Matchmakers help to bring empty homes back to life

A DRIVE to find new uses for empty properties in Perth and Kinross has been welcomed.

The Empty Homes Matchmaker service was launched in the area last summer and has already been successful.

As a result, it has been expanded to include every council area in Scotland.

Per th and Kinross Council has joined forces with its counter parts to operate the national scheme.

Previously, potential buyers had to give their details to each local authority area they were interested in.

Now, an agreement has been reached by councils to pass on buyer details, so they only have to apply once to express interest in properties across the country.

Kristen Hubert, empty homes coordinator for Shelter Scotland, said: “I am delighted that local Matchmaker ser vices are now coordinated on a national level, meaning that councils and sellers of empty properties in the Perth and Kinross area have access to potential b u ye r s from across Scotland, not just their own region.

“It’s a very effective solution to tackling part of Scotland’s empty homes problem.

“There are many reasons why a home might be left empty.

“Owners may not have the finances, the time or the skills to complete their plans for the property, or sometimes they simply can’t find a buyer through conventional routes.

“The Matchmaker service allows owners to dip their toe in the water of selling their property, reassuring them that there are developers and other interested buyers out there, before taking the next step.”

Matchmaker introduces buyers looking for an investment or renovation opportunity to those looking to sell empty properties and is part of a campaign to transform empty buildings into homes for people who need them.

Matchmaker services are organised by councils under the guidance of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is run by Shelter Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government.