Subdivision of underused Properties

Many older people live in large houses so how about a Council led initiative that arranges subdivision of such properties. I see advantage in as well as reducing the need for new build, the elderly prime owner stays at home and new adjoining accommodation is created, the owner receives a rental income, there is an opportunity to improve an older property, the Council still collects New Homes Bonus and the scale is more in keeping with rural village development.

My guess is that such a subdivision could be made for about £20,000 per unit using a loan repayable when the prime owner sells or the let unit stops being used. It is a much cheaper way of creating affordable accommodation and helps resolve the arising problem in Eden of many large, underused older properties in need of upgrade. It also addresses the problem for elderly people of being asset rich and penny poor, as they receive some rental income and new neighbours.

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