New affordable homes go for sale

Affordable houses for residents in Perthshire looking to climb on to the housing ladder will become available in Blairgowrie from the summer.

A Perth and Kinross Council shared equity scheme will see 13 homes in the Moyness Park development go for sale, complete with fitted carpets, integrated hobs, ovens and extractors, gas-fired central heating and turfed gardens.

An equity share of between 60-80%, covered by the council, will be on offer, allowing those “struggling” to become homeowners to get themselves on the housing ladder.

The scheme will be available to first-time buyers, but the council has stressed it will give priority to social renters, disabled people, members of the armed forces and veterans who have been retired from service for less than two years and widows and widowers.

The scheme means the Scottish Government will own a share of the house, so those taking advantage of the 60% equity scheme will be responsible for funding 60% of the property.

Council housing convener Lib Dem Peter Barrett said: “This will give an opportunity to firsttime buyers who may otherwise find it difficult to afford to buy a home and to people who need to move home to suit their circumstances but can’t quite afford a new property.

“We are committed to giving people access to the housing they need at an affordable price.”