Housing / High demand for new Scalloway housing
NEW social housing in Scalloway is in high demand – with nearly 280 applications lodged for just 13 properties.
A mix of one, two, three and four bedrooms flats and houses were recently advertised by Hjaltland Housing Association.
A total of 275 applications were received from 208 separate applicants by last Tuesday’s deadline. This accounts for roughly 30 per cent of all those who have a live housing application with the association.
Eighty five applications were received for six one-bedroom flats, while 98 came in for three two-bedroom homes.
There were 62 applications for three three-bedroom homes, whilst a four bedroom house received 30.
Monthly rent for the properties will range from around £430 to £540.
Meanwhile a further 12 homes are being offered by Hjaltland to Shetland Islands Council as part of a nomination agreement.
This means the SIC will be looking at its waiting list to determine who will be allocated these 12 properties.
It is a welcome boost to housing numbers in Shetland given the lack of available affordable accommodation.
Hjaltland’s head of housing Ian Bray said: “In terms of demand for affordable accommodation, Scalloway sits only behind Lerwick for our applicants’ preferred location, and it is therefore no surprise we have received such a significant volume of interest.
“Opportunities for folk to source alternative housing solutions are diminishing due to a number of external factors, such as the rise in interest rates and reduced mortgage deals, which directly increases demand for our highly sought after properties.
“This affordable housing scheme at Berryview is another step in the right direction and with our ongoing developments in Brae, Aith and Walls, we will continue to support our local communities across Shetland.”
Contractor E&H began work on the site in spring 2021 after planning permission was granted in 2019.
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