Tag: housing

Preventing homelessness and improving housing standards

Housing (Scotland) Bill passed by Holyrood

Legislation to transform homelessness prevention and improve standards in rented housing has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The Housing (Scotland) Bill will place a duty on certain public bodies to prevent people from losing their homes by asking about their housing situation and taking action.

The Bill will also broaden Ministers’ powers to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’, which will ensure landlords promptly address issues that are hazardous to tenants’ health, starting with damp and mould.  

The legal measure was named after Awaab Ishak who died in 2020 after being exposed to mould in his home in Rochdale in north west England. The law will now be implemented in Scotland’s rented sector from March 2026, subject to Parliament’s agreement.

Other measures in the Bill include giving Ministers the power to implement a system of long-term rent controls, keeping rent affordable for tenants.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “Passing the Housing (Scotland) Bill is a landmark moment for how we prevent homelessness in Scotland.

“Whilst we already have some of the strongest homelessness rights of any country, we will now go even further to a create a gold-standard homelessness prevention system.

“Passing this groundbreaking legislation, coupled with the Housing Emergency Action Plan published earlier this month, shows just how serious we are about tackling Scotland’s housing crisis.

“Families across Scotland will have the confidence that their rented home will be free from damp and mould as we take forward work to implement ‘Awaab’s Law’. We will now work at pace to lay regulations to implement these protections from March.

“Scotland has already led the way in protecting tenants and providing strong rights when people are homeless and now the Housing Bill will revolutionise homelessness prevention and ensure rents are kept affordable.”

Maeve McGoldrick, head of policy and communications for Crisis Scotland, said: “Today’s vote marks a landmark moment in Scotland’s journey towards ending homelessness.

“We already have strong rights in place for people experiencing homelessness, but as we see from our frontline services, we need to do far more to prevent people losing their home in the first place. That means allowing people entering a housing crisis to get help earlier, so they can get support before it is too late.

“At Crisis we have been calling for new protections to stop people being forced from their homes for years. These new changes, contained in the Housing Bill, hold the potential to create a truly world-leading homelessness system, where everyone has a safe, secure place to live.”

Campaigners Living Rent said: “MSPs voted to pass the Housing bill and with it, rent controls. This bill wouldn’t exist without the work of Living Rent members.

“It caps rent increases between tenancies, clamps down on disrepair, and strengthens joint tenancy rights.”

The Scottish Greens also welcomed the decision: “40 years ago Margaret Thatcher abolished rent controls in Scotland.

“The Scottish Parliament just passed a Bill introduced by the Scottish Greens, which will allow them once more! This will keep rents affordable and offer safety and stability to renters.”

Graham Crocket, National Estate Agency Director at Aberdein Considine, has reacted to the passing of the new Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025. 

The Bill empowers local councils to designate ‘Rent Control Areas’, capping rent increases to inflation plus 1%, and introduces stricter eviction rules while mandating rent history disclosures.  

Graham said: “The implementation of the Housing (Scotland) Bill 2025 is a turning point for landlords, property buyers and the wider property market. While the government frames this Bill as a step towards fairness and affordability, the ripple effects could be profound.  

“With rent controls, enhanced tenant protections and new transparency requirements becoming law, landlords and investors will need to carefully reassess their positions, while first-time buyers could be among those best placed to benefit.   

“For landlords, especially those operating in high-demand urban areas, the Bill represents a tightening of margins and a loss of flexibility. The prospect of capped rent growth and longer notice periods may prompt a sell-off of rental housing stock, particularly for older flats and tenements. This shift could flood the second-hand market with properties previously held for investment.   

“If this happens, first-time buyers could find themselves with more choice and negotiating power than before. In cities like Glasgow and Aberdeen, where affordability ratios are more favourable, the impact could be especially pronounced. Entry-level homes may see a softening in price, giving new buyers a foothold in markets that have long felt out of reach.   

“The Bill’s full impact will depend on how councils implement rent control zones and how landlords respond. For now, the market is watching, and first-time buyers may be wise to do more than just watch.” 

Aberdein Considine has produced a short city-by-city forecast on the expected impact of the Housing (Scotland) Bill: 

  • Glasgow: With an average house price of £191,000 and strong rental demand, Glasgow is likely to see moderate investor exits. Flats in areas like Dennistoun and Southside may enter the market, softening prices and improving access for first-time buyers.  
  • Edinburgh:  Scotland’s capital faces a declared housing emergency and high property values. Rent controls could be rolled out aggressively, prompting landlord exits in Leith and Southside. However, strong demand may keep prices buoyant, limiting gains for new buyers.  
  • Aberdeen: Long subdued by oil sector volatility, Aberdeen’s market is already cool. The bill may accelerate existing trends, with modest price declines and increased affordability for buyers seeking value.  
  • Stirling:  Affordable and well-connected, Stirling could attract buyers priced out of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Investor exits near the university and city centre may boost supply of housing stock, stabilising prices and enhancing accessibility.  
  • Perth: With a quieter market and rural appeal, Perth may see slower changes. However, increased listings of older rental stock could gently ease prices, especially for flats and terraced homes. 

Aberdein Considine is an award-winning law firm with 21 offices and more than 450 staff across Scotland and the north of England. The firm is also Scotland’s largest solicitor estate agent with a national network of high street branches, including in the key cities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Stirling. 

Edinburgh Tenants Federation to discuss damp and mould

THURSDAY 9th OCTOBER 6 – 8pm at NORTON PARK

Calling all tenants! Join ETF and a member of CEC for our next Federation Meeting to discuss damp and mould in the home.

Thursday 9th of October

6pm – 8pm

Norton Park Conference Centre

Call 0131 475 2509 or email info@edinburghtenants.org.uk if you require transport

Scottish Government publishes Housing Emergency Action Plan

PLAN TO END CHLDREN LIVING IN UNSUITABLE ACCOMMODATION, SUPPORT VULNERABLE GROUPS AND BOOST INVESTMENT

Cabinet Secretary for Housing Màiri McAllan has published the Housing Emergency Action Plan to tackle the housing crisis.

The plan focuses on three key areas – ending children living in unsuitable accommodation, supporting the housing needs of vulnerable groups and supporting growth and investment in the housing sector.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, the Housing Secretary set out a number of key commitments, including:

  • A new commitment to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years, delivering around 36,000 affordable homes by 2029-30 and providing a home for up to 24,000 children.
  • Doubling investment in acquisitions this year to £80 million, which will help take between 600-800 children out of temporary accommodation.
  • Implement Awaab’s Law from March 2026, starting with damp and mould, subject to parliamentary approval, to ensure landlords promptly address issues hazardous to tenants.
  • A new £1 million national ‘fund to leave’ to provide financial support for up to 1,200 women and their children to leave an abusive partner.
  • Unlocking land for housing in rural areas by working with the Scottish National Investment Bank, landowners and public bodies
  • A new Ministerial direction to planning authorities.

Ms McAllan said: “Tackling the housing emergency will be a cornerstone in our efforts to achieve the Scottish Government’s key priority of eradicating child poverty. I am determined this action plan will deliver positive and lasting change.

“At the heart of my mission is ensuring children are not spending time in unsuitable accommodation or long periods in temporary accommodation; that the housing needs of vulnerable communities are met and that we create the optimum conditions for confidence and investment in Scotland’s housing sector.

“Our efforts so far since declaring a housing emergency have seen 2,700 families with children into a permanent home, up to December 2024. Our action plan will see tens of thousands more families have a place they can call home.

“Since I took up the role of Cabinet Secretary I have listened to calls from the sector for multi-year funding to give housebuilders more long-term certainty.

“Today I have committed to investing up to £4.9 billion in affordable homes over the next four years. This long-term certainty and increase in funding will support delivery of around 36,000 affordable homes and provide up to 24,000 children with a warm, safe home.

“We cannot tackle this emergency alone though and I need everyone from across the private and public sector to pull together and deliver this plan to ensure everyone in Scotland has access to a safe, warm and affordable home.”

Crisis Scotland’s Head of Policy and Communications Maeve McGoldrick said: “We welcome today’s announcement. Homelessness is the most acute form of poverty, and we see the damage it does through our frontline services every day.

“Investment in new housing will help prevent more people being forced from their homes, while the expansion of Housing First will provide a vital route out of homelessness for people who have been let down by services for too long.

“We can’t allow more people to be trapped in the limbo of the homelessness system– we need to act now to help build a Scotland where everyone has a safe, secure place to call home.”

Scottish Women’s Aid CEO Dr Marsha Scott said: “Scottish Women’s Aid warmly welcomes announcement of a roll-out of the original Fund to Leave pilots to the rest of Scotland.

“Every day we and our local Women’s Aid services see women and children struggling to get free of an abuser.  The Fund to Leave offers a critical helping hand when women and children need it most. 

‘Leaving’ is difficult and dangerous, and the Fund to Leave is such an important step to making leaving and staying free from an abuser a reality across Scotland.” 

Right There works to prevent people becoming homeless and separated from their loved ones, and believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

Commenting on the plan, CEO, Janet Haugh said: “Scotland is in the midst of a national housing emergency which needs ambitious and robust action to reverse it.

“We are encouraged that today’s plan recognises the crisis our country is in, with over 53,000 people currently without a home, and over 10,000 children living in temporary accommodation.

“We welcome the focus on ending children’s time in unsuitable or temporary accommodation. Every child deserves a safe, stable place to call home – it is the foundation of wellbeing, learning and hope for the future.

“We know that a house alone is not enough. The right support around people – whether they are rebuilding after domestic abuse, facing poverty, or at risk of homelessness – is vital to turn housing into a home.

“We see every day the pressure on families and individuals waiting far too long in temporary accommodation. While progress is welcome, the reality is that thousands still need urgent solutions.

“We stand ready to play our part. Local organisations like Right There can be powerful delivery partners, bringing together housing, support and community. Sustainable investment and genuine collaboration will be critical.

“Housing is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about fairness, dignity, and giving people the chance to thrive. The Housing Emergency Action Plan will only succeed if it holds true to those values.”

Tackling Scotland’s Housing Emergency – gov.scot

Craigiehall Barracks now home to thriving new community

Scottish army HQ reborn as first phase of new redevelopment sells out

IN just over a year, the first phase of a former Edinburgh army headquarters has been transformed from derelict barracks into a thriving new community.

Craigiehall Meadows, formerly Craigiehall Barracks, has now reached a major milestone with Hillside Road, the first phase of the development to come to market, has now completely sold out.

In summer 2024, work began to breathe new life into 78 long-abandoned houses that once housed generations of army families.

Just over a year on, the first phase has seen 26 homes sold, worth a combined £7,185,000, and is already home to a thriving community of 53 people.

Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, which oversees all sales at Craigiehall Meadows, said: “When work first began just over a year ago, we knew we had a huge challenge ahead of us to bring this site to life and create something really special.

“The whole team has been incredible. Together, we’ve taken what was once an empty, forgotten place and turned it into one of Edinburgh’s most sought-after new communities in a truly beautiful location.

“To have sold out Hillside Road in just over a year is amazing. We always believed this would be a popular development, but the demand has gone far beyond what we imagined.

“Now, seeing this part of the development alive with families settling in, first-time buyers putting down roots and young professionals building their futures, all so happy in their new homes, makes every bit of the hard work worthwhile.”

The second phase of the development at Craigiehall Meadows launched in May, introduced two new streets, Riverside Road and Primrose Drive.

Riverside Road features 27 detached homes, 21 four-bedroom properties in the Holly, Hazel, Oak and Yew styles, along with six five-bedroom homes in the Pine and Alder styles.

A short walk away, Primrose Drive offers eight substantial five-bedroom Willow homes. Together, the 35 new homes combine generous space, landscaped gardens, high-quality finishes and modern, energy-efficient features, with prices ranging from £550,000 to £600,000.

Tzana added: “Hillside Road was our core focus for a long time, but now that this chapter has closed, we’re fully focused on driving forward with phase two and we’re confident Riverside Road and Primrose Drive will be every bit as successful.

“We’ve already seen an incredible amount of interest in these homes, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re spacious, beautifully finished and set in a location that’s perfect for families who want both room to grow and a real sense of community.

“With larger detached homes, landscaped gardens and the backdrop of the River Almond and surrounding woodlands, this next chapter offers something really special, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of buyers into Craigiehall Meadows.”

Craigiehall Meadows is the latest chapter in the long story of a site that once played a central role in Scotland’s military history.

Established in 1939 to house army families, it became the Scottish Army Headquarters in 1951 and was active for decades, with regiments including The Black Watch based there until the barracks closed in 2019.

Now, the site is being carefully reimagined. What was once a military stronghold is fast becoming one of Edinburgh’s most desirable new neighbourhoods.

The site offers a tranquil, semi-rural lifestyle, just minutes from Cammo, Cramond and Dalmeny, yet still perfectly connected to the capital.

Viewings are now open by appointment for the Riverside Road and Primrose Drive show homes.

Early booking is strongly advised to avoid disappointment. To arrange a slot, contact Ralph Sayer on 0131 225 5567 or property@ralphsayer.com

To learn more about Craigiehall Meadows, please visit:

 https://www.craigiehall-meadows.co.uk/

War Without Bullets screening

FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER 5.30pm

WAR WITHOUT BULLETS

Join Edinburgh Tool Library and The Crannie for a screening of a powerful short film, War Without Bullets, about Glaswegian activist Cathy McCormack – who transformed her fight against poor housing conditions in her own community into a global movement for health justice.

The film will be accompanied by food and an open conversation about our experiences and hopes for our own homes, and our struggles and successes with fighting for safe and healthy housing conditions.

There will be more information about housing and energy advice at the event if you have any specific questions about your own situation.

📆 12 Sept, 5.30pm

 TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/war-without-bullets-tickets-1423433551069?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Miller Homes prepares to launch trio of new developments 

Edinburgh-based homebuilder brings over 300 new homes to Edinburgh, East Calder and Falkirk

Miller Homes, one of Scotland’s leading homebuilders, is set to launch three highly anticipated new developments in the East of Scotland, bringing 328 new energy-efficient homes to sought-after locations within easy reach of Edinburgh.

The developments; West Craigs Mews in Edinburgh; Avonside Wisp in Whitecross, Falkirk; and East Calder Oaks in East Calder will offer a range of contemporary family homes designed to meet the needs of growing communities.

West Craigs Mews launches for sale on 30 August and will comprise 92 private homes including three-bedroom terraced houses, three and four-bedroom townhouses, and four and five-bedroom detached homes.

Avonside Wisp launches for sale on 6 September and features 169 three, four, and five-bedroom homes – perfect for families seeking a well-connected location near Linlithgow and Edinburgh.

East Calder Oaks is set to launch in October 2025. This community will include 67 of Miller Homes’ larger four and five-bedroom detached properties, offering spacious and flexible living for growing families in the desirable West Lothian area.

All three developments will feature Miller Homes’ latest collection of modern, energy-efficient properties, each designed with sustainability and comfort in mind. Every home also comes with a 10-year NHBC warranty for peace of mind.

Commenting on the upcoming launches, Miller Homes’ Sales Director for Scotland East, Neil Gaffney said: “We’re excited to bring these three developments to market, offering buyers a fantastic choice of high-quality new homes in some of the most desirable areas surrounding Edinburgh.

“From family-friendly detached houses in East Calder to a mix of townhouses and terraces in Edinburgh’s West Craigs Village, and a thriving new community in Whitecross, there’s something for everyone.

“With strong demand for high quality new homes in the East of Scotland, these launches mark an important milestone in our commitment to creating thriving communities where people are proud to live.”

The first homes at West Craigs Mews, East Calder Oaks and Avonside Wisp will be ready to move into in April 2026.

Interested buyers can register now to be the first to hear about the summer releases at millerhomes.co.uk.

Edinburgh MPs initiate dialogue between tenants and Places for People

THREE Edinburgh Labour MPs – Tracy Gilbert (Edinburgh North and Leith), Dr Scott Arthur (Edinburgh South West), and Chris Murray (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) – came together with Places for People Scotland and tenants from across the city on Wednesday to build on joint engagement activity addressing housing queries.

After being elected, Tracy Gilbert MP noticed a trend in complaints and organised this meeting to support both tenants and Places for People Scotland.

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the Edinburgh MPs arranged the meeting with Places for People Scotland and Edinburgh Tenants Federation to support local tenants to proactively seek support on matters relating to their communities.

The meeting is a further step in the work Places for People Scotland has undertaken in the past 18 months in increasing customer engagement across the city.

The meeting covered matters raised by customers including understanding service charges, heating, and repairs and maintenance, as well as customer engagement.

By bringing all parties together, the MPs sought to bring together tenants’ voices to continue open, constructive, and effective dialogue.

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “Tenants deserve to feel heard and supported by their housing provider. As Edinburgh MPs, we were pleased to facilitate this meeting so residents could raise their concerns directly and begin to build stronger channels of communication.

“A lot of the issues raised centred on the transparency of bills from factors and the lack of clarity in communications.

“We hope that over the coming months these matters can be resolved, giving residents the confidence and reassurance they deserve.”

Dr Scott Arthur MP added: “Tenants in Edinburgh South West have understandably lost confidence in the service provided by Places for People Scotland.

“I’m therefore pleased that this meeting offered a chance to reset the relationship. It’s now in everyone’s best interest to work together constructively to rebuild trust and deliver the high-quality services that residents rightly expect and deserve.”

Chris Murray MP said: “I welcome Places for People Scotland’s commitment to an open, engaged, and transparent relationship with their tenants – demonstrated by our community meeting tonight.

“However, an engaged, transparent, and supportive housing provider and property factor should not be an exception, but an expectation.

“I will continue to work alongside residents, my fellow MPs, and Places for People Scotland, to ensure this is achieved.”

Kelly Brown, Director of Places for People Scotland, commented: “We recognise that there have been times in recent years where our communication with customers should have been better and we have taken the appropriate steps to improve this.

“Yesterday’s meeting marked another positive step forward, demonstrating what can be achieved when we work together.

“We are always listening. Over the last 18 months, we’ve worked closely with our customers and local MPs to improve the overall customer experience. For those whose homes are powered by a district heating system, we’ve brought in an internal expert to review all tariffs and procure a new partner.

“We remain committed to driving further improvements to ensure we provide a service that our customers can be proud of.”

Housing is a matter devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

Edinburgh’s mixed tenure service ‘is transforming lives’

Councillor Lezley Marion Cameron writes about the improvements the city council is making to blocks in Edinburgh:

Across Edinburgh, hundreds of residents are seeing improvements to their homes and neighbourhoods, thanks to the Council’s Mixed Tenure Improvement Service (MTIS).

Launched in Wester Hailes in 2021, the initiative tackles the long-standing challenge of maintaining mixed-tenure buildings – where some homes are owned by the council and some by private owners. Many of these blocks need significant investment to common areas due to age, lack of formal factoring arrangements and regular maintenance of shared parts of the blocks.

In Magdalene, Bingham and The Christians, work has been underway since summer 2024, with many homes are now nearing completion. Entrances are brighter and more secure, paths are safer and more accessible, and anti-social behaviour has been reduced by creating more welcoming, well-kept communities.

These works are complex and necessary, and I am pleased that they are delivering positive and visible results.

Together with councillor colleagues I recently visited the area to see first hand the scale and quality of the work taking place. We visited original blocks, some mid-refurbishment and some nearing completion. What stood out to me is how much the work has had an immediate effect, not only on how buildings look and function, but also on how people feel about where they live.

Residents have told us how much they value the work being done and it’s encouraging to hear from residents the sense of community and pride these improvements are helping to support and flourish.

That is why the MTIS is such an important and valued part of the city’s wider housing strategy, by allowing us to tackle long-standing maintenance issues in a way which benefits all parties. Private owners are supported through the process, and council tenants and residents benefit from living in buildings that are properly looked after.

Of course, this work isn’t without its challenges. Co-ordinating works among different owners takes time, patience and care but the results we are seeing now clearly demonstrate the success of the service and more importantly, that residents value it.

As the programme continues to roll out across the city, we shall keep listening to residents, working with owners, and making sure these improvements deliver lasting value.

Everyone deserves a home that is safe, warm, and well-maintained. Through this service, we are making that a reality and I look forward to seeing such progress continue.

Barnton luxury retirement development announced finalist for third major award of 2025

The Avenue, an exclusive retirement community by five-star home builder Cruden Homes, is in the running for its third major accolade after being shortlisted for ‘Development of the Year’ at the 2025 Herald Property Awards.

This latest nomination follows an impressive award season for The Avenue, which has already scooped Housing Development of the Year (Small, Private Sale) at the 2025 Scottish Home Awards and Private Development of the Year (Medium) at the 2025 Homes for Scotland Awards. 

Located in the leafy suburb of Barnton, just minutes from Edinburgh’s bustling city centre, The Avenue’s boutique offering includes 48 energy-efficient apartments, penthouses, and executive villas, each built to a high specification. 

Designed exclusively for those aged 55 and over, the development combines elegant, hotel-inspired living and thoughtful amenities. Residents can enjoy access to a stylish club lounge and guest suite, and will benefit from a dedicated concierge service. The Avenue’s focus on sustainability, quality and design sets it apart in the retirement living sector.

Hazel Davies, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes, said: “The Avenue offers a truly unique opportunity for those aged 55 and over to live in luxurious, peaceful homes, alongside a lovely community of like-minded neighbours.

“We prioritised quality and innovation from the outset, and it is fantastic to see this commitment recognised with our recent award successes and this latest nomination.”

The Herald Property awards, hosted in partnership with Prime Property Auctions, celebrate Scotland’s most innovative and successful home and commercial builders, developers, agents, interior designers and registered social landlords.

For more information on The Avenue’s luxury retirement living, please visit: 

www.theavenuebarnton.co.uk

Barratt Redrow offers deposit boost for key workers in Edinburgh to buy their own home

Customers of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in Edinburgh can now overcome one of the biggest challenges to buying a home – saving for a deposit.  

Barratt Redrow has extended its hugely successful Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme to even more frontline workers. The scheme, which gives up to £25,000 as a deposit, is now being offered to social workers, nursery workers, pharmacists, and a larger cohort of NHS response workers.   

The developer is currently creating a range of new communities across Edinburgh, including David Wilson Homes at Cammo Meadows and West Craigs Quarter and Barratt Homes at Merchant Quay, West Craigs and Gilmerton Heights.  

Originally launched to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service, the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme now supports more key workers to afford a new home by helping to pay their deposit.  

Amongst those benefitting are workers in the NHS, Education sector, Police Force, Fire Service, Ministry of Defence, Environmental Service, National Highways, Transport Scotland & Transport for Wales, Probation and Prison Services, Local Authorities, the RNLI, and foster carers, in addition to the newly added services.  

So far, the housebuilder has given support totalling £63m to key workers across the UK, of which £8m has been provided to 498 homebuyers in Scotland.  

Under the scheme, eligible key workers are offered £1,000 as a deposit contribution for every £20,000 of a home’s purchase price.  For example, on a home costing £300,000, key workers would qualify for a contribution of £15,000. 

Andrew Morrison, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes East Scotland, said: “Our Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme has already helped almost 500 buyers in Scotland to purchase a low-carbon, energy-efficient home.  

“While mortgage interest rates are starting to come down, many buyers are still struggling to get into a home that fits with their lifestyle. We’re now extending the scheme even further to ensure that those who provide essential frontline services can get into their own place.” 

To find out more about the scheme, visit:  

https://www.barratthomes.co.uk/offers/key-worker-deposit-contribution

https://www.dwh.co.uk/offers/key-worker-deposit-contribution