From deserted houses to dream houses and vibrant countryside

The abandoned houses have a potentially significant impact on the community. Through the project, we can hopefully contribute to reduced housing shortages, increased immigration, increased tax revenues, and more purchasing power in the area.

The project aimed to develop a working method for reusing abandoned houses and unused buildings in Tomelilla, Sjöbo, and Ystad municipalities. The goal was to free up more housing, dissolve moving chains, and promote reuse through sustainable renovation methods. The project also aimed to contribute to place development, cultural heritage preservation, and strengthened municipal brands through inspiring examples and abandoned house ambassadors.

The project conducted mapping and inventory of abandoned houses in the three municipalities through field studies and reporting from citizens. They contacted property owners to identify their interest in selling or renovating. Workshops and lectures were held on sustainable renovation, building preservation, and reuse of building materials. Practical elements included upcycling of wood and traditional painting techniques. Architecture students from Lund University of Technology were also engaged in the project. Networking meetings were arranged between property owners, real estate agents, banks, and buyers. Five abandoned house ambassadors contributed inspiring stories. The dissemination occurred through social media, municipal websites, and all open events of the project.

The project leader tried to contact nearly 300 property owners via phone, mail, or social media. By the end of the project, one abandoned lot and five abandoned houses had been put up for sale, of which four were sold. The project contributed to an increased understanding of the property owners' situation. Lectures and workshops inspired sustainable renovation and created engagement. Collaboration between municipalities, real estate agents, and building preservation experts was strengthened. The project received significant media attention on radio, TV, and in the press. The abandoned house project was also mentioned on the editorial pages of both Ystads Allehanda and HelaGotland. The project leader also contacted a couple of members of parliament with proposals for a motion on how the work with abandoned houses can be streamlined, especially regarding property owners who are difficult to reach. The project left behind a useful report with conclusions and recommendations.

Read the project group's summary of their experiences, lessons learned, and future insights in the project report by clicking on the image below!

The project can contribute to better resource utilization, improved economic conditions, and a vibrant countryside in a large part of the leader area, which is considered very positive. The project is deemed cost-effective as three municipalities in the area benefit.