Increasing exemptions to additional properties tax
Legislation enabling councils to increase their affordable housing stock without having to pay a tax on additional properties has been introduced in the Scottish Parliament.
Under changes to the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS), paid as part of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, the length of time a buyer moving between properties has to sell their original home in order to be able to reclaim ADS would also be extended from 18 months to 36 months.
Other changes include an exemption for people buying a new property to live in after divorce or separation if they are required by court to keep their previous home. Further amendments will exempt buyers from paying ADS on a property for which missives have been signed when a separate property has been inherited in the meantime.
Public Finance Minister Tom Arthur said: “The Additional Dwelling Supplement is an important source of revenue and in 2022-23 raised £163 million to support vital public services. The tax works well in most cases but we have taken on board feedback about the way it operates in certain circumstances.
“We want everyone in Scotland to have an affordable home that meets their needs, which is why we’re extending the scope of relief for councils to help them increase their affordable housing stock without having to pay tax on additional properties.
“The amendments also take on board feedback that it can be tricky for people moving house to sell their original home within 18 months due to differences in supply and demand in the housing market across Scotland.
“I am grateful to everyone who responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on these changes and look forward to working with MSPs as the legislation progresses through Parliament.”
The site, to be developed by housing specialists Cullross Ltd, will see 220 mixed-residential units brought to the area, located east of Glennie Road.
Flats, colony flats, and townhouses are included in the ambitious plans, with 163 (74 per cent) of the units being for affordable housing which will be delivered by Cullross on behalf of Hillcrest Homes. The remainder being for private housing.
A substantial open park space, with quality landscaping, will be provided for the local community and the layout integrates with the existing residential development.
The proposed development is allocated as housing site HSG27 in the Council’s Local Development Plan, where residential development is acceptable in principle.
It also delivers a 20-minute neighbourhood, being within 10-minites of a school, open place, play parks and a railway station, as well as a number of active travel connections. The site is within a 20-minute walk of Fort Kinnaird Retail Park and Queen Margaret University.
Twenty-minute neighbourhoods are places that are designed so residents can meet their day-to-day needs within a 20-minute walk of their homes.
The proposals include education and healthcare contributions to mitigate its impact on the locality.
Cullross Ltd has nearly 60 years of combined experience designing, developing, and building new homes and specialising in affordable housing projects.
Mark Beaton, Director of Cullross Ltd., said: “We are delighted to have had our application for residential development at Newcraighall East granted, subject to conditions.
“Extensive community consultation was undertaken on our ambitious proposals which will bring much-needed housing, the majority of which will be affordable housing, to Edinburgh.
“We were particularly keen to ensure that there is extensive greenspace available to the local community, including delivering a substantial landscaped open park.
“As the project progresses to site, we look forward to continuing to engage with the local community on this.”
Angela Linton, Hillcrest Chief Executive, said:“We’re delighted to again partner with Cullross to deliver another high-profile development.
“The 163 Hillcrest properties, which will form a significant portion of this development in Newcraighall, will offer a welcome boost of high-quality affordable housing to the city of Edinburgh.”
Rod Duncan, director of jmarchitects, said:“jmarchitects are delighted that the planning application for Newcraighall has been approved. The six month process from start to approval is testament to the team and to the City of Edinburgh Council.
“The masterplan on an allocated site will deliver 220 new homes within a design framework that is based on sustainable and biodiverse principles with placemaking at its heart.”
Barratt Developments is on track to deliver 270 new affordable homes across Edinburgh and the Lothians this year.
Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh, Leith’s Merchant Quay and St Clair Mews in Roslin, will all benefit from affordable housing this year, with a total of 270 homes earmarked for the region.
Barratt Developments – which consists of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – is working closely with affordable housing providers and local authorities to construct much needed new homes for both mid-market and social rent as part of its East of Scotland developments. The delivery includes a wide range of homes on each site in order to best meet the affordable need in the area.
Harbour Homes has been working in partnership with the housebuilder and recently completed 43 mid-market and social rent properties at Merchant Quay. These will consist of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.
Meanwhile, Places for People recently delivered 114 properties at Cammo Meadows in partnership with Barratt, which includes one and two-bedroom flats and three-bed terraces.
On the outskirts of the city in Midlothian, 53 social rent properties are in development with Midlothian Council. Due for completion this autumn, these will include two-bed cottage flats and a mix of three-bedroom semi-detached and terraced homes.
Cammo Meadows also has also completed 50 apartments and terraces for sale through Edinburgh Council’s Golden Share Scheme, while Merchant Quay development has recently completed 10 Golden Share homes. The scheme consists of homes which are sold at 80% of their market value, while buyers still own 100% of the property.
While a significant number of plots have already completed, all properties will be ready to move into by October.
Cllr Stuart McKenzie, Midlothian Cabinet member with responsibility for Housing, said: “There is a real and growing need for affordable homes in Midlothian. “
Midlothian Council is currently active on 13 sites, building 552 Council homes for our communities. Working in partnership with developers is an important source of new affordable housing and we are delighted to have contracted Barratt to build 53 homes for us at Roslin.
“This mix of flats and houses with two and three bedrooms are due to be delivered ahead of schedule.”
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of Harbour Homes, said:“We are pleased to have been part of this rewarding partnership which has created 43 new affordable homes in Leith, transforming disused brownfield sites into thriving communities.
“Demand for social and mid-market rent homes in the north of the city is especially high, and we are committed to providing brilliant places to live where they are needed most.”
Katie Smart, Director at Places for People Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Barratt Homes at Cammo Meadows in Edinburgh.
“At Places for People, we work to change lives by creating and supporting thriving communities and Cammo Meadows is no exception. Working with Barratt Homes we are thrilled to bring 114 new much-needed affordable homes to the area.”
Nick Wright, Development Directorat Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said:“Barratt and David Wilson have a strong track record in delivering affordable homes in the east of Scotland.
“This year alone, we are incredibly proud to be able to deliver 270 affordable homes across our Edinburgh and Lothian developments in partnership with our housing association and local authority partners.
“At Barratt Developments, we’re committed to building quality homes across the breadth of the country, including our East Scotland developments. These affordable homes will enhance the lives of those within the local community by creating modern, energy efficient accommodation in desirable locations.”
For more information on Barratt Developments in Scotland, visit:
More than 200 affordable homes have been given the green light this week, allowing the Council to create more much-needed affordable housing.
At least 130 of these new homes will be for social rent at key sites in Greendykes, Wester Hailes and Dreghorn.
It follows decisions by the Development Management Sub Committee on Wednesday (25 January) to grant permission for newbuild sites and agreement by the Finance and Resources Committee on Thursday (26 January) for the Council to purchase empty homes from the Ministry of Defence.
Of the 140 new homes agreed for Greendykes, 74 will be Council homes.
They form the final phase of the Council’s 15-year Greendykes masterplan, which is delivering 2,200 new homes in total alongside four new schools, a new public park, a brand new town centre and 300,000 sq ft of retail space.
The project is also the second pilot for the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme, meaning innovative construction methods will be used to build these homes offsite before delivering them to Greendykes where they will offer residents’ net zero carbon homes. This is a significant milestone for the EHD programme and the Greendykes area as we look to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing that is aligned with the current Net Zero Carbon approach of the Council.
Of the 73 new homes granted for Wester Hailes,41 will be Council homes.
They will be built at a derelict site in Murrayburn Gate where the Wester Hailes Health Centre once stood. The site is next to the Westside Plaza shopping centre and close to rail links, with the community to also benefit from a new public footway to the nearby Canal View Primary School.
All 23 empty homes agreed to be bought in Dreghorn are currently owned by the Ministry of Defence and are based along Dreghorn Place and Dreghorn Drive. The homes will be made available for social rent from the Council.
Councillor Jane Meagher, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “Never has our need for affordable housing been greater as we face a cost-of-living crisis and a climate emergency. The decisions made this week demonstrate our Council’s commitment to urgently creating the homes Edinburgh needs.
“I’m particularly pleased that we’ll be able to deliver so many homes for social rent. We want to provide everybody with a safe and warm place to live but we’re facing growing homelessness in Edinburgh. This remains a challenge, but these new properties that we’re buying and building are going to help many people in desperate housing need.
“And, as we build these new homes, we’ll create well designed places. Innovative offsite manufacturing of net zero homes such as those planned for Greendykes will help tenants and residents to keep their fuel bills down. This work will be taken forward alongside retrofitting many of our existing homes, so that older Council properties are also brought up to a better standard.”
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) has won a commendation at the Herald Property Awards 2022 in the Affordable Housing Development of the Year category (sponsored by NHBC) for its Heron Place development.
Heron Place was also shortlisted for the Scottish Home Awards 2022 and nominated for Architecture: Regeneration Heron Place at the Scottish Design Awards 2022.
The development situated at Granton Harbour consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent. The construction and design team comprised of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, architects Hackland and Dore, structural engineer Bayne Stevenson Associates Ltd and M&E engineer The Keenan Consultancy.
The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2022 honoured the achievements of Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords. The awards took place on Thursday, September 29 at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
The Affordable Housing Development of the Year category was open to registered social housing providers, charities, trusts or public bodies in partnership with a local authority and/or a developer for rent and/or shared ownership.
The judges were looking for evidence of how the development has impacted positively on the lives of local residents and contributed towards the regeneration of the area. Consideration was given to the use of sustainable materials and building techniques, as well as the development’s impact on the local environment.
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive of PoLHA, said: “We’re proud that Heron Place is thriving within the Granton waterfront community with sustainable, affordable homes and brilliant communities.
“Receiving a commendation for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards on top of our shortlist at the Scottish Home Awards 2022 is incredible rewarding.”
With Scottish Housing Day (14 September 2022) focusing on sustainable housing, the Alliance of Registered Co-operatives and Housing Associations, Independent in Edinburgh (ARCHIE) is working collaboratively to address the challenges around decarbonisation and energy efficiency and provide advice on how tenants can live sustainable lives, from energy saving tips to financial support.
Past ARCHIE successes include joint ventures such as distributing energy saving packs to tenants and energy use advice. One of the most successful projects is the provision of Tenant Advice Services, which includes money, debt, benefits and tenancy sustainment advice.
Through sharing services and collaborating on joint activities ARCHIE members provide value for money and keep rents affordable.
The ARCHIE members are Lister Housing Co-operative, Manor Estates Housing Association, Muirhouse Housing Association, Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA), Prospect Community Housing, Viewpoint Housing Association and West Granton Housing Co-operative.
Larke Adger, Chair of ARCHIE and Chief Executive, West Granton Housing Co-op commented: “Through collaborative working, we have achieved better services and support for tenants across all ARCHIE member organisations.
“We look forward to continuing to build on this work to help create thriving, sustainable communities.”
Sustainable Granton waterfront development in the running for award
A key element in Edinburgh’s on-going waterfront regeneration programme has been nominated as Scotland’s Best Affordable Housing Development at the prestigious Herald Property Awards ceremony to be held next month in Glasgow.
The Heron Place development at Granton Harbour, completed by Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments in 2021, consists of 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent.
The development is being recognised for the finish of the homes, the stunning views it affords of the water and Edinburgh Marina, and its sustainability. It has achieved the lowest possible Environmental Impact Rating, contains high quality insulation and is fitted with air quality monitors throughout.
Heron Place’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore. Bayne Stevenson Associates were the structural engineer, and The Keenan Consultancy was the M&E engineer.
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive, Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “We’re all very proud of the extent to which Heron Place has already become a thriving element of the rapidly evolving Granton waterfront community, providing first-class, sustainable affordable homes and brilliant communities.
“Being shortlisted for Best Affordable Housing Development at the Herald Property Awards is the icing on the cake for us.”
Manuela Molendini, Associate Director, Hackland + Dore Architects, said: “We are delighted with the shortlisting of Heron Place, a successful outcome of productive team working and community engagement, resulting in a comprehensive regeneration and improvement of the site and of wider Western Granton.
“The mixed-tenure development provides a well-integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, delivers a strategic environment and a sustainable neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.”
The development is a key element of PoLHA’s ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) alongside Hackland + Dore Architects have been shortlisted in two categories in the Scottish Home Awards 2022.
The categories are ‘Affordable Housing Development of the Year’ and ‘Housing Regeneration Project of the Year’ in recognition of their Heron Place affordable development in north Edinburgh.
The shortlisted development is situated at Granton Harbour and makes up a stretch of the city’s large-scale waterfront regeneration programme. In total there are 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent within the development. The mid market rent flats are delivered by Persevere Developments Ltd, a subsidiary of PoLHA.
The development of Heron Place contributes to the city’s waterfront regeneration by transforming derelict land into a sustainable neighbourhood and addressing local housing needs.
Community activities have been arranged for new residents and locals such as organised walks, courtyard events, and visits to nearby Wardie Bay beach. Tenants have also been involved in gardening within the development’s central courtyard.
Heather Kiteley, PoLHA Group Chief Executive said: “It is wonderful to see residents of Heron Place enjoying their homes and adding to the community at Granton Harbour.
“The development with its friendly courtyard is a joy to visit and I am proud of all those who have been involved in its planning and development as well as the ongoing engagement with those who live there.
“I look forward to seeing the waterfront regeneration programme continue to unfold in the months and years to come.”
Manuela Molendini, Hackland + Dore Architects Associate Director said: “Working collaboratively with PoLHA and CCG, Hackland + Dore Architects have delivered a sensitive design response, focussing on the positive impact on the local community through a range of urban and economic improvements.
“The enhancement of the ‘Public Realm’, comprises of accessible amenity space with high quality landscaping, while expanding connections to the existing marina with a network of paths for pedestrians and cyclists promotes sustainable travel.
“Heron Place is a sustainable response to a brownfield site. The mixed-tenure development provides a comprehensive well integrated placemaking solution that meets housing targets, and delivers a neighbourhood where communities feel connected and can thrive.”
Port of Leith Housing Association has ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025. You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.
Proposals for new homes for rent alongside facilities for the wider community at New Mart Road, Chesser, have been submitted to City of Edinburgh Council.
Watkin Jones Group, a leading developer and manager of homes for rent, has lodged a planning application with the Council to redevelop the former livestock sheds, which includes the World of Football and World of Bowling buildings.
The proposed high-quality mixed-use brownfield development will comprise primarily of build-to-rent (BTR) homes, including at least 25 per cent affordable homes, addressing a drastic and increasing shortage of rental housing in the capital.
In addition to this will be a limited level of managed student accommodation (occupying approximately 25 per cent of the floorspace of the development) and community facilities.
The site, which has been operated by Marco’s Leisure for 23 years, currently comprises listed and unlisted former auction mart buildings and livestock sheds which are over 120 years old.
While sensitive to local concerns about the loss of the facilities, independent assessments show that to bring the buildings up to standard would be an unsustainable burden and cost for any organisation.
The current buildings require constant maintenance, repair and upgrade, and development of the site will ensure their long-term future, with a significant proportion of frames retained and incorporated into the overall development.
Marco’s Leisure wants to deliver new sustainable, environmentally friendly sporting facilities rather than maintain what is becoming an impossible task. The company, who are a family business with a long-term commitment to Edinburgh, are in discussions with the Council to explore alternative options for sporting facilities in the west of the city.
The proposed BTR apartments will comprise a mix of studios, one bedroom, two bedroom and three-bedroom flats. Community is built into the design of the development, which reflects how people want to live now and into the future with working from home and study space, a communal lounge, exercise facilities, management suite and reception, bike storage and large shared kitchen.
Each of the key outdoor public and residents’ open outdoor spaces will be given an identity as part of the overall masterplan, reflecting the history of the site, including a large central public square.
It is envisaged that the public square will be used by performing arts groups; farmers markets; and as a gathering space for the wider community.
The development is proposed as a car free scheme with parking limited to accessible parking only, and residents will be encouraged to use the good quality public transport and active travel links to their homes.
The student housing portion of the building will also offer communal amenity spaces, bike storage, a management suite and reception areas.
Eve Ladden Timbers from Watkin Jones commented: “Our planning application for this new development at Chesser will create a thriving and diverse community as part of an overall redevelopment of the area.
“There is a massive shortage of homes for people to rent in the capital and through our build-to-rent, affordable and student homes these proposals will create much-needed places for people to live on a brownfield site.
“We have heard and understand people’s feelings about the football pitches but know that these are unsustainable in their current form due to the condition of the buildings. We will continue to listen to the community throughout development.
“We are aware that discussions are being held to look at alternative options for new sporting facilities.”
Paul Demarco from Marco’s Leisure commented: “Investment in recent state of the art facilities, such as World of Football at Marine Drive, show what we can offer through delivering far more viable spaces without the ongoing cost that old out of date buildings unfortunately provide.
“As we are finding, it is proving near impossible to provide quality and affordable facilities under a nineteenth century livestock shed. To address this, we are currently in the process of discussing possibilities for the delivery of facilities on future sites in the west of the city with agents and City of Edinburgh Council.
“As a family business we have a long-term commitment to Edinburgh, and as the baton is passed on from the third to fourth generations of the family, who will be active for many years to come, we are dedicated to delivering high quality affordable leisure and sports facilities.”
What is BTR?
BTR is a relatively new model for creating new homes in the UK but it is very popular in Europe and America. All the properties are built for rent, not for sale and are usually owned by a pension provider that wants to maintain a secure income to pay the pensions of its members.
Because the owner is a long-term professional investor there is an emphasis on future-proofed sustainability and maintaining a diverse thriving community that keeps the building and local area attractive as a place to live for decades.
Residents are offered long-term security of tenure, with the flexibility of renting and have access to wider on-site amenities, such as gyms and workspaces, that offer a better lifestyle the traditional boundaries of rented homes. Pets are often allowed in BTR homes. Recent research by the UKAA found that BTR homes charge similar rents to traditional rented homes.
Port of Leith Housing Association (PoLHA) and its subsidiary Persevere Developments Ltd (PDL) are marking Scottish Housing Day 2021 today by celebrating the opening of 104 affordable homes on Edinburgh’s waterfront.
The properties at Heron Place, Heron View, Heron Lane and Hesperus Crossway are situated at Granton Harbour and make up a stretch of the city’s large-scale waterfront regeneration programme.
The development has been designed with existing and new communities in mind and has a sunlit central courtyard which residents will be able to enjoy together. In total there are 46 homes for social rent, including two wheelchair accessible flats, and 58 homes for mid market rent.
The completion of this development brings the number of affordable homes provided by PoLHA in north Edinburgh to over 3,000.
Heather Kiteley, Group Chief Executive said: “It was a pleasure to visit our new development on Granton’s waterfront and to meet some of its new residents this Scottish Housing Day.
“The location is close to various paths and networks that interconnect north Edinburgh’s greenspaces. I am sure the community here will enjoy making the most of the city’s coastline and all the sustainable transport options it offers.
“That Scottish Housing Day is focusing on housing and the climate emergency this year is of personal importance to me. This new development has the lowest Environmental Impact Rating, good insulation, and is fitted with air quality monitors throughout.
“We as an industry have a long way to go to reach net-zero, and I am committed to working closely with colleagues on even more ambitious solutions to the climate challenges we face in the months and years to come.”
CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said:“The Granton Waterfront Regeneration is one of the most significant of its kind in Scotland with housing being a key part of the City’s vision for its transformation.
“CCG’s journey at the waterfront began at Heron Place and works continue to be progressed with Port of Leith HA on a further 304 homes on an adjacent development.
“It’s an exciting time for the area and the wider housebuilding programme in Edinburgh and we are delighted to be playing our part as we embark on a further 600+ homes which are set to commence in 2022.”
Cezary Grabski, 27, works in Customer Operations for Standard Life. Originally from Poland, he is moving from elsewhere in the Granton area, and says: “I feel very lucky to have found this housing association and this beautiful development.
“The flats are brand new, finished to a very high standard, in a great location and with stunning views of the water and Edinburgh Marina.”
Sarah Watson, 25, a Clerical Officer working with NHS Lothian, is moving to one of the new mid market properties from the Saughton area of the city. Sarah said: “I immediately fell in love with the area and the picture of the flats were to die for!
“I can’t fault anything in regard to the process of applying for a mid market property and would highly recommend anyone to have a look at some for yourself. I can’t wait to move in and make my new flat a home.”
John Donald, 47, is an Accounts Assessor for the Scottish Legal Aid Board. He is moving from Great Junction Street in Leith and says: “I am delighted to have found this mid market rental property in such a great location. I have lived in private rentals since moving to Edinburgh 16 years ago.
“With my youngest heading to university this year I had been thinking I would probably have to move out of the city to find something more affordable. Thankfully I saw the mid market flats available in this development and I am now excited to be moving into a brand new home in a great and developing part of Edinburgh.”
Port of Leith Housing Association has ambitious plans to deliver more than 600 high-quality, affordable homes by 2025.
You can read more about this in its strategic plan polha.co.uk/2025.
