Housing Options Guide

Ayrshire Housing

Background

Ayrshire Housing was formed in April 2003, and currently manages around 1,200 properties, a profile which the organisation continues to supplement through its acclaimed development programme.

As well as enjoying an excellent reputation in terms of customer service and community involvement, Ayrshire Housing’s innovation has been commended by The Saltire Society and the Rose Awards, and the regeneration project at Lochside, in partnership with both South Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire Initiatives will further improve this reputation.

Ayrshire Housing is managed by its Board, made up of tenants, representatives from South Ayrshire Council and representatives of the communities in which they operate.

How to apply

Ayrshire Housing accepts applications from any person or persons aged over 16 years of age.

To apply you will be required to complete an application form, giving details of your current housing circumstances. You can do this by applying online, via Ayrshire Housing’s website or alternatively by visiting, phoning or emailing their office at;

Ayrshire Housing
119 Main Street
AYR
KA8 8BX
Tel: 01292 880 120
Fax: 01292 880 121

e-mail: info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk
Website: www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk

Ayrshire Housing currently receives a very large number of housing applications, but is committed to processing applications within 15 working days.

Location and Stock

Ayrshire Housing owns and manages housing for rent in the following South Ayrshire towns and villages:

Ayr (Forehill, Belmont, South Harbour Street, Greenan, Central Ayr, West Sanquhar, Dalmilling, Doonholm), Girvan, Coylton, Maybole, Prestwick, Troon, Ballantrae, Barr, Crosshill, Dailly, Dundonald, Kirkmichael, Kirkoswald, Mossblown, Straiton, Symington, Crosshill, Annbank, Tarbolton and Monkton.

The following table provides general information about the stock and more specific information regarding the location, size and types of the properties can be obtained direct from the association.

Town	Stock	Town	Stock	Town	Stock	Town	Stock	Town	Stock
Ayr	570	Dundonald	86	Dailly	47	Mossblown	20	Kirkoswald	8
Prestwick	46	Girvan	122	Tarbolton	30	Kirkmichael	23	Barr	8
Troon	72	Maybole	74	Ballantrae	27	Crosshill	9	Symington	4
Dalrymple	13	Monkton	8	Coylton	8	Straiton	12	Annbank	2

The association has a development programme which will see an increase in the stock numbers through the ongoing development of sites in areas including Ayr, Prestwick and Maidens.

In addition to the properties for rent, the association also owns a small number of Shared Ownership properties in West Sanquhar Road, Ayr and Obree Avenue, Prestwick. The association is currently in the process of building 25 units in Ayr for Shared Ownership through the Homestake scheme.

Allocations Policy

Empty properties are allocated on the basis of housing need using a points system. Account can be taken of the appropriateness of the house type for specific household types. For example, if the empty property is on the ground floor or is of amenity standard the association may consider either older applicants or those who would particularly benefit from such accommodation.
The association can choose applicants from the following sources:

Ayrshire Housing’s waiting list and transfer list
Nominations from South Ayrshire Council

The points system is being reviewed but currently takes account of various aspects of housing need such as overcrowding, health of applicants, condition of property and homelessness. A copy of the full points system is provided to all applicants.
It should be noted that the association has a very low turnover of empty properties coupled with a very high demand for our properties. Therefore admission to the list does not guarantee that an applicant will eventually receive an offer of housing.

Rent Levels

Rent levels vary between different developments and different property types and house sizes. These take account of a number of factors including the age and standard of the accommodation and features such as central heating, double glazing, insulation and energy saving measures.

Ayrshire Initiatives

Ayrshire Initiatives is the wider action arm of Ayrshire Housing. It works with the voluntary and public sector and multi-agencies to develop innovative projects which meet shared social justice goals. These projects include the Tenants Welcome Programme, Home Learn Link and the People and Place Initiative at Lochside.

For further information contact:

Ayrshire Initiatives Limited
Alexander Fleming Building
Hannah Research Park
Mauchline Road
AYR
KA6 5HL