While house prices in Westhill and the surrounding areas remain artificially high, young people and those on modest incomes continue to struggle to secure affordable accommodation whether to buy or to rent. It is welcome news, therefore, that Aberdeenshire Council has recently announced further low cost housing options at Berryhill:

First-time buyers and those on council house waiting lists are among those eligible to buy new affordable housing in Westhill.

Aberdeenshire Council in partnership with Stewart Milne Homes are offering 2 one bedroom properties for £100,000 and 4 two bedroom properties for £120,000 in Berryhill, Westhill.

It is estimated the properties will be complete in December 2013 and will be available to those who meet the following criteria:

? First time buyers or people with a significant change in their household circumstances who earn less than a gross annual household income of £42k
? Are either tenants of Aberdeenshire Council or a Housing Association, or waiting list applicants

Priority will be given to those applicants who have a local connection to the area, for example those who live, work or have a family in Westhill or surrounding area.

These properties are sold at a fixed discounted price by the developer to successful applicants as nominated by Aberdeenshire Council. Applications should be submitted by Friday 11th October 2013.

For further information, or to request an application pack, please call Audrey Johnson on (01467) 628429, or email: audrey.johnson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

You can also find more information on the council’s website at: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/housing/housingoptions/buying/affordable_housing.asp