Tag: housing

Build-to-rent ‘back in play’ as thousands of stalled homes set for revival 

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.

Edinburgh property firm leads charge for hedgehog-friendly homes

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: 

https://ralphsayer.com/

To find out more about Midlothian Hedgehog Rescue and Rehabilitation, please visit: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580280542569

Barratt and David Wilson Homes take part in Edinburgh litter pick

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.

Four major parties make manifesto commitments on tenement reform

In a first for a Scottish Parliamentary election, the majority of major parties have endorsed tenement law reform. 

Ahead of the Holyrood election, the SNP, Liberal Democrats, Labour, and Greens have explicitly mentioned supporting reforms to help tenement flat owners organise repairs in their 2026 manifestos.

This follows campaigning work from the Tenement Action Group (TAG), which asked each party to make a commitment to support the three recommendations made by the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Tenement Maintenance Working Group:

  • Establishment of compulsory owners’ associations
  • Obligation for tenements to be inspected every five years
  • Establishment of building reserve funds

TAG members, whose membership includes architects, surveyors, flat owners, and other housing professionals from across the sector, believe that enacting these recommendations will result in well-maintained buildings providing warm homes, affordable maintenance bills, and enhanced resilience to deal with future repairs.

BEFS, the umbrella body for organisations working in Scotland’s built environment and TAG member, has published a party manifesto round-up which summarises the positions of each major political party on issues related to BEF’s 2026 Manifesto for the Built Environment. 

The SNP have committed to reform the Tenements (Scotland) Act, while the Liberal Democrats specifically mention support for the introduction of mandatory owners’ associations, building reserve funds, and building inspections.  

Scottish Labour have promised to speed up progress on tenement maintenance reforms, and widen eligibility for financial help for retrofit, and the Scottish Greens have committed to make it easier for tenement flat owners to manage repairs, maintenance and retrofit, specifically supporting mandatory owners’ associations.  

Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Scotland’s tenement charity Under One Roof and TAG member, said: “The successful work of the Tenement Action Group to get a majority of Scotland’s major political parties to make explicit commitments on tenement law reform is an excellent outcome for the 900,000 tenement flat owners in Scotland.

“These flat owners will be expecting reforms to be quickly enacted to ensure their homes are warm, and their buildings well-maintained, for many decades to come.”

Hazel Johnson, Director of Built Environment Forum Scotland said: “Across the new term of the Scottish Parliament BEFS will continue to advocate for tenement reform and the recommendations of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group – and how these can deliver cross cutting benefits in addressing the climate emergency, achieving net zero, and keeping Scotland’s homes warm, comfortable, and wind and watertight. 

“We look forward to supporting further cross-party efforts to leverage the value of the built environment and deliver tangible positive outcomes for our people and places.”

Right to Buy overhaul to safeguard social housing in England

UK government has confirmed it will bring forward further reforms to Right to Buy

The Westminster government has today (Tuesday 28 April) confirmed it will bring forward further reforms to Right to Buy.

Right to Buy is a government scheme allowing eligible council tenants in England to buy their home at a discount.  

Last year the government published its consultation response to overhaul Right to Buy that will support councils to better protect and rebuild depleted housing stock while maintaining a responsible route into homeownership for longstanding tenants.  

New reforms to be brought forward will include: 

  • Increasing the minimum eligibility period from three to ten years before tenants can apply to buy their home.  
  • Amending discount rules so that discounts start at 5% of the property value and increase by 1% each year up to the maximum discount of 15% of the property value or the cash cap (whichever is lower).  
  • A 35-year new build exemption period so new social homes cannot be sold under Right to Buy for 35 years after they are built.  

Since the consultation, the government has also been undertaking further policy development and analysis to explore more effective fraud prevention to mitigate vulnerable tenants being pressured into buying and reviewing how the Right to Buy scheme applies in rural areas.

The government has already taken steps to give councils more confidence to ramp up the delivery of new social homes, including reducing maximum cash discounts to £16,000 – £38,000 depending on the area. Councils can also retain all of the receipts from sales and combine those receipts with grant funding to build and buy more homes. 

The ‘cost floor’ protection has been extended from 15 to 30 years, meaning landlords can limit discounts so that the sale price does not fall below the amount spent on building, repairing and maintaining the properties. The government has been exploring further reforms to the cost floor to better protect council investment in existing homes. 

The changes will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows.

Gavin Smart, CEO, Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “CIH welcomes the government’s continued focus on reforming Right to Buy and the clear recognition that change is needed to better protect and rebuild our social housing. The measures confirmed today are a positive step towards addressing the long-standing imbalance between homes sold and those replaced.

“We also welcome the further work on fraud prevention and the scheme’s impact in rural areas, both of which are crucial to ensuring Right to Buy operates fairly and sustainably.”

The Shared Housing Surge: UK HMO market grows by 40%

  • New data reveals a 40% jump in HMO licence applications since 2018, with over 57,000 applications received in the last year alone 
  • Edinburgh, Oxford and Bristol named UK’s HMO hotspots, with highest annual application rates 
  • Rising investment regions, including Sandwell and West Lancashire, reported application growth of nearly 1,000% 

The UK’s House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) market has seen a remarkable surge in growth, with new data revealing a 40% increase in license applications since 2018. The research suggests that landlords are increasingly pivoting towards shared housing to meet the soaring demand for affordable, high-quality living spaces. 

The study, from specialist landlord insurance provider Just Landlords, analyses data obtained via Freedom of Information (FOI) requests from local councils across the UK. It found that since 2018, the number of annual HMO applications has climbed from 41,162 to a record-breaking 57,725. 

How does the HMO market differ across the country? 

While growth has been steady throughout the UK, the situation varies from one city to the next. Edinburgh was named the UK’s HMO capital, with an average of 5,158 applications each year. 

Areas with the Highest Annual Application Rates 

  1. Edinburgh – 5,158 
  2. Oxford – 2,458 
  3. Bristol – 1,491 
  4. Southwark – 1,412 
  5. Tower Hamlets – 1,394 

Sandwell, in the West Midlands, reported the highest rate of growth, seeing applications jump by 964%, from 28 in 2018 to 298 in 2024. 

Areas with the Highest Application Growth 

  1. Sandwell – 964% 
  2. West Lancashire – 886% 
  3. Tower Hamlets – 750% 
  4. Guildford – 742% 
  5. Waltham Forest – 481% 

Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments: “We’re witnessing a major evolution in the UK rental market. An increasing number of landlords are moving away from traditional lets in favour of HMOs, to help meet the growing demand for flexible, affordable housing solutions. 

“We’re also seeing an interesting geographical shift in investment. While London remains a cornerstone of the market, there has been huge growth in the Midlands and the North, with some areas seeing application numbers increase by nearly 1,000% since 2018.” 

As the sector grows, the data also points to an increasing focus on quality and compliance. Across the UK, council inspections of HMOs have risen by 83% since 2018, while enforcement actions, including improvement notices and prosecutions, have jumped by 180%. 

Areas for Improvement 

While the national picture is one of growth, the data also identifies areas where the market is still adjusting to new regulations. 

Areas like Blackpool and Fenland saw over half of their annual applications refused, while landlords in Lewisham, Wandsworth and Liverpool saw higher than average numbers of enforcement actions. 

Areas with the Highest Application Refusal Rates 

  1. Blackpool – 70% 
  2. Fenland – 51% 
  3. Sandwell – 48% 
  4. Armagh – 26% 
  5. Norwich – 24% 

Areas with the Highest Number of Annual Enforcement Actions 

  1. Lewisham – 288 
  2. Wandsworth – 146 
  3. Liverpool – 141 
  4. Denbighshire – 141 
  5. Camden – 117 

Despite increased enforcement in some areas, the overall picture of the UK HMO market remains one of strong growth and professionalisation. As more landlords enter the sector and councils continue to improve oversight, standards across shared housing are expected to continue rising. 

For professional landlords, the growing demand for shared accommodation presents a significant opportunity, particularly in high-demand university cities and growing regional investment hubs. With the right licensing, compliance, and insurance in place, HMOs remain one of the most resilient and high-yielding areas of the rental market. 

Clark Ross, Managing Director of Just Landlords, comments: “While our findings reveal an environment of tightened regulation, this should be seen as a positive step for the market.

“Higher standards protect the reputation of the sector and ensure that dedicated, professional landlords aren’t being undercut by sub-standard operators. As the sector continues to grow, the most successful landlords will be those who treat their compliance and insurance as the bedrock of their business strategy.” 

Foundations mark next phase of Powderhall regeneration

Foundations have been laid on the next phase of the Powderhall regeneration, marking significant progress in delivering new homes and an educational facility as part of the long-term transformation of the former waste transfer station, bowling greens and adjacent stables sites.

Above-ground construction is now underway on the former bowling greens site, where contractors CCG (Scotland) are installing substructures, foundations and drainage.

This phase will deliver 27 council homes for older people alongside a 128-place early years centre and improvements to St Mark’s Path which is part of QuietRoute 20. The homes will deliver much needed affordable housing in the city centre including 19 wheelchair adapted homes which there is an acute shortage of across the city.

The new nursery, which will be managed by Broughton Primary School, is part of the city’s expansion of early learning and childcare provision and will increase the accessibility, affordability, flexibility and quality of funded early learning and childcare places to meet the needs of the local community.

The regeneration of Powderhall also includes the restoration of the historic Powderhall Stables into flexible workspace and artist studios, which is due to open soon, and upgrades to the Broughton Road and McDonald Road junction.

The final phase of the project will redevelop the former waste transfer station site where over 200 new affordable and private homes, as well as a new civic square on Broughton Road, will be built.

The complete  redevelopment of Powderhall will create a new residential neighbourhood alongside community facilities, green space and improved walking and cycling routes completing the transformation of Powderhall into a vibrant new neighbourhood.

The development received a £1.4m funding boost from the Scottish Government through the Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme.

Councillor Tim Pogson, Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This is a very exciting moment for the Powderhall regeneration. Seeing foundations now laid for the next phase marks real progress in delivering more homes our city urgently needs.

“I am looking forward to seeing the new affordable homes and early years centre take shape. Once all phases of Powderhall are complete there will be more than 200 homes alongside new community facilities and green space. This development will create a vibrant and inclusive new neighbourhood for people to live and thrive in.

“Two years on from declaring a housing emergency, we know we must keep pushing forward with solutions to deliver more housing at pace. Plans to regenerate city centre brownfield sites such as the former waste transfer station will form part of this.”

CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said: “Powderhall will soon become a valued asset for Canonmills. Not only will it help to address the growing demand for amenity housing and nursery spaces, but its delivery will also help to create a lasting positive legacy for the wider community, far beyond bricks and mortar.

“Six new jobs, one trade apprenticeship and 13 work placements are set to be created, alongside £7,500 of investment and a commitment to undertake 50 volunteering days in support of Broughton Primary School.

“We thank the City of Edinburgh Council for their continued support, and I look forward to seeing how construction will take shape in the months ahead.”

Victory for campaigners as rogue landlords struck off

On Monday Living Rent campaigners took action outside Edinburgh City Chambers as the councillors voted to strike off four landlords from the landlord register.

Living Rent said: ‘This is a big win and shows the tide is turning against landlords in the city who thought they were untouchable. But now the council needs to go further and faster if they are going to fully clamp down on the city’s rogue landlords.

‘Across the city, many of Edinburgh’s tenants are being forced to live under the thumb of rogue landlords who force tenants to live in slum-like conditions, with chronic disrepair, force up the rent illegally, threaten and abuse the privacy of tenants and neglect their legal responsibility as a landlord.

‘Everyone should have a safe, warm and affordable home. The council has proven they can take action, now they need to go further and clamp down on all rogue landlords across the city!’

New affordable homes planned for Leith

A high-quality, energy efficient development at Coatfield Lane, Leith will deliver much-needed family housing and improved greenspace.

Plans to deliver 49 new affordable homes at Coatfield Lane have been approved, marking a significant step forward in the Council’s ongoing programme to increase the supply of high-quality affordable housing across the city.

The new homes will be delivered on behalf of the Council by CCG (Scotland) Ltd in collaboration with Collective Architecture. The development, designed to meet a range of housing needs will include a mix of 1–4 bedroom flats and family houses and will be located in the heart of the Leith Conservation Area, close to the historic Kirkgate.

The homes will be well insulated and highly energy efficient thanks to a combination of advanced construction methods and the adoption of air source heat pump technology.

In addition to the homes, the project will provide improvements to the existing public realm including greenspaces, rain gardens and biodiverse planting.

Councillor Tim Pogson, the Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “This approval is a vital step in tackling the housing emergency facing our city. Unfortunately too many people are struggling to find a safe, secure and affordable place to call home and developments like this are a key part of the solution.

“The 49 new homes will not only provide much-needed accommodation for residents, but they do so in a way that is sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. And, as we build these new homes, we’ll create well designed places that respect the historic character of the area while delivering modern high-quality homes.

“I look forward to seeing work get underway and to welcoming the first residents into a vibrant new part of the community.”

CCG Managing Director David Wylie said: “We are delighted that plans for 49 affordable homes at Coatfield Lane have now been approved.

“Our team has worked collaboratively with the design partners to develop the proposals and realise the Council’s aspirations to deliver what will be a transformative development for the Leith community, and we look forward to commencing construction later this year.”

Collective Architecture said: “We’re delighted that the scheme has received planning approval.

“The new homes are sensitively integrated into the historic Kirkgate setting, sitting comfortably within the existing urban grain and immediately adjacent to the Category A-Listed Linksview House.

“Our proposals enhance the surrounding public realm and prioritise high quality architectural and urban design, incorporating social and environmental needs. This approach ensures meaningful benefits for both new residents and the existing community in Leith.”

New Framework Agreement in place to deliver £350m worth of housing projects in Edinburgh

The first part of a Framework Agreement to support the delivery of new, affordable homes in Edinburgh, worth around £350m, is now live.

The City of Edinburgh Council’s four-year New Build Housing Framework Agreement will provide an efficient route to procure the construction of new build housing. This will help tackle the city’s housing emergency by aiding the Council’s ambition to deliver 25,000 affordable homes.

Lot 1, the first of two lots encompassed by the Framework, was approved by Finance and Resources Committee in January and, after a mandatory standstill period, is now live. The Lot is split into three sub-Lots based upon the size of prospective sites – one to 30 homes, 31 to 100 homes and 100+ homes. By splitting Lot 1 into sub-Lots the Council aimed to encourage greater participation from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), reducing overall reliance on a small number of contractors.

Now that successful contractors have been awarded a place under the Agreement, the Council can progress housebuilding projects with them more quickly, without the need for a full tender process each time.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, Councillor Tim Pogson, said: “We’re fully committed to addressing the housing emergency in Edinburgh, pledging a record £1.6bn to housebuilding in this year’s budget, helping to realise our ambition to build 25,000 new affordable homes across the city.

“Procuring the right contractors to deliver these homes can take time, so I’m pleased that Lot 1 of the New Build Housing Framework Agreement is now in place, helping to streamline the process and letting us tackle the issue at pace.

“Our Procurement Service’s innovative approach to the Framework has opened opportunities to a broader range of contractors, including SMEs, increasing capacity for house building projects.”

Lot 2 will focus on collaboration, allowing the Council to work with other partners to jointly procure sites to achieve economies of scale.

A further award report for Lot 2 will be presented to Finance and Resources Committee in the coming months. Contracts awarded under both Lots of the New Build Housing Framework Agreement are valued in total at an estimated £600m.

A robust tender process carried out by Commercial and Procurement Services involved engagement with the market and attracted 22 responses across both Lots.

According to the Housing Need and Demand Assessment (HNDA3) for the South-East Scotland area, there is demand for between 36,000 and 52,000 new homes in Edinburgh between 2021 to 2040, between 24,000 and 35,000 of which need to be affordable.

Read the report Award of New Build Housing Framework Agreement – Lot 1 online.