Guidance

Ten steps to community ownership

""

Just take the first step...

Thinking about setting up a community organisation to own land or property? Find out why communities do it, what's involved, and how to get off on the right foot.

Whatever stage you're at in the process, there's something in our Ten Steps toolkit to help. Have a look at our handy videos and download our guides and templates, they can help you take the first step. 

Step 1

Step one

If you're just getting started on the journey to community ownership, our handy video can help explain why you should go to so much bother! Learn more about the benefits and find some useful first step guides here.

Step 2

Step two

Our short video emphasises the importance of engaging with your community at an early stage and making sure they have the opportunity to get involved. Here, you'll also find guidance about community engagement and conducting a needs analysis.

Step 3 (1)

Step three

At step three, you can learn about things to think about when considering leasing with a landlord.

Short term leasing- guidance note

Do you want to agree a contract with a seller prior to buying? 

Download our guidance leaflet to find out how.

Arranging an option agreement

""

Step four

At step four, you may be calling in the experts. Watch our short video for some hints and tips on how to get the best from your external consultants. You can also find guidance and templates here to help you navigate your way through.

""

Step five

Valuation of an asset

Instructing a valuation of land or buildings is an important stage in a project. Get an overview of things to think about in this guide.

Instructing a valuation

What are you acquiring? 

Find out how to establish exactly what you are buying in the conveyancing process.

Mapping an asset
""

Step six

You're more than half way there! At step six we look at the often complex process of buying and developing land. Formal community consultations can help, watch our short video for help, hints and tips. Next, our biting the ballot video will take you through the process of conducting a community ballot, all with our handy guides.

""

Step seven

Make sure your community has the right legal structure in place to manage a community-owned asset.

Understanding organisational structures

""

Step eight

A guide on the main sources of funding for your project.

Funding and finance options guide

""

Step nine

What to expect when transferring ownership of land or property from one owner to another.

Conveyancing

""

Step ten

Time to celebrate - your community is about to own a new asset? Here are some practical things to think about to ensure you're ready to take it on.

Practicalities of ownership

Where to next?

Find out about our other support for communities and social enterprises. You can also have a look at our maps of land ownership and see who we've previously helped purchase an asset.

Feedback

Did you find what you were looking for?

Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news, funding, investment and development opportunities from across the Highlands and Islands.

Please see our privacy policy for details on how we will use your data.

Thanks for signing up

A confirmation email has been sent to

Get updates that matter to you
Tell us what you're interested in to customise the emails we send you e.g. funding, community development, business support or local events.


Tailor my preferences