Council Invest More in Empty Homes

A pilot project for bringing empty houses back into use is to be extended for a further three years. A £500,000 pot was provided in 2021 for encouraging property owners to renovate empty – and often derelict – houses and flats so they could be used for social rent. The scheme has so far supported 19 different properties across the Borders becoming habitable again.

Members of the council’s Executive have agreed to spend a further £700,000 on the Empty Homes Grant Scheme with an aim of supporting a further 28 housing projects.

Berwickshire councillor Carol Hamilton wants owners of empty properties to get in touch: “We’ve got great support from the council and we have great support from people who have empty homes who want to see them renovated, and living in them. So, to anyone who has an empty home and would like to be part of the new project, I’d say we would welcome some dialogue.”