Property Buy Back

The Council is currently inviting buy back scheme applications from owners of ex-council houses, bungalows and flats who are seeking to sell their properties.

Is my property eligible?

The Council receives a lot of enquiries concerning the buy back scheme but we are unable to purchase all of the properties that are put forward.

To be eligible for the scheme, the following criteria must be met:

• The property must be located within the Clackmannanshire Council area;
• The individual selling the property must be the owner of the property, or if this is not the case, be able to provide sufficient evidence to show that they are authorised to act on behalf of the owner;
• The Council must be able to obtain valid marketable title with vacant possession of the property within a mutually agreeable timescale;
• The property owner must provide a valid home report for the property;
• The property owner understands that it is their own responsibility to make arrangements for securing other suitable housing provision;
• The property owner must disclose and make the Council aware of all known information relevant to the property and its potential sale at the time of entering into discussion with the Council.

For full list of eligiblity criteria, the application process and further information on the Council's policy on property buy backs, please refer to the Clackmannanshire Council's Property Acquisition Policy.

We are particularly interested in

• Larger properties, such as those with three or four bedrooms, where a buy  back would allow us to create a vacancy chain.
• Properties that are well-suited to or have been adapted to support people with medical or accessibility needs, such as bungalows.
• Flats where a buy back would give the Council majority or complete ownership within a block, as this would simplify organising communal repairs or making improvements to the block.

We are unable to purchase properties where the owner intends to remain living in the property as a council tenant or requires alternative housing within the social rented sector.

We would not typically have an interest in properties that have conservatories or sun room extensions due to the additional maintenance and end of life removal costs associated with these structures.

Other criteria which are factored into our decision making process on whether to make an offer to purchase include:

• Waiting list demand based on the size, type and location of the property.
• The condition of the various elements that make up each property, such as the heating and hot water system, electrical installation, external fabric, windows and doors, kitchen fittings, and sanitary fittings, etc.
• The extent and estimated cost of any repairs, improvements or other alterations necessary for the property to meet the Council's lettable standard and the Scottish Housing Quality Standard.
• The energy efficiency of the property, as stated on the property's most recent Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).
• Whether a purchase would provide value for money for the Council.

Please email your enquiry to home@clacks.gov.uk and someone will contact you for further details.