Main Findings of Housing Survey
The main findings of the survey were:
     

Description
Despite the disadvantages associated with the remoteness of its location, Durness is an economically robust and demographically well balanced community of 150 households or about 350 people.
Affordability
Given the much lower than average disposable incomes and the high cost of living most (80% or more) Durness households in housing need would realistically only be able to afford to spend £20 - £30 a week on their basic housing costs. The rest could afford to spend somewhat more but very few if any could afford to compete on the open housing market.
Housing Tenure
75% of all the permanently resident households live in privately owned housing owner-occupied, crofting, tied or rented). 18% live in Council Houses and 7% in caravans or holiday chalets.
Rented Supply
Rented housing opportunities are very scarce locally, with an average of one Council House relet each year and private rentals are even scarcer and are more expensive. New Build 2 or 3 new houses a year are built by locals, mostly crofters assisted by the Crofter Housing Grant and Loan Scheme.
Holiday & 2nd Homes
Nearly one house in every five is used as a holiday or 2nd home. In the township of Laid two thirds of the permanent housing stock is now used for holiday purposes.
 
                                    
Caravans and Chalets
In the absence of any other affordable or available housing opportunities 10 households (5 couples, 5 singles) stay in caravans or holiday chalets all or most of the year round.
House Conditions
A third of the occupied housing stock would fail to meet the Below Tolerable Standard definition and needs substantial remedial works. A third is in need of minor repairs and the final third is in good condition. Several Council Houses are also in need of minor or major remedial works.
Council Waiting list
Only 2 of the 11 first choice applicants on the Durness Council House waiting list were aged over 35. The waiting list included 6 young couples, 3 single persons and 2 families. Most of the applicants were presently staying with parents or in lodgings or caravans.
Young Couples and Young Single People
The greatest need for new housing in Durness comes from young couples and single people. The Elderly and Disabled Most of Durness's 45 or so pensioner and/or disabled households have minor to pressing housing needs. Although most would not wish to leave their own homes it should be noted that there are 30 pensioner only households in the Parish, including 16 pensioners living alone, 12 of whom are over 80 years old. Several houses are BTS or otherwise unsuitable for their elderly or disabled occupants. There is no amenity or sheltered housing presently available in Durness.
Tigh Ceilidh (Day Care Centre)
The overwhelming majority of local people wish to see a Day Care Centre in Durness. Families Several overcrowded households and families staying in tied housing are also needing to make better or alternative homes for themselves. Overall Housing Need 16 households are presently in need of appropriate and affordable housing. The households include 3 elderly and/or disabled households, 6 young couples, 4 families in overcrowded or tied housing and 3 single persons. The evidence also suggests that 2 or 3 new households a year will develop needs for new housing.
The Community View
Most local people would like to see more housing available in Dumess, predominantly for young couples and the elderly, with a Day Care Centre. Development Constraints There appear to be no constraints to development in Durness.