Houses in reprise – repurposing abandoned houses for a vibrant countryside

New life in Östra Göinge's abandoned houses

In Östra Göinge, there are houses that stand empty while many dream of living, working, or running businesses in the countryside. The project ”Houses in Reprise – repurposing abandoned houses for a vibrant countryside” aims to bring these opportunities together.

Östra Göinge municipality, together with local associations and the folk high school, will map the municipality's abandoned houses, contact property owners, and try to create pathways between those who own empty houses and people who want to buy and take care of them. A digital platform will be established where information about the project and opportunities regarding abandoned houses is gathered.

The project will also spread knowledge about building preservation, repurposing, and sustainable construction through workshops, lectures, information meetings, and campaigns. Glimåkra Folk High School's education in building and landscape preservation will be an important partner in the work.

The aim is to reduce the number of empty houses, increase access to housing and business premises, and make it easier for more people to settle and operate in Östra Göinge, Skåne's green heart. By utilizing already built houses instead of only building new ones, the project can simultaneously contribute to reduced climate impact and the preservation of cultural environments.

In the long term, the goal is for more abandoned houses to gain new owners and new life, for the villages to become more attractive and viable, and for new networks between the municipality, the association life, and the business community to continue even after the project's end.

The board's assessment

Decision date: 2026-08-26
Total selection criteria: 860 points
The board's justification: The project contributes to strengthening Östra Göinge municipality's countryside by identifying and making visible abandoned houses and creating better conditions for these to be reused as housing or business premises. Through local anchoring and collaboration between the municipality, the association life, Glimåkra Folk High School, and other local actors, existing resources, local knowledge, and cultural heritage values are utilized. The project's mapping, information efforts, and digital platform are expected to contribute to increased place attractiveness, immigration, repurposing, and more vibrant villages. The project is thus well aligned with the goals of the local development strategy and is expected to benefit a broad public. The board therefore prioritizes the project and approves the application.