This service is managed by Property and Asset Management
Property
We own a wide range of land and property across Orkney, used to deliver council services or made available for lease and sale to support local businesses and communities.
Properties for Lease
Browse our current list of properties and land available to lease, and get in touch with our Estates team to find out more or arrange a viewing.
Properties for sale
Find properties and land currently for sale from Orkney Islands Council. Browse our listings, download property particulars and contact us to arrange a viewing.
Property services - fees and charges
A range of fees applies to property-related enquiries handled by our Estates team.
| Service | Fee (including VAT) |
|---|---|
| Landlord consent for alterations - annual rent under £10,000 (excluding VAT) | £387 |
| Landlord consent for alterations - annual rent £10,000 or more (excluding VAT) | £770 |
| Landlord consent to vary a lease, including assignation, early termination, sub-lease permission or other changes | £482 |
| Permission to temporarily use council land or property | £291 |
| Request to purchase land or property not currently for sale | £770 |
| Request for a servitude or wayleave | £387 |
| Additional work | £97 per hour |
| Specialist advice | Cost confirmed by the Estates Manager |
If we need third-party specialist advice to deal with your enquiry, for example a valuation report, you'll be charged the actual cost of that advice, payable in advance. The commercial value of any agreed request, such as a sale price, rent or servitude value, is payable in addition to these fees.
Eligible charities and community groups requesting temporary use of land or property for fundraising or a community event can get a 50% discount.
Community asset transfer requests
Community bodies can request to take on land or buildings they feel they could put to better use, whether that's ownership, a lease, or other rights. This is set out in Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.
We assess each request transparently against a set list of criteria, and must agree to it unless there are reasonable grounds for refusal.
Requests that would directly affect council services can be more challenging, particularly if they'd affect our objectives, statutory obligations, or increase the cost of delivering that service. We're keen to explore how we can work more closely with community bodies, and encourage you to discuss your ideas with us early on, before submitting a formal request.
Once we receive a valid application, we aim to make a decision within six months. We'll publish details of each request in line with the Act, keeping personal and confidential information private.
Related resources
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Asset Transfer Expression of Interest form
This document contains a form for community groups to register initial interest in transferring ownership, leasing or other rights to Council land or buildings under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. It asks for details about the organisation, property, proposed use, community benefits and ability to deliver the project. The completed form can be sent by email or post to Orkney Islands Council’s Estates Team, which should be contacted before applying.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Asset Transfer Request form
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s form for community groups seeking to buy, lease or gain other rights over Council land or buildings under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. It asks for information about the organisation, property, proposed use, community benefits, possible impacts, support and funding. Applicants must provide supporting documents, including governing rules, maps, evidence of community support and financial details, and obtain two signatures before submitting the request.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Community Asset Transfer Policy
This document contains Orkney Islands Council’s policy for transferring Council-owned land or buildings to community bodies through management agreements, leases or ownership transfers. It explains the potential community, environmental, social and economic benefits, and how groups can apply using an expression of interest followed by a detailed request. It also covers Council support, decision-making within six months, likely costs and the right to request a review or appeal.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.
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Community Asset Transfer Guidance Notes
This document contains guidance on how Orkney Islands Council’s Community Asset Transfer process works. It explains how local voluntary and community organisations can request ownership or management of Council land and buildings, and the benefits, restrictions and legal duties involved. It outlines who can apply, what information and business planning are needed, how proposals are assessed, and how decisions are made. It also covers agreements, timescales, reviews and appeals.
Please be aware that this summary has been generated using AI.