Empty flats and houses across Perth and Kinross could be brought back into use under an initiative launched this week.
The council has launched its Empty Property Loan Fund a new interest-free loan designed to help owners of long-term empty buildings to repair or convert them for use as affordable housing.
Funding can be used for any property, from a country cottage or a city centre flat to an office or shop, provided it has been empty for at least six months.
The loans are subject to the owner letting the property at affordable rental levels for five years or selling it at an affordable level, on completion of the works.
For individual properties the loan can range from £5,000 to £15,000.
Higher value loans can be considered for larger-scale projects.
Councillor John Kellas, who visited a property in Alyth being considered for a fund loan, feels the initiative could make a real difference.
“Empty properties left in poor condition can cause a blight on our rural villages and our town centres alike,” he said.
“This innovative loan fund which has been financed by the Scottish Government, can help to reverse this trend, and provide much-needed affordable housing which will help support both rural communities and shops and businesses within our town centres.”
The council’s investment team has been helping owners of empty properties by providing advice and encouragement and pointing out the local and national funding and assistance that is available.
To date, assistance has been given towards bringing more than 200 properties back into use across Perth and Kinross, and the new fund is already prompting interest locally.
Kristen Hubert, national manager for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “We are under no illusion that bringing empty properties back into use can solve the housing crisis but, with waiting lists across Scotland as large as they are, there is no excuse for not making every effort to make effective use of the property that already exists.”
Information on the fund is available by telephoning 01738 475955 or 01738 476561, or e-mailing IJButt@pkc.gov.uk or KMMorrison@pkc.gov.uk.