Self-build loan fund extended across Scotland
The Scottish Government's £4m loan fund for people who want to build their own homes is now open for applications to people across Scotland.
Piloted in the Highlands, the self-build loan fund is a response to the increasing difficulty facing people who want to build their own homes in obtaining a mortgage. Self-build is a traditional form, and at times the only form, of housing supply in many parts of rural Scotland and the islands, but ministers have decided to roll it out across the country.
The Highland Small Communities Housing Trust, which ran the pilot, will administer the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Loans are available for eligible urban or rural self-builders who are unable to access standard bank lending to support build completion. The fund runs until 31 August 2021 and the maximum loan available is £175,000.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart commented: “We know that people are interested in building their own homes, and in some cases, it is the best way for families to tailor their homes to their needs. However, we also know that it can be tough to secure funding and get the right advice, which is why we set up the self-build loan fund to help those that need to access finance.
“Following a successful pilot in the Highlands, we decided to roll the fund out to people across the country. This is now open for applications and I want to see people across Scotland apply and make full use of this fund.”
The Trust's chief executive, Ronnie MacRae added:
“Whilst not yet back to where it was, self/custom-build is again a growing market and we're excited to be working with Scottish Government and a range of partners to ensure that this remains the case and self/custom-build goes from strength to strength as a housing option.”