Edinburgh homeowners face high repair bills for retrofitting

Homeowners in Edinburgh's Lochend area are facing large bills for necessary repair work ordered by the City of Edinburgh Council. Agnieszka Barys, one of the affected homeowners, is expected to pay £21,000 over 20 years. She is frustrated because the work, aimed at modernizing over 1,200 flats, has yet to begin after repeated delays. The council claims the buildings are in urgent need of repair to prevent worsening conditions. The heating and insulation improvements are part of a program that affects both private and council-owned flats. Homeowners can receive a grant, but many still face hefty costs, with some estimates reaching as high as £43,000. Barys's bill includes a 15% management fee from the council, which she says adds to her financial burden. She, like other homeowners, feels they had no choice in this decision, as the council owns most of the buildings. The Tenements (Scotland) Act allows the council to enforce repairs without the agreement of all owners. Kirsty Pattison, another homeowner, faces a £25,000 charge and is also disappointed by the lack of communication about the delays. She noted that her property is suffering from water damage, and she expected regular updates since she is paying a management fee. Concern continues among homeowners, especially regarding possible future costs that could arise from inflation. Some residents were advised to use savings for covering expenses. Options for dealing with the financial strain include monthly payment plans or selling their flats back to the council, which may not be a favorable choice given the offered prices. The council has acknowledged miscommunication regarding project timelines and is working to alleviate homeowners' concerns. Officials stress the importance of these repairs to prevent the homes from deteriorating further.