A local dad in Wales has shared how a council grant, funded by premiums on second home owners, allowed him to renovate an empty property, enabling him and his partner to become homeowners in their childhood area. Gethin Jones expressed gratitude for the grant from Cyngor Gwynedd, which helped renovate a vacant house in Chwilog, near Pwllheli, where the couple is looking forward to starting a new chapter as a family with a baby on the way. The council announced an additional £5,000 grant for individuals interested in similar projects to address the housing crisis in the county.
Cyngor Gwynedd’s Empty Homes Grants Scheme aims to assist residents in transforming vacant properties into habitable dwellings. With thousands of unoccupied houses in Gwynedd, the county is considered the “empty property capital of the UK,” with over 6,000 vacant homes. Nearly 170 residents have already benefited from the grant scheme since its launch in 2021, funded by a Council Tax premium on second homes, currently set at 150% in Gwynedd. The grant amount has been increased from £15,000 to £20,000 to accommodate rising costs of goods and services.
Gethin highlighted the significance of the grant in completing essential repairs on the property swiftly, such as installing new windows, rebuilding the chimney, and electrical work, making the house ready for their family’s future. The Empty Homes Grants Scheme, initially targeted at first-time buyers like Gethin, is now open to all eligible buyers, including properties that were once second homes. Councillor Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for housing and property, emphasised the critical need to address the housing crisis in the county, with thousands of empty homes while many residents face homelessness.
To qualify for the grant scheme, applicants must have strong ties to the community where the property is located, with household incomes below £60,000. The grant is part of Gwynedd Council’s £140m Housing Action Plan, alongside other national initiatives to rehabilitate vacant properties. The council aims to support a variety of housing needs, whether for first-time homebuyers or families in need of larger accommodations. Detailed information on housing initiatives, including the Empty Homes Grants Scheme, can be found on the Cyngor Gwynedd website, with updates available through their newsletter service, ensuring residents stay informed on the latest developments.