The RHOG scheme aims to allow people in rural areas who have low incomes and are first time buyers to build or purchase their own homes. The grant is means tested and takes savings and income into account. The grant pays part of the costs involved in helping either to acquire a site and build a property, or acquire an existing property for use as the sole residence.
RHOGs are available throughout the Highlands, except in the city of Inverness. The amount of grant payable will normally be the minimum necessary to enable a house to be built or bought after income and savings are taken into account. The grant will not normally exceed 30% of the total costs and if an individual sells their property within 10 years the grant has to be repaid.
RHOG agents in the Highlands who can be contacted for more information:
Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association (for Skye & Lochalsh) 01478 612035
Lochaber Housing Association (for Lochaber) 01397 702530
Pentland Housing Association (for Caithness) 01847 892507
Albyn Housing Society (for elsewhere in the Highlands) 01349 852978
Further information regarding RHOGs and potential sites is also available from the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) who can be phoned on 01463 233549 or emailed at info@hscht.co.uk . The Trust also has information on its website www.hscht.co.uk
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