funding support
- the property must not be in a state of repair suitable for letting at the time the bid is submitted
- for security purposes, any owner must have equity in the property that is at least double that of any loan bid.
To find out more email emptyhomes@angus.gov.uk
Angus Council Property Matchmaker Scheme
This scheme matches owners looking to sell their property with parties with an interest in purchasing empty property.
It can be used when a property requires some form of repair works or if the property is in a condition that is ready to move into.
We hold two lists; one of potential buyers and one of selling owners. We have information related to property type, approximate purchase price, and advisory lists of works that are required.
When the empty homes officer spots a match between an empty home for sale and a buyer’s requirement, the empty home owner and the buyer will receive each other’s details to follow-up.
Please note that the Property Matchmaker is not an estate agency, and all negotiations and sales processes take place between seller and buyer. We recommend that anyone who is seeking to sell their property obtains independent professional valuation and legal advice.
To find out more email emptyhomes@angus.gov.uk
VAT reductions on renovations
If you are bringing a home that has been empty for two years or more back into use then you may be eligible to receive a reduced rate of VAT on eligible renovation works. For more information visit HM Revenues & Customs VAT Notice 708 – building and construction.
To access this discount a VAT registered contractor must be used. A similar scheme is also available for properties that have been unoccupied for over 10 years.
The council can provide an owner with an evidence letter highlighting the last date of occupation.
To find out more email emptyhomes@angus.gov.uk
Discounted merchant rates
Through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership practitioners have secured discounted rates for empty home owners at a number of national builders merchants. These companies can supply products that should enable owners to address most repairs and improvements.
An up to date list of participating merchants and services is available at the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.
Scottish Governments Rural Housing Fund
The primary aim of the Scottish Government Rural Housing Fund is to increase the long term availability of residential housing of all tenures in Scotland. This means, for example providing support to increase the number of rural empty properties brought back into use for affordable rent or sale.
Applications to the fund must come from eligible organisations. Individuals or loose individuals (for example certain types of clubs) would not be eligible to submit an application.
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