Enabling affordable homes across the Highlands during COVID 19

The Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance on moving home (31 March 2020), urged people to delay moving to a new home whilst stay-at-home measures were in place, and at the moment, these restrictions still remain in force. However, despite the restrictions for house moves being in place, the Scottish Government recognised that there were situations were housing providers would have to offer, and allow people to move, homes – this being where people were at risk of being homeless and had no other option but to move out of their current accommodation.

CHT are pleased that we have been able to successfully move three households that fell into this category, into their new homes last month. We were able to offer two homes for rent and one for sale. Of course, our main priority in facilitating these moves was to ensure that these new householders were able to move in a safe environment which complied with all social distancing and hygiene regulations.  We ensured that all the relevant information was provided to the householders, our contractors and the staff who were involved in the house moves, to minimise the risk to all involved.

CHT await the announcement that Phase 2 of the Scottish Government route map will be implemented which will allow for the further lifting of some restrictions. This includes certain activities in connection with the sale or letting of properties.  If some of these restrictions are lifted, we anticipate enabling new tenancies and sales across all of our stock.  We review the latest advice from The Scottish Government daily and will provide further guidance as and when changes are announced.