A year has passed since Aberdeen City Council informed residents that their homes were at risk of collapse, urging them to vacate as soon as possible. While most council tenants have been rehoused, many private homeowners remain, unwilling or unable to leave. They argue that the financial burden of paying mortgages on uninhabitable properties could leave them destitute.

The council has committed to demolishing and rebuilding the 500 affected homes. It is offering homeowners a purchase price based on current market value, but deducting the cost of replacing the RAAC panels — a move that has left many with significantly lower offers than expected.

Stephen Mitchell, a homeowner, revealed that he was offered just £68,000 for his three-bedroom terrace house—roughly half of what he believes it was worth before the RAAC issue emerged. Lynn Winstanley, another affected resident, highlighted the inconsistencies in valuations: “A three-bedroom house nearby got an offer of £83,000, but the one across the street was only offered £63,000.”

Campaigners argue that these offers are insufficient to allow homeowners to purchase alternative accommodation without significant financial loss.

Wilson Chowdhry, chair of the UK RAAC Campaign Group, accused the council of intentionally undervaluing properties to expedite their removal. “The compensation offers are way lower than anyone could imagine,” he told The Herald. “People are looking for an exit route, but they see no viable options.”

As more council tenants relocate, remaining homeowners fear for their safety. The increasing number of vacant properties has left streets eerily quiet, with concerns over crime and vandalism growing. “It’s dark at night, and the empty houses make it feel unsafe,” said homeowner Janice Mackie. Some houses have already been damaged, with council contractors stripping fittings from vacated homes.

For those who have moved, the transition has not been easy. Paula Fraser, who lived in Torry for over 60 years before being rehoused, described her new home as damp and riddled with mould. “I do love the house, but I’ve had to strip every room down to the basics. I feel quite lonely.”

Despite the concerns, Aberdeen City Council is pressing ahead with its voluntary acquisition scheme. So far, only four homeowners have accepted offers. The council insists that valuations are conducted in line with statutory guidance by the independent Valuation Office Agency (VOA). It has also promised to explore alternative solutions proposed by the Torry RAAC Campaign Group, including potential retrofitting instead of full demolition.

However, campaigners remain skeptical. John Meiklejohn, who has been leading the fight for fair compensation, insists that legal action is not off the table. “We would rather resolve this amicably, but if we don’t get a fair and equitable deal, we will have no choice but to pursue a statutory inquiry or legal action.”

Elsewhere, in Tillicoultry near Stirling, homeowners faced a similar crisis when RAAC was discovered in 2023. Clackmannanshire Council ultimately proposed structural repairs and offered loans to help affected residents. Campaigners in Torry hope for a similar resolution but fear that Aberdeen City Council is unwilling to consider such measures.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “The health and safety of residents remains a priority and that inspections continue to be carried out in RAAC-affected properties.

“The voluntary acquisition process remains the preferred option for homes in private ownership and this continues to progress.

“Officers will explore the alternative options proposed by the Torry RAAC Campaign Group Management Committee including the benefits and risks associated with each option alongside any other identified opportunities to support owners, and will report the findings to a future meeting of the Communities Housing and Public Protection Committee.

“The proposed compensation package for the voluntary acquisition of privately owned properties is being negotiated by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an independent organisation, on behalf of Aberdeen City Council. The VOA is following the process in accordance with statutory guidance. 

“The discussions to date regarding market value are only being conducted with those homeowners who have given their consent. Each claim is based on its own merit and will vary on individual circumstances.

“The council continues to hold meetings with key stakeholders and individuals and we continue to explore funding options.”