100,000 more affordable homes in Scotland

Plans to deliver 100,000 affordable homes over the next decade have been set out by the Scottish Government in a 20-year housing strategy.

Recognising the importance of everyone having a safe and affordable home that meets their needs, Housing to 2040 outlines what the Scottish Government wants housing and communities to look and feel like for the people of Scotland, with actions on how to get there.

Key priorities in the strategy, which will be taken forward subject to the outcome of the election, include: delivering 100,000 more affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70 per cent of these being for social rent; setting a single set of standards for housing quality and accessibility; tackling high rents in the private sector and supporting fair, accessible private and social rental sectors through a Rented Sector Strategy and Housing Bill; and aiming for all new homes delivered by Registered Social Landlords and local authorities to be zero emissions by 2026.

Local authorities will also be able to access a new government fund to help bring empty homes back into residential use.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “Homes are not simply bricks and mortar. They support people’s health, wellbeing and life chances, can help to tackle poverty and climate change, and are a major investment in the economy. Housing policy is essential in helping us achieve our ambitions for a fairer, more equal Scotland.

“Housing to 2040 sets out a vision for what we want homes and communities to look and feel like for people regardless of their stage in life or where they live. It is a vision where homes are affordable for everyone, where standards are the same across all tenures, where homes have easy access to green space and essential services, and where homelessness, child poverty and fuel poverty have all been eradicated.

“We have already delivered almost 100,000 affordable homes since 2007, and before the pandemic we were on track to meet our target of 50,000 during this parliament.  The pandemic interrupted the housing sector’s ability to hit this target, but we are committed to meeting it as soon as it is safe to do so. From there, we will start our new ambition to deliver a further 100,000 affordable homes by 2032.”