Housing Allocation Policy Consultation now live @Edinburgh_CC
The city council is seeking your views on its current Lettings Policy.
Your opinions will help to shape future allocations policies in the city.
To have your say, visit:
https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/allocations-policy/
The consultation closes on 8th July.
Councillors have agreed a programme for this financial year to spend more than £207m on improving and expanding council housing across the city.
On Monday (1 June) members of the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee approved the 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme for investment, which is part of the Housing Revenue Account Budget Strategy 2026/27 to 2035/36.
The programme includes a commitment of over £111m for housebuilding in 2026-27, contributing to the development of around 4275 new affordable houses over the next 5 years. This is the first year of a major intervention to address the housing emergency through the allocation of a total £1.3 billion to deliver settled homes over five years.
Amongst the housebuilding projects being progressed under the programme are: the design of homes to replace Oxcars Court and Inchmickery Court; new developments at Murrayburn, Greendykes, Burdiehouse and Powderhall; and neighbourhood redevelopment at Granton Waterfront.
The budget is inclusive of £18.3m allotted to acquiring homes from private developers to help boost settled accommodation while £2.5m will be spent bringing empty homes up to a lettable standard.
Almost £70m will support improvements across the city’s high-rise blocks, from significant refurbishment as part of the Council’s retrofit programme to fire safety improvements and window replacements, while £45m is allocated for investment in the Low-Rise estate. This will focus on essential upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms and windows alongside repairs and energy efficiency works as part of Mixed Tenure improvement work.
Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “In 2023 we became the first city in Scotland to declare a Housing Emergency and we’re still committed to tackling this head-on. The Housing Revenue Account investment programme demonstrates our dedication through a range of ambitious projects to boost our housing stock and improve the standards of our existing estate.
“Like cities and towns across the country we’re facing huge challenges in terms of housing shortages, the cost of living and a rising population. By investing wisely I’m confident that we can and will lessen the impact of these issues and make sure everyone has a safe place to live.”
An additional report to Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, Housing Delivery Strategy – Update, provides further information on the housebuilding programme.
A striking new multi-level pop-up showhome has launched at Cruden Homes’ West Craigs Green development in Edinburgh, giving buyers their first chance to step inside the highly anticipated four-bedroom Snowdrop townhouse.
Designed across three levels to reflect the way modern families live today, the newly unveiled showhome highlights flexible living, contemporary interiors and adaptable spaces for entertaining, working from home and multi-generational living.
The four-bedroom end-terrace Snowdrop townhouse has been carefully designed to create a natural rhythm between entertaining areas, quieter retreats and everyday family life, allowing each part of the home to evolve around changing lifestyles and routines.
At the heart of the home is a spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area with direct access to the private rear garden, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Across the upper floors, the property features four bedrooms, a family bathroom and en-suite, while one room has been styled as a flexible second lounge and guest space to demonstrate how buyers can personalise the layout to suit their own needs, whether for home working, growing families or visiting guests.
The interiors, designed by Get Fully Furnished, take inspiration from the natural surroundings and green landscape of West Craigs, blending warm neutral tones, muted olive shades and terracotta accents to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Claire Murray from Get Fully Furnished, said: “We wanted to create interiors that feel warm, relaxed and highly adaptable, while still delivering a strong sense of personality throughout the home.
“Because the home is arranged over three floors, it was important that each level had its distinct character while still feeling cohesive overall. We also wanted to demonstrate how the layout can flex around buyers’ lifestyles over time.”
Located in west Edinburgh, West Craigs Green forms part of one of the capital’s fastest-growing residential neighbourhoods, close to green space, active travel routes and major transport links, including Edinburgh Airport, the tram network and Edinburgh city centre.
Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, added: “Our new pop-up showhome really captures what buyers are looking for from modern multi-level living, flexibility, space and a layout that works around everyday life.
“The interiors bring a real warmth and personality to the property while showcasing how versatile the homes can be for families, entertaining, home working or simply creating quieter areas to relax.
“The townhouses at West Craigs Green represent excellent value for money, and the launch of the new showhome gives prospective buyers the opportunity to fully experience the quality, layout and lifestyle on offer at the development.”
West Craigs Green features a mix of high quality, energy-efficient villas, townhouses and apartments within one of Edinburgh’s most popular new residential locations.
The sales & marketing suite and show homes are open Thursday to Monday. Book a viewing online today or get in touch by emailing:
westcraigsgreen@crudenhomes.co.uk
or calling 0131 600 0095.
The first round of applications for a First Homes Fund will open by the end of June, providing first-time buyers with a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit on their first home.
The shared-equity scheme will be open to all prospective owners looking to make their first step on to the property ladder, with a limit of £300,000 on the value of the property purchased.
It is expected the first phase of the fund will support 2,000 households over the first 100 days of this Government and 50,000 over the course of this Parliament.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville confirmed the scheme’s opening to the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
Ms Somerville said: “For too many people across Scotland, particularly younger people and first-time buyers, home ownership has felt increasingly out of reach. In communities the length and breadth of our nation, we are hearing the same story; people saving what they can but finding that the cost of a deposit is simply too great a barrier.
“That is the context in which this Government will act. This is a direct response to the experience of people across Scotland. We have listened and are taking fast, decisive action.
“The Fund sits within a broader programme of action and supported by a record £4.9 billion investment in affordable housing over the next four years.
“We promised we would support first time buyers and we are delivering.”
A family-run property developer has broken ground on a new residential development in the West of Edinburgh, supported by a £20m funding package from Bank of Scotland.
The New Village, led by Edinburgh-based S1 Developments, will form part of real estate investment group Parabola’s wider multi-million-pound regeneration of Edinburgh Park, creating a new urban neighbourhood alongside commercial and leisure space.
Bank of Scotland’s funding has enabled the commencement of the first phase of properties at The New Village, comprising 146 private homes for sale. The all-electric homes include studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments and mews houses, with views across either a landscaped courtyard or the Pentland Hills.
Residents will have access to the wider amenities and cultural attractions planned for Edinburgh Park, including a multi-sport recreation area, a square with cafes, a children’s play area, offices, an art trail featuring works by Sir Eduardo Paolozzi, hotels and Edinburgh’s first indoor arena, the 8,500-capacity AEG Arena. The development is well connected to the city centre and airport by public transport, and is already home to leading independent bakery, Patina
Once complete, S1 Developments will deliver 397 new homes at The New Village, with a further 160 affordable units being delivered in tandem by social enterprise, Places for People. The development will supplement Edinburgh Park’s wider delivery of a further 864 rental properties, including more than 200 proposed mid-market rent homes.
Founded in 2007 by brothers Dan and Shane Teague, S1 Developments has led on several high-profile, mixed-use sites across Scotland’s central belt, including the Ropeworks, Ellersly Road and Temple Park Crescent in Edinburgh.
Dan Teague at S1 Developments, said: “The New Village will be a neighbourhood that places connectivity and quality of life at its heart.
“Every element, from the landscaped green spaces and access to amenities and cultrual attraction, has been carefully considered to create a place where people can feel part of a community.
“Breaking ground on the first homes marks an exciting moment in our collaboration with Parabola to create a vibrant new future for Edinburgh Park.”
Graeme Steel, Relationship Director at Bank of Scotland, added: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of Edinburgh Park.
“The New Village is shaping a new era of residential-led regeneration, delivering quality, sustainable homes alongside the amenities and public spaces needed to support building a thriving community where people want to put down roots.
“We look forward to continuing our support for S1 Developments on a project that will unlock and deliver significant long-term economic and social value for the city, contributing towards much needed housing stock and cementing our ambitions to unlock scalable financial models for regeneration and housing delivery.”
Cruden submits planning to transform former Xcite site
Five-star housebuilder Cruden has submitted plans for a major new affordable housing development at Almondvale Parkway in Livingston.
The proposals would transform the former Xcite Livingston site into 121 high-quality affordable homes, alongside new landscaping, parking and improved walking and cycling connections through the area.
Located within Livingston town centre, the 1.2-hectare brownfield site was previously home to the popular Bubbles Swimming Pool, which closed in 2023 and was demolished last year. Cruden’s plans would bring the vacant site back into use and create a new residential community in a highly accessible location.
The development includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, including retirement housing and wheelchair-accessible homes, helping to meet growing demand for affordable and energy-efficient housing in West Lothian.
Designed with sustainability and connectivity at its core, the plans would retain a large area of mature woodland while introducing additional planting, biodiversity features and new green spaces throughout the site. Enhanced pedestrian links would also improve connections between Almondvale Boulevard, nearby cycle routes and the football stadium beyond.
The homes have been designed to maximise natural light and energy efficiency, with the majority benefiting from south-facing living spaces. The development includes low-carbon technology, including heat pump systems and roof-mounted solar panels.
Demonstrating its continued commitment to West Lothian, Cruden recently completed a 146-home development at Almondvale for West Lothian Housing Partnership, alongside projects at Sydney Street in Livingston and in East Calder.
Andrew Duncan, Land Director of Cruden, said: “Our plans will transform this prominent brownfield site into a high-quality affordable housing development that will bring new life into this part of Livingston town centre.
“The former Xcite site holds strong memories for many local people, and we want to create a development that delivers lasting benefits for the community through much-needed affordable homes and high-quality green space.
“Environmental considerations have been incorporated into the scheme through measures such as woodland retention, active travel connections, and energy-efficient homes that can help reduce running costs for residents.”
The planning application follows a detailed design and consultation process with West Lothian Council and the local community. Subject to planning approval, Cruden intends to begin work on site in early 2027.
A collection of outstanding and “unapologetically modern” new homes that will transform a historic space in Edinburgh’s South Queensferry landscape are soon to be launched to the market.
The development of Q Gardens, an impressive reinvention of the Georgian Scotstoun House estate, is being carried out by luxury home specialist – AMA New Homes and marries Scottish architectural heritage with breathtaking contemporary design.
Award-winning architects The Kettle Collective – known for landmark projects across the Middle East, Asia and Africa – have drawn up the plans for these striking new homes which will appeal to buyers searching for statement homes in a leafy garden setting close to the centre of Edinburgh.
Set in more than two hectares of parkland, the exclusive complex comprises 21 three, four and five-bedroom homes, characterised by fluid living spaces, an abundance of light, a sense of open space and biophilic designs.
Q Gardens sits in the grounds of the former Scotstoun Park House, a grand mansion built in the 1770s, thought to have been originally part of the Rosebery Estate.
The mansion was demolished in the 1960s after years of neglect and a modernist office block, Scotstoun House, was built in its place designed by influential architect Peter Fogo. The signature of Ove Arup, founder of global engineering firm ARUP, can be found in the concrete alongside the date 1965.
Created around a square floor plan that echoes the size and shape of the neighbouring Georgian walled garden, the B-listed classic building will be converted into four four-bedroom apartments and forms the centrepiece of the project.
Architect Tony Kettle said: “Our task was to convert and revitalise this modernist gem while celebrating the site’s heritage. The original sculpted concrete panels will be retained, while a floating roofline forms a continuous clerestory window beneath, an enduring hallmark of modernist design.
“Our plans set large villas and townhouses within the original mature landscaped setting of Scotstoun House with a central lawn and walled garden. The existing mature trees have been protected and supplemented with extensive new tree planting to create a protected garden setting, a green oasis within South Queensferry.
“The driving design principle behind Q Gardens was to blur the boundaries between inside and out and to bring the residents closer to nature.
“This can be seen in the plans for expansive floor to ceiling windows that link formal dining and living areas to private gardens, creating a seamless flow between the buildings and the verdant surroundings. Additionally, balconies and bedroom views are framed by mature tree canopies. At all times during the design process, we have sought to capitalise on the glorious woodland setting.”
Of particular note is a dramatic extension linking the original Georgian stable block and adjacent cottage with a glazed curtain wall to form a three-bedroom house.
Crafted with minimalist modernist detailing, the luxury development offers the high quality homes associated with AMA. The designs for these elegant residences are thoughtfully arranged around light-filled kitchens with statement extended islands, allowing residents to combine cooking with informal dining and offering both wonderful family rooms and ideal entertaining spaces.
The homes will feature air source heat pumps, a state-of-the-art mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, high levels of insulation and underfloor heating, providing energy-efficient and environmentally conscious heating systems.
Behnam Afshar, director of AMA, said: “The potential for an extraordinary development at Scotstoun was immediately obvious and we are immensely proud of the way in which we are reinventing this special space.
“Scotstoun’s heritage gave us an excellent foundation with which to work. We have brought together the site’s heritage and contemporary design to create the blueprint for a truly sustainable development of outstanding, unapologetically modern homes. We believe this will be a striking addition to the city’s prime property portfolio.”
Q Gardens is ideally located just 10 miles west of the centre of Edinburgh with excellent transport connections to the city. It is also close to the motorway network and Edinburgh Airport. South Queensferry is an attractive, historic harbour town which offers a broad range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, a popular sports centre, a busy marina and primary and secondary schools.
Currently under development, the first homes are expected to complete later this year.
Available off-plan, prices start from £680,000 for stylish three-bedroom linked villas. The stable conversion is available for offers over £925,000 and the five-bedroom detached villas set in their own garden grounds are for sale for offers over £1.3million.
For more information visit www.amahomes.co.uk.
Scotland’s build-to-rent (BTR) sector is set for a comeback after a period of uncertainty that resulted in stalled development activity.
New legislation exempting BTR from rent control measures has the potential to unlock nearly 10,000 homes and trigger a wave of renewed investment, according to property consultancy Ryden. The findings form part of Lambert Smith Hampton’s (LSH) “Live & Kicking” Build to Rent Report 2026, which highlights how regulatory change in Scotland could unlock new development.
There are currently no large-scale BTR schemes under construction anywhere in Scotland, despite a significant pipeline of approved developments. This highlights the scale of the slowdown that has gripped the market since 2022.
Development activity effectively came to a halt following the introduction of emergency rent controls during the cost-of-living crisis, which led to a sharp drop in investor confidence and delayed new projects across the country.
However, the introduction of new regulations exempting BTR developments from rent controls has provided long-awaited clarity, prompting a significant shift in sentiment across the sector.
The Private Housing Rent Control (Exempt Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which came into force in April, confirm that qualifying BTR schemes will not be subject to rent control measures, removing a key barrier that has held back delivery for more than three years.
As a result, developers and investors are now returning to the market, with activity expected to focus initially on Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Ryden, part of the LSH Group, led the Scotland-focused analysis within the report.
David Fraser, Partner in Residential Investment & Development, Ryden, said: “The market effectively ground to a halt after 2022, but we’re now seeing a clear turning point. The introduction of rent control exemptions has restored the certainty investors need to commit to new projects.
“Scotland has moved from one of the most uncertain BTR markets in the UK to one of the most compelling investment opportunities. With a substantial consented pipeline of nearly 10,000 units already in place, the opportunity now is to unlock delivery and help address the country’s housing shortfall.”
More than 5,200 BTR homes have been delivered across Scotland to date, with activity heavily concentrated in Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, this remains well below the level seen in comparable UK cities, where BTR has become a key driver of housing supply and city centre regeneration.The attractiveness of the BTR sector is reinforced by strong tenant demand and occupancy levels in the completed schemes.
Industry experts also point to significant untapped potential, with Scotland’s major cities lagging far behind English counterparts in terms of BTR provision, despite strong population growth and a high proportion of young renters.
There has also been a marked increase in interest in the development of co-living and single-family rental (SFR) products in Scotland, both of which are expected to play a growing role in accelerating delivery, particularly as policymakers seek solutions to Scotland’s housing emergency.
Crucially, recent policy changes mean Scotland now offers a more stable and potentially more attractive regulatory environment for BTR investment than England & Wales, opening the door for domestic and international capital to re-enter the market.
With demand continuing to rise and barriers to investment now easing, Ryden believes Scotland is entering a new phase for build-to-rent growth, with long-delayed developments now expected to move forward.
Campaign aims to make gardens safer for threatened native species
HOMEOWNERS across Edinburgh and the Lothians are being encouraged to make their gardens safer for one of the UK’s most loved native species as part of a new campaign launched for Hedgehog Awareness Week.
Timed to coincide with the national awareness week running from 3–9 May, the initiative will see homebuyers and sellers offered guidance on how to create “hedgehog-friendly homes” through simple changes to gardens and outdoor spaces.
Ralph Sayer has launched the campaign in partnership with Midlothian Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation, positioning itself as what is believed to be the first estate agency in the UK to actively champion hedgehog-friendly homes within the property sector.
The campaign includes a practical checklist for buyers and sellers, designed to help households support hedgehogs through small but meaningful actions such as creating garden access points, avoiding harmful chemicals and maintaining wildlife-friendly planting.
By incorporating wildlife-conscious advice into the home-moving process, Ralph Sayer hopes to raise awareness among homeowners at a key moment when they are already thinking about their property and outdoor space.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “Buying or selling a home is often about imagining the life you want to build there and for many people that includes creating a welcoming outdoor space.
“Gardens do not just belong to us. They are vital habitats for wildlife, and hedgehogs in particular rely heavily on connected, accessible green spaces to survive.
“We saw an opportunity to do something genuinely positive that had not really been explored in the property market before and use our position to encourage people to think differently about their gardens.
“If simple changes made during a house move can help protect local wildlife, then that is something worth championing.”
The initiative forms part of Ralph Sayer’s broader commitment to supporting community causes across Edinburgh and the Lothians, with the firm continuing to back local charities, organisations and projects that deliver practical benefit beyond the property sector.
Hedgehog populations in the UK have declined significantly in recent decades, with habitat loss, urban development and inaccessible gardens all contributing to falling numbers.
Conservation groups have repeatedly highlighted the importance of connected residential gardens in helping hedgehogs travel safely between feeding and nesting sites.
Ann Morrison of Midlothian Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation, said: “One of the biggest issues hedgehogs face in urban and suburban areas is fragmented habitats.
“People often do not realise that something as simple as a fence with no gap underneath can cut off vital access routes and make it much harder for hedgehogs to forage, nest and survive.
“It is brilliant to see a business in the property sector taking the lead and using its platform to help raise awareness.”
The “Hedgehog Heroes” campaign will be promoted across Ralph Sayer’s offices and digital channels throughout Hedgehog Awareness Week, with educational content and advice aimed at helping homeowners better understand how they can support local wildlife.
The campaign has also prompted discussion within Ralph Sayer’s private client team around the growing number of people seeking to reflect environmental values in their estate planning. That includes clients increasingly exploring ways to leave charitable gifts to conservation organisations in their wills or make provisions aimed at protecting green space and wildlife for future generations.
Ralph Sayer believes the campaign reflects growing public interest in sustainability and biodiversity, particularly among buyers and families placing greater emphasis on environmentally conscious living.
The firm hopes the initiative will help spark broader discussion across the property sector about the role homes and gardens can play in supporting wildlife, while encouraging other businesses to consider how their industries can contribute to practical conservation efforts.
To find out more about Ralph Sayer and their services, please visit:
To find out more about Midlothian Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation, please visit:
Housebuilder proves spring cleaning isn’t just for the home
Volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, part of the UK’s largest housebuilder Barratt Redrow, have dedicated their time to cleaning up in locations around Edinburgh.
The litter-pick formed part of the wider Barratt Redrow CleanUp, now in its third year, organised by the housebuilder’s charitable arm, The Barratt Redrow Foundation in partnership with CleanupUK.
A team of volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland division set out to litter pick at West Craigs and Union Canal, which is popular with dog walkers, runners and families.
The team of 47 volunteers cleared nearly 100 bags of discarded waste, which included products that are known to be damaging to the environment and local wildlife and take a long time to break down, such as disposable vapes, wipes, batteries and cigarette butts.
The team sifted through greenery to remove waste, helping create a cleaner and safer environment for children, animals and tourists heading into the summer months.
Initiatives like this are important for amplifying the impact of litter-picking and community tidying efforts in the areas where the housebuilder operates and links closely to its ethos.
Barratt and David Wilson Homes are focused on building quality homes and creating vibrant new communities with open green spaces that enhance biodiversity and wellbeing, creating greener, healthier and more sustainable living environments for homeowners and wildlife alike.
Andrew Morrison, Managing Director for Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “In Scotland, we’re lucky to have such picturesque green spaces on our doorstep, so we all have a responsibility to ensure this landscape continues to thrive.
“As the UK’s largest housebuilder, we place great emphasis on leaving communities better than we found them, whether that’s by alleviating housing shortages, improving infrastructure or like in this instance, protecting the environment.
“Our employee volunteers did a great job clearing spots around Edinburgh which are enjoyed by residents across our West Craigs and West Craigs Quarter developments.”
CleanupUK, which helped with the organisation of the litter pick, is a nationwide charity that unites volunteers to form community-led litter picking initiatives in their local areas.
Edinburgh City Council provided the volunteers with the necessary equipment and will lead on disposing of the collected waste.
In total, over 60 clean-up events are taking place across the UK this spring, with hundreds of Barratt Redrow staff taking part.
To explore homes currently available in Edinburgh, visit Barratt @ West Craigs and David Wilson Homes West Craigs Quarter.
