The Communities Housing Trust (CHT) is a registered charity and social enterprise focused on building sustainable rural communities across central and northern Scotland.
Founded in 1998 as the Highlands Small Communities Housing Trust, CHT has earned a reputation throughout Scotland for providing essential affordable housing and accompanying infrastructure, which are both key to the sustainable social and economic wellbeing of our communities.
Taking a holistic view and a creative approach that looks beyond just housing, CHT works cooperatively with a wide range of public and private stakeholders to find viable solutions to the evolving challenges of community development in less well-served places.
Since our inception, we have worked at the forefront of the sector, dedicating ourselves to supporting communities and identifying inequalities. Since 1998 we have worked on well over 100 community-led projects, often in remote, rural areas, to provide more than 1,000 crucial affordable homes and other amenities.
We are proud to have pioneered a range of housing tenure, financial and technical solutions that provide choice and support, giving groups confidence to grow their communities over time and in a sustainable manner.
Taking a holistic view and a creative approach that looks beyond just housing, CHT works cooperatively with a wide range of public and private stakeholders to find viable solutions to the evolving challenges of community development in less well-served places.
Since our inception, we have worked at the forefront of the sector, dedicating ourselves to supporting communities and identifying inequalities. Since 1998 we have worked on well over 100 community-led projects, often in remote, rural areas, to provide more than 1,000 crucial affordable homes and other amenities.
We are proud to have pioneered a range of housing tenure, financial and technical solutions that provide choice and support, giving groups confidence to grow their communities over time and in a sustainable manner.
News
What we do
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Community-led housingWorking with communities on developments which respond to their needs and evolving challenges.
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Self-Build Loan FundA Scottish Government fund administered by CHT, to provide loans to people struggling to obtain mortgage finance for self-builds.
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Models for affordable housingWe've developed and tested a range of tools, including the Rural Housing Burden. For others, see the Projects tab.
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BlogStay up to date with all our news!
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Community projects
Here are just a few examples of our work with communities across Scotland, on mixed developments to provide housing and other services. Get in touch to discuss a project with your community.
GairlochA mixed development of 25 homes with 5 different tenures, a new shop, cafe, Air Corps training facility, UHI classroom, and Tourist Information Hub - Scotland's first public building to be awarded passive house status. Completed in 2020 and shortlisted in the SURF Awards 2020.
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Ardgeal, CairngormsA community-led project to deliver 10 sustainable timber homes in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, on land previously owned by Forestry & Land Scotland. Local materials were used where possible, including from on-site, and local trainees were involved in construction.
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Isle of ColonsayAn ongoing community-led project to ensure affordable housing for the local community, combined with new business units. Struggling with a high percentage of holiday and second homes, and an ageing population, the island hopes to retain its younger residents and thrive.
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Housing available
We have a range of discounted rental and sale properties across northern Scotland. Check our current and future opportunities.
TO LET: Acharacle. 3-bed semi-detached home with garden.
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FOR SALE: Auldearn. 3-bed detached bungalow with garden.
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TO LET (UNDER OFFER): Durness. 2-bed end-terrace with garden.
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Self-build plots available
We also have a selection of discounted self-build plots for sale across northern Scotland, with more coming soon in Kilbeg, Skye; Raasay; Tomatin and Arisaig. Sign up to hear when they become available.
Sleat, Isle of Skye. One plot remaining, with views over to Rum and Eigg, and Planning in Principle: £25,000
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Achabeag, near Lochaline, Morvern. 3 serviced plots with Planning in Principle: £35,000 each.
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