In a heartwarming story, Wales Online reported how Gethin Jones shared his experience of receiving a council grant funded by second home owners, which enabled him to renovate an empty property and fulfil his dream of becoming a homeowner. Gethin’s story unfolded in the picturesque town of Chwilog, near Pwllheli, where the house he purchased had been vacant for over a year and required extensive refurbishment.
With the assistance of the council’s grant scheme aimed at alleviating the housing crisis in Cyngor Gwynedd, Gethin was able to make vital repairs to the property and prepare it for his family’s future. Expressing his gratitude, Gethin highlighted the significance of being able to raise his child in an area close to their families, saying, “We both grew up close to Chwilog and it means a lot to us to be able to stay close to our families and raise our child in an area we know and love.”
Cyngor Gwynedd has further extended its Empty Homes Grants Scheme by offering an extra £5,000 to individuals interested in transforming vacant properties into habitable homes. The initiative aims to address the issue of unoccupied houses in Gwynedd, a region burdened with a significant number of empty properties compared to its population size. The funds for the grant scheme are generated through a Council Tax premium on second homes, currently set at 150% in Gwynedd.
Previously capped at £15,000, the maximum grant amount has now been increased to £20,000 to accommodate rising costs of renovations and services. The grant scheme, which was initially targeted at first-time purchasers, has been expanded to include all eligible buyers in the community. This broader scope reflects the council’s commitment to facilitating access to affordable housing within Gwynedd.
Gethin expressed his appreciation for the transformative impact of the grant, emphasizing how it accelerated essential repairs to the property and enabled him to establish a comfortable family home. The grant not only facilitated repairs but also helped fulfil the vision of the former owner, who wished to see the property in the hands of local residents.
As part of Gwynedd Council’s broader Housing Action Plan, the Empty Homes Grants Scheme aligns with the council’s efforts to ensure housing availability across communities. Councillor Craig ab Iago, the cabinet member for housing and property, highlighted the urgency of addressing the local housing crisis, citing the disparity between the number of empty properties and the significant demand for housing.
To qualify for Gwynedd’s Empty Homes Grants Scheme, applicants must demonstrate strong community ties and adhere to specific income thresholds. Detailed information on this scheme and other housing initiatives can be found on the Cyngor Gwynedd website, keeping residents updated through their weekly newsletter service. The council’s commitment to addressing housing challenges in Gwynedd reflects a collaborative effort to transform vacant properties into welcoming homes for local families.