Tag: housing

New partnership formed to accelerate construction of affordable homes

A new public sector alliance has been created to accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes for rent in the south east of Scotland.

The alliance will provide local authorities and housing associations with an online knowledge hub hosting freely-available home designs that utilise modern methods of construction.

The South East Regional Delivery Alliance (SE-RDA) has been established by bringing together six councils – The City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian – supported by public sector infrastructure body, the Scottish Futures Trust.

To speed up delivery, the SE-RDA has built up a library of net-zero ready house and flat types that have been designed in collaboration with the house building industry and can be downloaded from the SE-RDA knowledge hub and shared with appointed contractors and design teams.

Property layouts range from a 1 bedroom flat up to a 4 bedroom house and can be customised in various configurations, with a number of designs incorporating wheelchair accessibility.

In addition, by bringing six local authorities together, a strong pipeline of proposed housing supply can be established, providing the construction sector with greater insight into expected future work. 

Speaking on behalf of the South-East Regional Delivery Alliance, Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee Convener Jane Meagher said: “Scotland is facing a national housing emergency, with too many people struggling to access safe, warm, and affordable homes.

“The creation of the knowledge hub is a crucial step forward – giving partners a single space to share resources, modern designs, and building on what works.

“By working together and learning from each other, we can strengthen our response to the housing emergency and accelerate the delivery of the affordable homes that we so urgently need.

Ryan Cossar, who leads support from the Scottish Futures Trust on the South East-Regional Delivery Alliance, explained: “Collectively, we are providing local authorities and housing associations with the tools they need to get the construction of higher performing affordable homes underway quicker, with the SE-RDA front runner projects landing on site in around half the time compared to typical project delivery approaches.

“By using off-site manufacturing, construction quality can also be improved,  time to build during the construction phase can be much more efficient, and completed homes require less energy for heating and hot water, leading to lower energy bills for residents.  

“In addition, by bundling the six councils’ future housing projects, this has helped create improved efficiencies around procurement as well as a lower development costs.”

Burdiehouses! New affordable homes approved to tackle housing crisis

A new affordable housing development was given the green light by the Development Management Sub-Committee yesterday.

The approved plans will deliver 49 new homes – comprising a mix of flats, colonies, and terraced houses – on a partly brownfield site adjacent to an established residential area. Of these, four flats will be fully wheelchair accessible.

Designed by architect Smith Scott Mullan, the affordable housing units will be developed by contractor CCG.

The site, located east of Burdiehouse Crescent, is ideally located within a 10-minute walk of local amenities, including Valley Park Community Centre, shops, schools, and public transport links. The new homes will also overlook a new recreational and play area.

Designed as part of the Edinburgh Home Demonstrator (EHD) programme, the project also sets a benchmark for sustainable urban development.

The homes will be fully operational as a Net Zero ready development, utilising air source heat pumps, exhaust air pumps, and photovoltaic panels for heating and hot water, eliminating the need for fossil fuel-based heating systems.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: This approval is a vital step in tackling the housing emergency facing our city. 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.

“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: “The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator programme, supported by Scottish Futures Trust, is a hugely important initiative which is helping to shape the future of affordable, ‘Net Zero Ready’ housebuilding in the Edinburgh and South East City Region.

“Burdiehouse is the third development to be brought forward since the launch of the programme in 2021. Like those before it – including the first project delivered by CCG – it will be analysed to help the South East Regional partners understand how ‘Net Zero Ready’ homes can be designed, procured, and delivered at scale to meet local housing demand, and support a just net zero transition by 2045.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council once again to bring new homes to Burdiehouse, and we look forward to commencing work on site very soon.”

The project contributes to the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal housing programme and represents a new approach to delivering high-quality, climate conscious, and affordable housing.

Tomorrow: Housing Drop-In at Royston Wardieburn

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY from 10am – 12 noon at ROYSTON WARDIEBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE

Housing information drop in this Wednesday at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre from 10am-12noon ☺️

Staff/advisors are coming from:

City of Edinburgh Council Housing

LIFT

Granton Information Centre

Changeworks

RIGHT THERE

Grab a cuppa and get some advice!

Tackling the housing emergency

Increasing housing supply and reducing temporary accommodation use

A range of measures have been taken by the Scottish Government to increase investment in housebuilding and help reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation since declaring a housing emergency last year.

Actions taken in the last year include:

  • Investing £600 million in affordable housing in 2024/25. £40 million of which was used to purchase properties and bring empty social homes back into use.
  • Helping to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation in 12 council areas, according to the latest figures.
  • Making an additional £1 million available to Registered Social Landlords and third sector organisations to prevent homelessness and support people to stay in rented accommodation.
  • Boosting supply through other funding models, including the Charitable Bonds programme which has seen investment of £46m in the past year, supporting the delivery of 325 homes.

Further action will be taken in the coming year to continue to tackle the housing emergency and ensure more people can access a safe and affordable home, including:

  • Investing £768 million in this financial year in affordable housing, which will support the delivery of 8,000 homes for social and mid-market rent and low-cost home ownership.
  • Providing local authorities with £15 billion this financial year for a range of services, including in homelessness services.
  • £2 million invested through the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership to continue to reduce the number of privately owned empty homes.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Providing everyone in Scotland the right to a warm, safe and affordable home is essential to our key priority of eradicating child poverty. The measures we have taken have meant increased investment in the affordable housing sector and fewer families living in temporary accommodation.

“As a result of our actions, an estimated more than 2,600 households with children have been helped into affordable housing in the year up to December 2024.

“We have delivered 136,000 affordable homes, with 97,000 of those for social rent, between 2007 and the end of December 2024. We are also working to identify and turn around empty private and social homes and encouraging more funding streams into the sector through our Housing Investment Taskforce.

“It is encouraging that we are seeing a reduction in families in temporary accommodation in some local authority areas. However, we know there is more to do which is why we have increased the affordable housing budget for this financial year by £200 million to £768 million.

“In the longer term we will also introduce homelessness prevention measures and a system of long-term rent controls in our Housing Bill.

“We are determined to tackle the housing emergency and ensure that everyone in Scotland can have somewhere to call home.”

Affordable homes at Granton waterfront shortlisted for two awards


Harbour Homes, alongside Cairn Housing Association and CCG Scotland, has been announced as a finalist in the Scottish Home Awards, sponsored by Ross & Liddell. The awards are a celebration of excellence in Scottish housing.

Leith’s biggest social landlord is in the running for Social Housing Development of the Year (over 100 units) for its development at Chestnut Street on Granton’s waterfront. The development is also a finalist in the Housing Regeneration Project of the Year category.

The project at Chestnut Street includes 96 homes for social rent by Harbour Homes and 130 properties for mid market rent by Harbour Lettings. The remaining 80 properties are social rent homes provided by Cairn Housing Association. The project’s contractor was CCG and the architect was Hackland + Dore.

Heather Kiteley, Chief Executive, Harbour Homes, said: “We are very proud that our development at Chestnut Street has been recognised for its success in bringing high-quality, affordable homes to Granton.

“To also be shortlisted in the Regeneration Project of the Year category is a wonderful testament to the hard work of all those involved.”

Audrey Simpson, CEO, Cairn Housing Association, said: “We’re thrilled that Chestnut Wynd has been recognised at the Scottish Home Awards.

“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong partnership working, and we’re proud to have played a part in delivering high-quality, affordable homes in Granton.

“It’s great to see our collective efforts being celebrated, and we’d like to thank everyone involved in making this development a success.”

Scenic family homes come to market amid ‘phenomenal’ interest

Househunters urged to book viewing slots as early as possible for sought-after location

THE newest chapter at one of Edinburgh’s most in-demand residential developments is opening, as a new collection of high-spec family homes are now welcoming viewings.

Riverside Road and Primrose Drive mark an important phase in the transformation at Craigiehall Meadows, where the once abandoned home of the British army, is fast becoming a flourishing community.

Launching on May 3, the development will welcome viewings by appointment, offering buyers a first look at the new, spacious, family-focused homes on offer in one of the capital’s most desirable settings.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, said: “The appetite for Craigiehall Meadows has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we’re thrilled that Hillside is now almost completely sold out, just months after launch.

“We’ve seen demand from a broad range of buyers, but at its heart, the demand comes down to this just being an exceptional place to live, with high-quality homes set in a beautiful setting surrounded by nature.

“In this next phase, we’re offering exactly what many families are searching for, spacious homes at a highly competitive price.

“Riverside Road and Primrose Drive represent the next step up, larger homes with room to grow, and we fully expect interest to soar as buyers see what’s coming next.”

The launch follows the runaway success of Hillside Road, where 26 semi-detached homes were snapped up at an astonishing rate, with just a small number remaining available.

Riverside Road will feature 27 detached homes, comprising 21 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom properties.

Buyers can choose from a range of distinctive styles: Holly, Hazel, Oak, and Yew for the four-bedroom homes, and Pine and Alder for the five-bedroom homes, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000. 

Every home has been thoughtfully designed to provide generous space with beautiful, landscaped gardens, quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features that cater to the needs of growing families.

A short walk away, Primrose Drive will feature eight substantial five-bedroom homes, each of the same luxurious Willow style with prices ranging from £565,000 to £575,000.

These expansive properties will include garages, spacious kitchens and generous living areas and bedrooms all set along a quiet, tree-lined avenue designed to offer privacy and space.

Tzana added: “The show homes give buyers their first chance to truly visualise what life at Riverside Road and Primrose Drive could be like.

“These homes have been meticulously planned with modern family lifestyles in mind. From the modern finishes to spacious gardens, every detail has been considered, and we expect viewing slots to fill very quickly.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since work started on site. The transformation has been nothing short of incredible.

“Hillside is now bustling with new residents and it’s already feeling like a proper community. Seeing families move in, kids playing outside, and people walking their dogs through what was once a closed-off site, it’s a brilliant turnaround.

“There’s a real buzz around the place now and it’s fantastic to see the area thriving again.”

Set against a backdrop of mature woodlands and tracing the banks of the River Almond, Craigiehall Meadows enjoys a rare combination of tranquillity and connectivity.

Just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, it offers families the chance to enjoy a semi-rural lifestyle while remaining well-linked to the capital.

Once the site of the Scottish Army Headquarters, Craigiehall has played a significant role in modern history.

First established in 1939 to house military families, it was instrumental in operations following the German surrender in Norway in 1945 and remained an active base for regiments including The Black Watch until its closure in 2019.

During a recent visit, local MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton praised the transformation, saying: “What I love about the Craigiehall Meadows development is that they are lovingly restoring 1960s housing to the highest specification possible, so that they’ll have a new lease of life where families will enjoy them for decades to come.”

Viewings are strictly by appointment and now open for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show home, with appointments available on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 May.

Those interested are encouraged to contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com to secure a slot, early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Making housing accessible in Edinburgh

COUNCIL HOSTS ACCESSIBLE HOUSING SUMMIT

An event held last week (Tuesday 22 April) at the City Chambers brought together the Council and partners to take steps toward building, adapting, and finding accessible homes across the Capital.

Hosted by the City of Edinburgh Council, the Accessible Housing Summit convened representatives from the third sector, housing associations and the private sector.

Through a series of roundtable discussions, participants explored three key areas: delivering new accessible homes, improving access to existing housing, and ensuring the best use of homes already available.

The event builds on insights from the 2022 Accessible Housing Study and feedback gathered from tenants, residents and partners gathered during consultations on the Council’s draft Local Housing Strategy.

In a tangible step forward, the Council recently began construction on a new residential development in Newington. Once complete, the site will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes available for social rent.

Attendees will now consider what actions can be taken forward to address improving access to information, advice on accessible housing and planning for new accessible homes in Edinburgh.

Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said: “As Edinburgh’s population grows and changes, so do the housing needs of our residents. We must therefore strive to ensure that everyone – irrespective of their health circumstances and accessibility requirements – has a home they can live in with dignity and comfort.

“Whilst this is a national issue, the City of Edinburgh Council faces unique challenges, including being landlord of a high number of older, flatted properties which can often be harder and costly to adapt.  

“It is vital for us to understand the nature, context, and complexity of the barriers to providing fully accessible housing and to work closely and collaboratively with our partners and organisations leading this crucial work to deliver the accessible housing our citizens need now and in the future.”

Rent control consultation published

Views sought on exemptions from rent control and where rent could be increased above cap

A consultation has been published on potential for certain exemptions from rent controls or increases above the rent cap.

Last year, the Scottish Government set out its plans for long-term rent controls in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, which will help create a fairer, better-regulated rented sector for tenants and landlords.

Tenants, landlords and others in the rented sector are being asked to share their views on possible exemptions to the rent cap, for example in connection with mid-market and Build to Rent properties.

The consultation also considers where landlords could be allowed to increase rents above the cap, for example where there have been improvements to their property or where rents have consistently been charged at a level below market rates.

Views are also being sought on how Ministers’ regulation-making powers could be used to clarify how private sector joint tenancies are ended.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The rent control proposals we have published as part of the Housing Bill are just some of the measures we are taking to improve lives and work towards achieving our goal of ending child poverty in Scotland.

“Our rent control proposals will help provide certainty for tenants by keeping them in their homes and ensure rents remain affordable during a cost-of-living crisis.

“Rental properties are a crucial element of our efforts to tackle the housing emergency and we want landlords to have the confidence to invest and continue to provide good quality, affordable homes.

“We have published this consultation as part of our ongoing engagement with those who will be affected by rent control.  The responses will help us strike the right balance between supporting tenants, whilst ensuring the rights of landlords are protected and we continue to support investment in the rented homes we need.”

Housing (Scotland) Bill – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

Housing Bill amendments lodged to strengthen tenants’ rights

Amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill have been lodged by the Scottish Government setting out how rents will be capped in rent control areas.

The proposed measures will help protect tenants facing cost of living pressures and rising energy prices, whilst providing appropriate protection for the property rights of landlords and supporting investment.

Rent increases in control areas would be limited to the CPI annual rate of inflation plus 1%, up to a maximum increase of 6%. If approved, the rent cap will apply both to rent increases during the term of a tenancy, and in between tenancies, in areas where rent control is applied.

Ministers will determine which areas should be subject to rent control in order to protect tenants. The amendments build on a package of renters’ rights already in the Bill including the right to keep pets and to decorate rented properties without having those unreasonably refused.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty remains this government’s top priority and having a home can make a direct contribution to achieving this.

“Ensuring families can have secure and affordable homes that meet their needs is part of our approach to tackling the housing emergency. These measures will also help protect tenants against a backdrop of a continuing cost of living crisis and rising energy costs. We are doing what we can with the powers that we have as we know our policies are working to improve the lives of families in Scotland.

“Scotland already has some of the strongest rights in the UK for tenants, but we want to improve the renting experience even more to create an affordable, high-quality and fair rented sector.

“We have been working closely with tenants’ organisations to develop provisions in the Housing Bill to improve renters’ rights, including a system of long-term rent controls that is fair for tenants and encourages investment in the sector.

“Our rented sector is a crucial part of tackling the housing emergency and these measures provide important certainty for tenants.”

Support for people in priority groups to buy a house

Home ownership scheme reopens

A scheme to help people in priority groups buy a home on the open market has reopened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme will be available to people across Scotland who can’t afford the full price of a home from groups which include social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.

Applicants can apply for between 60% and 90% of the property’s value without having to purchase it in full, with the Scottish Government owning the remaining share.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The cost of living crisis, high energy prices, inflation and interest rates make it increasingly difficult for some people to buy their own home.

“We want to give people in the priority groups the same opportunity as other buyers to own their home and I would encourage anyone looking to buy a home to apply to the scheme.

“Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty in Scotland.”

Applications to the Open Market Shared Equity Scheme can be made on the Link Housing website.