Tag: housing

Full steam ahead to fast-track more homes near stations

Thousands of quality homes to be built closer to stations, cutting commute times and helping families live closer to work, school and transport

Thousands of new homes will be built around England’s train, tram and underground stations under new planning rules introduced today (Monday 17 August), helping families to live closer to work, schools and transport. 

The ‘common-sense’ changes will fast-track quality homes in well-connected areas, making better use of underdeveloped land around stations while creating jobs, unlocking investment, driving growth and connecting communities. This builds on the priorities set out by the government to ensure that planning decisions give proper consideration to the proximity of public transport links. 

Under the government’s new National Planning Policy Framework, there will be a default ‘yes’ for homes within reasonable walking distance of well-connected stations, alongside new minimum expectations for how much housing should be built in these areas. It will also prevent excessive gold-plating where there are clear national standards already in place. 

It comes as the government passes the quarter-way mark towards its stretching target of 1.5 million homes and goes further to get developments that meet clear standards moving quickly from plans on paper to spades in the ground.  

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Angela Rayner said: “A safe, secure home is the foundation of opportunity, but too many people are being priced out of the communities where they want to live and work. 

“By unlocking thousands of homes around well-connected transport hubs, we’re helping people live closer to work, school and the services they rely on, while backing local businesses and driving growth in our communities. 

“That’s how we’ll tackle the housing crisis and raise living standards for people in every corner of the country.” 

Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey MP said: “Making it easier for people to buy their own home is about more than a house. It is about security and families feeling they have a place they can truly call their own. 

“We want to drive growth in every postcode and help more working people into home ownership. A secure home is the heart of all our lives, helping people put down roots, plan for the future and build a good life for themselves and their families. This is about creating opportunity, prosperity and stronger communities across the country.” 

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Earlier this year, we published Better Connected: A Strategy for Integrated Transport. The steps announced today act on a key commitment we made as part of that Strategy, to support densification of development around well-connected stations to create vibrant, sustainable and well-connected homes and places. 

“The changes being announced today turn long-held ambitions into reality for our communities. Densification, combined with high-quality walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport, will support healthier lifestyles, improve access to jobs and services, and protect important public transport services.” 

Pubs and music venues are the lifeblood of communities, local jobs and high streets – and the changes we are making will protect them from being lost without good reason.  

The changes will also make it easier for councils to approve developments that create jobs, unlock investment, and deliver the shops, leisure facilities, clean energy and food production local areas need.  

They build on measures announced last week to back farmers and rural businesses, including making it easier to deliver reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels and farm shops.  

The government is also cutting unnecessary bureaucracy by reducing blanket consultation requirements that have slowed planning decisions.   

Councils will no longer need sign-off from public bodies where specialist advice is not needed, while expert input will be focused on the cases where it adds most value. Sport England will continue to advise on significant cases, and the Gardens Trust and Theatres Trust will still be notified of relevant applications so they can play an important role in the planning process.  

Together, these reforms are part of the government’s wider overhaul of the planning system – tackling the housing crisis, unlocking investment and driving good growth in every postcode. 

Scottish Government: Supporting people to buy their first home

Delivering further support for first-time buyers

A scheme to help people on low incomes and in priority groups buy their first affordable home has opened for applications.

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is available for first-time buyers and priority access groups who can’t afford the full price of a home. This includes social renters, disabled people, people aged 60 and over, members of the armed forces and veterans.

The scheme, along with the First Homes Fund, provides financial assistance to prospective homeowners and is part of the Government’s programme of action to provide affordable housing across the country.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “This Government is delivering on affordable housing and this scheme, along with our First Homes Fund, will provide a vital support for those looking to buy their first home.

“We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder – our shared equity schemes assist households who can sustain mortgage repayments but find it difficult to accumulate the necessary savings to secure a purchase. 

“I encourage everyone who is eligible and looking to buy a home to apply to these schemes. Giving more people the chance to buy an affordable home also plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness and eradicating child poverty across the country.”

The Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE) is open for applications. It is a shared equity scheme designed to help eligible buyers on low-to-moderate incomes purchase a home on the open market by funding a percentage of the price (usually 60% to 90%) while the government holds the remaining equity stake.

The First Homes Fund was introduced by the Scottish Government in June this year. This offers a £10,000 contribution to first-time buyers that struggle to save enough for a full deposit.

Support for domestic abuse victims

Making it easier to stay at home

‘a thousand words’ commissioned by Scottish Womens Aid and Zero Tolerance. Copyright Laura Dodsworth

New legal provisions that help some domestic abuse victims to remain in their home where it’s their wish, and where it’s safe and appropriate for them to do so, come into effect today (Saturday 1 August).

They allow social landlords, in certain circumstances, to apply for a court order on domestic abuse grounds to end an abuser’s tenancy.

If an order is granted by the court, the landlord can transfer the tenancy to the victim, allowing them to remain in, or return to, their home.

This means that for the first time, social landlords, rather than victims themselves, have power to help end an abuser’s tenancy.

Equalities Minister Simita Kumar is now urging the sector to make use of these new powers in appropriate cases.

Ms Kumar said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children, working with the sector to find victims the safest and most suitable form of accommodation to begin to rebuild their lives.

“Social landlords must make use of these new powers, where appropriate, to protect victims of domestic abuse and I urge them to do so.

“This removes a significant barrier for domestic abuse victims, the vast majority of whom are women and are too often trapped by violence. I will continue to work with the sector to ensure these powers are utilised.”

Parliament approved the regulations in January 2026 and today brings Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force.

CEO of Scottish Women’s Dr Marsha Scott said: “We welcome the new legal provisions in place from today. For many women experiencing domestic abuse, housing, and fear of uprooting their children, is a barrier when it comes to leaving an abusive partner.

“We hope making abusive behaviour a ground for eviction, will reduce children’s and women’s homelessness by allowing housing officials to help survivors stay in their own homes, forcing the abuser to leave.  This should provide safety and stability and move the consequences of abuse onto the abuser for a change.

“We now look forward to Part 1 of the Bill being implemented, which will introduce emergency barring orders as another housing protection, as we continue to work with the Scottish Government, in making Scotland safer for women and children.”

Domestic abuse victims can obtain further advice on these new powers from their social landlord, or the Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline

IMAGE (TOP) Laura Dodsworth

Deputy First Minister launches rollout of £50 million to prevent homelessness

First 100 days commitments continue to be met

Halfway through the first 100 days of the Scottish Government formed in May, the rollout of an expanded 10-year £50 million Homelessness Prevention Fund is underway.

£1 million is being made available for a second year to enable social landlords and third sector organisations to support tenants to stay in their homes.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Homeless Network Scotland are administering phase two of the Upstream Homelessness Prevention Fund. This will provide a range of support to households in Glasgow, including assistance with rent arrears, repairs and furniture costs alongside initiatives to prevent people becoming homeless.

The fund is in addition to the £9 million invested to mitigate the impact of the UK Government’s decision to freeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates in 2026-27. It forms part of the commitment to spend £50 million on homelessness prevention activity over the next decade.

Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth will visit Sanctuary Housing Association’s offices and development in Toryglen, Glasgow.

Ms Gilruth said: “Preventing homelessness is not just the right thing to do – it is the most effective way to end it for good.

“For too long, the system has been geared towards responding to crisis rather than stopping it happen.

“So in our first 100 days in government, we are rolling out funding which will help to change that.

“This fund will help build up capacity of communities and public services to act earlier, supporting people before situations become critical and embedding prevention across organisations that interact with those at risk.

“Homelessness is devastating, but we know that most of it is preventable. That is why sustained, long-term investment in prevention is central to everything we are doing.”

Director of External Affairs at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Paul Bradley said: “The Upstream Homelessness Prevention Fund has had a transformative impact in preventing homelessness for hundreds of people across Scotland, so we wholly welcome its extension. 

“This funding is further proof that prevention works, and that housing associations, working alongside government and partners, can reach tenants long before a crisis.  

“The greatest way to tackle homelessness is to prevent it in the first place.

“Prevention funding running alongside a strong supply of safe, warm and affordable homes gives Scotland the best chance of a true step-change so no one has to face losing their home.”  

Homeless Network Scotland Chief Executive Maggie Brunjes said: “Preventing homelessness starts where people live.

“This second round of the Upstream Prevention Fund is a vital investment in Glasgow. Housing associations are ideally placed to prevent homelessness through their strong community roots and close partnerships with local charities. 

“Homelessness charities play a key strategic role too, bringing deep knowledge of the issues people face and how to tackle them early.

“Working with SFHA and local partners, we will build on the success of the first round to help more households stay in their homes and make prevention and joined-up support a real priority across the city.” 

Social Bite’s reopened Granton Village illustrates alternative building solutions are key to solving UK housing crisis 

Today (29th June), homelessness charity Social Bite celebrated the re-opening of its Village at its new location on Granton Waterfront. This move serves as a clear proof-of-concept of the charity’s innovative model which encourages the implementation of modular housing and communities on unused, derelict land as an impactful and cost-effective solution to addressing the UK housing crisis.

The opening marks a re-location and expansion of the previous Edinburgh Social Bite Village, just five minutes away, to a local piece of land surrounded by greenery and a view of the Firth of Forth.

The opening is a landmark moment for the charity. Beyond providing new and refreshed quality homes for its residents, it underlines how uniquely agile, and adaptable, its Village Model concept truly is. 

The Village will continue to be run in partnership with Cyrenians, and will benefit from six new pre-built houses, while the existing ten houses will receive a refresh.

The new Granton Waterfront location will become home to 15 people who have been affected by homelessness – whether that be in B&Bs, temporary accommodation, sofa surfing, living on the streets, or one of the many other ‘unseen’ forms of homelessness faced by so many.

The Village is a real-life example of a scalable and adaptable blueprint for making fast and impactful changes to people who are experiencing homelessness. By committing to investing in this concept with Social Bite, policy makers and councils can make great in-roads to improving the housing crisis in their areas and make effective change for the thousands of people who have found themselves struggling for safe and secure housing in the UK.

In the coming months, six new residents will join the welcoming, supportive community. They will each receive a key to their own fully equipped home, complete with a self-contained kitchenette, bathroom, and living space. The remaining ten houses, relocated from the previous Social Bite Village site, will be occupied by residents and volunteers transitioning from the original site. 

It has been a momentous couple of months for the charity, which recently gained celebrity backing from George Clooney, Bob Geldof and Rob Brydon for its call for UK-wide local authorities to adopt the Social Bite Village model to end homelessness.

Social Bite also recently opened Harriet Gardens in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and The Salvation Army, and has had great success so far with support from the local community and councillors, and 15 residents moving into the beautiful site.

The beneficial impact on residents who live in The Village is evident. Before moving location, the previous Edinburgh Village saw around 100 people enjoying life at the Village, with many moving on to their own homes, gaining employment and thriving within their own networks.

One of those residents was Jayne. Jayne lived in the Granton Village for two years and has since moved out to her own flat. Since leaving, she has kept in good contact with the friends she made during her time there. 

She said: “My time at the Edinburgh Village was amazing. I was staying in homeless hostels and B&Bs after my mum died and it was stressful moving each week. There were rules and curfews with no visitors allowed, so it was lonely. I was glad to get a referral to the Village and I moved in quickly.

“I recently left the Village to go to my own flat after two years of bidding for one. It’s been great and I got a cat the same day! The Village helped me in loads of ways – from one-on-ones with a key worker to learning to ride a bike.

“I built a friend group which knows me well and I can count on to support me. The community aspect of the Village is the thing I loved the most.”

Founder of Social Bite, Josh Littlejohn MBE, said: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to open our brand-new Village site, in this stunning waterfront location. The Village model is about more than putting a roof over people’s heads – it’s about building a beautiful, supportive community that restores hope and dignity.

“Our new Granton Waterfront Village is a real flagship for this model, and I think it sets an example of how homelessness accommodation can be done differently. Thanks so much to all of the brilliant partners who helped bring the project to life. Looking ahead, we look forward to working with other councils to create Social Bite Village projects throughout the UK.”

Fellow homelessness charity, Cyrenians, will continue to manage the day-to-day running of the Village, providing on-site, wraparound support for all residents. Cyrenians operates a unique model of residential support where people who have either experienced or have been at risk of homelessness live alongside peer volunteers with support from an experienced professional staff team.

Kate Wallace, Chief Executive at Cyrenians, said: “Today marks a new chapter for Edinburgh’s Social Bite Village as we move to a brand new location, with new buildings and space to help even more people.

“Over the last eight years, Cyrenians has worked with Social Bite to provide support for the residents of the Village – a unique model that doesn’t just house people, but supports them to thrive.

“Taking over from Ewan Aitken as the new Chief Executive of Cyrenians, I am excited to continue our successful partnership, working together to create a world where supported housing like this is available to all those who need it.”

The build of the Granton Waterfront Village was carried out by construction partners including Advance and GSS Developments, whose generosity, expertise and commitment to the movement to end homelessness will ensure residents enjoy a top-quality Village site for years to come.

M&G generously supported the new community hub building through their Empty Spaces coalition with Habitat for Humanity.

Work on the community garden at the bottom of the site will begin with the help of residents once they have moved in. Social Bite is seeking funding to help make this possible. If you would like to donate please visit, Social-Bite.co.uk/donate.

If you are a council member considering a Social Bite Village for your local authority, please get in contact via Social Bite’s website.

First Homes Fund opens

First time buyers encouraged to apply

Up to 2,000 households could be supported to make their step on to the property ladder in the first 100 days of this Government through the First Homes Fund.

The first phase of the shared-equity scheme, which offers first-time buyers a £10,000 contribution towards a deposit, is now open. Over the course of this Parliament it is expected around 50,000 households will benefit from the £500 million scheme.

The deposit contribution can made used to buy any property with a value of up to £300,000.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Housing Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know how hard it is to get that first foot on the property ladder and the opening of this fund is a direct response to stories I have heard from so many people who are keen to buy their first home.

“The First Homes Fund is part of a broader programme of action, supported by a record £4.9 billion investment in affordable housing over the next four years.

“We promised to act to make life easier for many and fairer for all and, through the First Homes Fund, we are delivering on that promise.”

Homes for Scotland (HFS) Chief Executive Jane Wood said: “Reintroducing the First Home Fund was a key HFS ask ahead of the election, so we welcome this important step from the Scottish Government.

“Supporting First Time Buyers is essential, not only in helping to address Scotland’s existing housing need, with 693,000 households affected, but also in stimulating wider socio-economic growth across the country by unlocking investment confidence across the sector, particularly in areas where development viability can be more marginal and help increasing delivery of housing of all tenures where it is needed most.

“HFS is ready to help support the efficient delivery of the Fund so that all stakeholders, particularly those young people buying their first home, are ready and prepared for the launch of the scheme.”

New homes released in one of East Lothian’s most desirable coastal communities

Homebuyers seeking a coastal lifestyle within easy reach of Edinburgh have a fresh opportunity to secure a home in one of East Lothian’s most sought-after locations, as Cruden Homes releases 14 new properties at its award-winning Longniddry Village development.

With prices starting from £240,000, the latest release includes a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, two bedroom bungalows, three-bedroom terraced homes and the last chance to buy four-bedroom family homes.

Located in the heart of Longniddry, one of East Lothian’s most desirable villages, the development combines the charm of coastal living with excellent transport connections and everyday convenience.

Residents benefit from easy access to beaches, woodland walks, golf courses, local shops and schools, while Edinburgh city centre can be reached in under 20 minutes by train.

The newly released homes include the four-bedroom Hamilton A and Huntington house types, alongside a range of other properties designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of buyers.

Each home has been thoughtfully designed to offer modern, energy-efficient living, complemented by green spaces and a strong sense of community.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director at Cruden Homes, said: “Longniddry Village offers an exceptional lifestyle, combining the benefits of coastal village living with fantastic connections to Edinburgh and the wider East Lothian area.

“We’ve seen consistently strong demand from people attracted by the area’s natural beauty, strong community spirit and excellent local amenities. This latest release provides further opportunities for buyers at different stages of life, whether they’re purchasing their first home, looking for more space for a growing family or seeking to downsize without compromising on quality or location.”

Longniddry Village forms part of a wider vision to create a sustainable and connected community, with high-quality homes, landscaped public spaces and pedestrian-friendly routes that encourage active travel and outdoor living.

For more information on the latest release, visit www.cruden.co.uk or contact the sales team on 01875 666002. Showhomes are open Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm.

Have you say on Council’s Housing Allocation Policy

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 approve programme for first year of multi-million housing investment

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.

New showhome launches at West Craigs Green in Edinburgh

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.