This content applies to Scotland only.

More homes are required to ensure that everyone in Scotland can have a good quality, affordable place to live.

Social housing

Until the 1980s councils were by far the main providers of affordable rented housing. Over the last couple of decades this landscape has changed and now over 40 per cent of social housing is provided by Registered Social Landlords (RSLs).

Our policy work examines the contribution that councils and RSLs make to ensuring that everyone in Scotland can have a good quality home at an affordable price.

There are shortages of affordable accommodation all over Scotland with over 200,000 people on waiting lists. To be able to meet housing needs substantial investment in housing is needed. Read more 

Home ownership and private renting

Most of Scotland’s housing is now privately owned, mainly by people who have bought their home. But rising prices have resulted in many people who aspire to home ownership being unable to meet the costs and having few other options.

Renting a home from a private landlord is one such option.  The private rented sector has grown in recent years and many landlords are providing a good service. However, at the same time, poor management and standards persist, providing a poor service to tenants and undermining the reputation of the sector as a whole. Read more