Plockton three-bed cottage listed for £525,000 raises concerns for affordable housing in the Highlands
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CONCERNS have again been raised about the affordability of housing in the Highlands after a Plockton three-bed, two-bathroom house was listed for more than half a million pounds.
The cottage on Plockton's Harbour Stree twas put on the market on August 23 for £525,000, and immediately gained a strong reaction from Wester Ross locals.
The building is listed as boasting scenic views of Lochcarron, oak flooring and a raised balcony. But some in Plockton argue that the property is not affordable to any locals.
One woman writing on social media said: "How on earth can locals stay in the area!" Another replied: "They can't."
The soaring price of housing can be seen across the Highlands, another Highland community have taken it into their own hands to 'rebalance' community housing currently dominated by short term lets.
Councillor Liz Kraft, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochaber, said: "We need to encourage our young families to stay and work in the area and affordable housing is essential for this. I am aware that in some places in Wester Ross over 50 per cent of homes are either second homes or short term lets (STLs).
"Highland council is currently piloting a STL control area in Badenoch and Strathspey, which is in addition to the STL licensing scheme that is being implemented across Scotland. We have been asked as councillors to consider a similar pilot in the Plockton area, and we are currently waiting the outcome of the pilot scheme before we take anything forward.
"However, the lack of housing is impacting on recruitment of carers and making attracting much needed workers and trades people back into the area very difficult."
MSP Maree Todd said: “In the Highlands, we have labour shortages in sectors such as the NHS, hospitality and construction. Without affordable and available housing to support people to live, work and study here, our rural communities, local services and economic growth are all under threat.
“The Scottish Government is committed to addressing depopulation by increasing affordable housing stocks. By 2032, 110,000 affordable homes will be delivered across Scotland – with at least 10 per cent in remote, rural and island areas.
“We also need to strike the right balance with tourism. While we know short-term lets can contribute to the Highland economy, their concentration in certain areas is impacting on housing availability. The introduction of the short-term lets licensing scheme aims to mitigate this issue, while also improving standards across the sector.
“Proposals to raise council tax on vacant and second homes are also under consideration. The additional funds generated would then be directed towards affordable housing projects, helping to increase housing availability and support the sustainability of our communities.”
According to property website Zoopla, where the house is listed, estimates that the average price of properties in the IV52 postcode area is £253,000 over the last 12 months.
Zoopla has also recently stated that the rise in mortgage rates means it is now cheaper to rent a home than to buy one, for the first time since 2010. The property website said the that the average monthly rent in the UK is £1163, meanwhile average mortgage re–payments have risen to £1285 for first–time buyers on a 15 per cent deposit.
The Plockton house has an F grade Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). However the EPC also estimates that the house has the potential to become C grade.
Councillor Isabelle Campbell, Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, said: "This is an ridiculous price for a house in Plockton. What local can afford this price? The problem there is building more affordable housing is the money the Scottish Government is giving the housing associations to build houses does not come near what contractors are now wanting to build affordable houses."
