“I want to stay in Galson Estate, but there’s nowhere I can afford that is also suitable for my needs.”
“I’d come home in a heartbeat if I knew there was housing.”
“I just want a place of my own — here, where I belong.”

Does this sound familiar? We’re listening and thank you to those who shared their thoughts and experiences earlier this year. 

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A housing needs assessment was carried out across the Galson Estate area during summer 2025. There were 50 respondents for a residential survey issued and 12 respondents for an employer survey. Benchmarking has been carried out where practicable with an Outer Hebrides wide housing needs survey undertaken by Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP) in 2021.

 

In terms of the residential responses, results reveal there are a mix of 13 active movers who are seeking alternative housing solutions at present and another 15 potential movers who expect to need alternative properties over the next five years. Reasons for moving are varied but include lack of space, property condition, health challenges and greater security of tenure. There is demand from families for
larger properties but there is also a noticeable cohort of single people requiring  housing as well.

 

The long term preference for those seeking to move is broadly to secure ownership of homes in good condition but various barriers have been highlighted, such as the suitability of properties on the market in the area. Unfortunately, the purchasing power of those seeing to move is generally low due to household incomes. It is clear that cheaper properties on market to buy require significant improvement, whereas the improved/newer properties are unaffordable for many.

 

Employers have indicated a very high turnover of staff in recent year and, whilst housing is not the primary cause, it does create problems for recruitment on occasion. Hospitality and care are two sectors where recruitment challenges are
most prevalent. Employers have a preference for rental accommodation with private rental and social housing the two options that feature highest in their requirements.

Various recommendations have been provided relating to the mix of any new house types and tenures to be built, creating opportunities for young people to remain in the area, advice for croft tenants to support first time buyers, increasing rental options for employers and delivering a promotional campaign to attract more people to live and work in the North Lewis area.

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