The Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP) is funded by Scottish Government and hosted by Shelter Scotland. Its key aim is to encourage Scotland’s private sector long term empty homes back into use. This is the Scottish Government definition of long term empty properties, identified as empty for 6 months or more and liable for council tax. However, we are also interested in bringing some of the 45,000+ properties that are exempt from council tax back into use.
SEHP research shows that for many owners, barriers to making properties homes again may be insufficient funding to make a property suitable for sale or rent and/or lack of demand in the area where the property is located. For these owners, a scheme where properties are bought by an organisation and refurbished, can be the difference between bringing the property back into use, or it remaining empty and causing a detrimental impact to the local community.
Homes for Good is Scotland’s only private sector lettings agency specialising in providing homes for people on low incomes or benefits. We currently have over 500 properties under management and work with around 130 landlords and 800 tenants, in and around Glasgow and the West of Scotland. As a social letting agency, we understand the impact homes have on people’s lives. We plan to grow to 1000 homes under management within the next 4 years.
HfG is recruiting a Dedicated Empty Homes Manager with financial support from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government and hosted by Shelter Scotland, to assist with tackling the problem of empty homes in the West of Scotland. This is a two year pilot programme, intended to demonstrate the value of a dedicated empty homes professional, the sharing of best practice to address empty homes issues, and to bring neglected empty properties back to life as much needed homes. There is possibility of extending the project subject to evaluation and achievement of outcomes.
Job Outline
As Empty Homes Manager you will liaise with empty homes officers in councils, take referrals from the Scottish Empty Homes Advice Service, from community reports, local knowledge and proactive engagement with owners where possible. You will work to clear criteria for assessing end use and viability of any empty properties, including analysing costs, scope of works required, and the needs of the owner.
You will work alongside other colleagues within the Assets Management Team to successfully deliver a programme of empty property purchase, refurb, communal repairs and preparation for the rental market.
The role is fast paced, no two days are the same and requires a responsive, highly professional approach when working with a variety of stakeholders including owners, factors, HFG tenants and other property industry professionals. Currently HFG owns around 250 properties which are managements by the Assets and Acquisition Team, led by the Director of Assets and Governance.
As part of the growth plans within Homes for Good, and as part of the National Empty Homes strategy, you will help us bring at least 30 homes back to life within this project.
This role presents an excellent opportunity to join an ethical & forward- thinking company with plans for growth, and the associated career opportunities which come with this. In -house and external training opportunities will be provided.
For further information please see homesforgood.org.uk
Please submit your most recent CV, including contact details for two referees, and a covering letter outlining why you think you are the right person for the job, to joinus@homesforgood.org.uk by no later than 24th May 2021.
Thank you for your interest in joining the Homes for Good team.