GRANTS of up to £20,000 are available to first-time buyers to renovate empty homes in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd.

The innovative scheme is available to Gwynedd residents who are looking to buy a house for the first time, and also to empty-home owners, where the property has been vacant for at least six months.

It will assist in reducing the number of empty homes in the county by offering a substantial financial aid in order to help first-time buyers to be able to fund renovating costs.

Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for housing, said: “Buying a house for the first time can place a huge financial strain on people. This scheme offers a great opportunity to offer aid to first-time buyers whilst reducing the number of empty properties within the county.

“A number of schemes have already proven successful in Gwynedd during the last few years in order to bring empty properties back to use, and the council’s empty-homes team is continuing to work with property owners to renovate more empty homes. We also offer a loan for first-time buyers to help them pay their deposit."

For further information, or to apply for the scheme, contact Gwynedd Council’s Empty Homes Team on 01341 424371, email [email protected]u or visit the website at www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/emptyhomes

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