RAAC homeowners angry at council offer

Homeowner Amie Bruce said: “Does it start from the point of appointing a solicitor? Because if that’s the case it might only give some people who have done that until next September.

“Or does it come from the day your valuation is done? Or is the 12 months from the time you hand over your keys?

“I’m not going to be in a position to buy a house within the year, which means my legal fees won’t be covered for buying a new property, because they will only be covered for 12 months.”

Ms Bruce said the £15,000 home loss offer meant very little when residents were faced with potentially losing tens of thousands of pounds in roof deductions.

“It’s a nice gesture you could say, but it doesn’t really touch the sides,” she added.

Ms Bruce believes she could be left with almost £50,000 to pay back on her mortgage.

“I’m either going to have to make myself homeless because I can’t afford to pay the rent for the place I’m being offered or I’m going to have make myself bankrupt because I can’t afford to pay the mortgage that will be outstanding, and I’ll never be able to buy another property.

“Money would fix a lot of the issues. And I know the council don’t have the money, but they need to be fighting to find it from somewhere.”

The 27-year-old teacher said others were in a far worse situation.

“It’s going to kill people at the end of the day,” she added.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “The council is aiming to purchase private properties by voluntary agreement in order to deliver demolition across the entire site, thereby providing the greatest flexibility for future redevelopment.“

“As agreed at full council on 21 August, owners are being offered the current market value along with reasonable legal costs, and home loss and disturbance payments.

“Private, owners and tenants are being offered rehoming support.”