Self-build is a traditional form of housing supply in many parts of rural Scotland and the islands and at times, the only form of housing supply. However, it has become increasingly difficult to obtain self-build mortgages.

The £4m fund was set up following a successful review of the pilot in the Highlands.

Highland Small Communities Housing Trust ran the pilot and will continue to administer the fund nationally on the Scottish Government’s behalf.

Loans are available for eligible urban or rural self-builders who are unable to access standard bank lending to support build completion, allowing access to a traditional mortgage which is used to repay loan.

Announcing that the £4m fund is now open for applications, housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “We know that people are interested in building their own homes and in some cases, it is the best way for families to tailor their homes to their needs. However, we also know that it can be tough to secure funding and get the right advice, which is why we set up the self-build loan fund to help those that need to access finance.

“Following a successful pilot in the Highlands, we decided to roll the fund out to people across the country. This is now open for applications and I want to see people across Scotland apply and make full use of this fund.”

Highland Small Communities Housing Trust chief executive, Ronnie MacRae, said: “HSCHT are delighted to have been confirmed as agents for the self-build loan fund and following the success of the Highland pilot we are sure this will be a key fund for Scotland. The SBLF sitting alongside the many other positive Scottish Government initiatives such as the Rural & Islands Housing Funds, Scottish Land Fund and other initiatives that HSCHT can facilitate, provide communities with the tools to ensure they remain sustainable by providing a range of housing options.

“Whilst not yet back to where it was self/custom-build is again a growing market and we’re excited to be working with Scottish Government and a range of partners to ensure that this remains the case and self/custom-build goes from strength to strength as a housing option.”

Further information about the fund can be found online.