New subsidies for establishing homes in rural areas

"The Government proposes devoting NOK 20 million in 2012 to a new subsidy to increase the number of homes available in municipalities with small and uncertain housing markets and/or a lack of homes," says Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Liv Signe Navarsete.

The scheme will cover 10-12 local authorities within the scope of rural policy. The local authorities can use the subsidy to build, renovate or extend homes within their areas. The local authorities can also pass on the subsidy to companies, foundations or similar that will establish such homes for rent. The local authorities can also give the subsidy to private individuals who wish to build their own homes there.

"This is an important scheme because many small municipalities may have jobs to offer incomers, but not homes. This project will make it easier to recruit expertise into such municipalities," says Navarsete.

The scheme is also intended to increase knowledge and expertise in the municipalities about how to facilitate good residential development. Investment in homes is a financial risk in many rural municipalities.

The scheme will be administered by the Norwegian State Housing Bank. The process of selecting which local authorities will participate will be carried out during the autumn and into early 2012.

 

For more information, contact the press centre at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development on: 22 24 25 00.