The first 10 homes in a “truly transformative” housing development in Fort William have been handed over.
The development, a partnership between Link Group, the Scottish Government, and The Highland Council, in Upper Achintore, will see 82 semi-detached and terraced houses, bungalows and cottage flats built as part of a 300-home masterplan development.
The first 10 properties were handed over on Friday, December 1. The first phase of development will comprise 55 social rent properties, 19 mid-market rent, and eight homes for purchase through the New Supply Shared Equity scheme (NSSE), one of the many options the Scottish Government operates to assist those on moderate to low incomes with owning their own homes.
Buying through a shared equity scheme means you pay for the majority share of the property – usually through a combination of deposit and mortgage – and the Scottish Government provides funding for the remaining share.
The Scottish Government holds its share under ‘a shared equity agreement’, which is repaid either by increasing your share over time or when the property is sold.
Colin Culross, Link group commercial director, said: “These houses will help people and families stay in Fort William, which will be a real boost to the town, as it will mean jobs will remain in the area, businesses will thrive, and those living in these new homes can enjoy a fantastic new home in this picturesque part of Scotland.”
Highland Council’s housing and property committee chairperson, councillor Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “Affordable and accessible housing is a key priority in the council’s programme and the Upper Achintore development is a prime example of how we can reinvigorate and make positive changes to increase the much needed housing stock in the Fort William area.
“Despite a buoyant economy and tourism market in the Lochaber area, retention and recruitment of staff is a problem due to a lack of suitable housing and can inhibit the economic growth potential of an area, however developments such as this and other Fort William housing projects will help with housing availability.
“Highland Council, alongside our partners will continue to work to build a portfolio of housing stock to enable people to have viable options available to them and we look forward with optimism to see the developments complete and for the
opportunities that these new homes will offer.”
The eight shared equity houses for sale comprise four, two-bedroom and four three- bedroom houses valued at £175,000 (buyer contributions between £105,000 and £140,000) and £205,000 (buyer contributions between £123,000 and £164,000), respectively and are now open for reservations.
Completions are scheduled for March 2024 for the 19 mid-market rent and eight shared equity properties, providing a perfect opportunity for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. The remaining 45 social rent properties will be handed over in phases from April 2024, until completion in June 2024.
Once the development is complete, a section of Connichie Road will be renamed Neil Clark Way. Neil Clark devoted his life to Fort William Shinty Club, raising funds and helping the club reach the top tier of the sport. He was an engineer for 30 years until his retirement and was a councillor for both Lochaber District Council, serving as Chairman from 1993 to 1996, and Highland Council, standing down in 2007.
For more information and to register for the Upper Achintore mailing list for NSSE properties visit Upper Achintore, Fort William, Highlands | Link Housing