Dornoch community group offers affordable plots in town to enable eligible local people to build their own homes
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A rare opportunity has arisen in Dornoch for eligible local people seeking to build their own homes.
Dornoch & District Community Association (DADCA) is putting five affordable self-build plots on Elizabeth Crescent up for sale at £25,000 each.
The move follows a community asset transfer of land from Highland Council.
Full planning permission has been granted for homes up to two storeys in height.
Priority in allocating the plots will be given to local residents who need a stable, long-term home.
The sales will generate income for DADCA to use on further community projects
The Communities Housing Trust (CHT), who have supported DADCA to acquire the plots, will allocate the plots independently on DADCA’s behalf.
CHT will apply the Rural Housing Burden which applies a discount percentage to the plots.
The Burden is a legal title condition which helps to ensure affordability in perpetuity, and prioritises local communities. This helps to protect housing stock for local residents, as well as to limit second and holiday home ownership.
Prospective self-builders may also find the Self-Build Loan Fund useful. A national scheme administered by CHT on behalf of the Scottish Government, the fund provides loans to people who have been refused mainstream self-build mortgage finance. Applications to the fund are open until August 31.
Carol Mackay, co-chair of DADCA, said: “We are delighted to have secured this land as a community asset and to know that the plots will be made available at a discounted price to local families who meet the criteria set down by Communities Housing Trust.”
CHT chief executive Ronnie MacRae said: “Self-build is sometimes the only option in small communities where other options are limited, and we’re pleased to be supporting the plots in Dornoch which will in turn support further positive community work in the area.”
A full brochure and application form will be available soon. Anyone interested can register their details here.
