Housing Bill, short-term lets and homelessness dominate most read stories of 2025

From landmark legislation to emergency homelessness measures, the sector saw some of its most consequential developments in years.

Sector braces for long‑term reform

The most‑read story of the year was the Scottish Parliament’s passage of the Housing (Scotland) Bill, a watershed moment that will reshape the rented sector for years to come.

The legislation introduces a framework for long‑term rent controls, new homelessness prevention duties, and the implementation of Awaab’s Law to tackle damp and mould — a package that drew intense scrutiny from tenants, landlords and local authorities alike.

Edinburgh measures spark national debate

Edinburgh once again became the focal point of Scotland’s housing tensions, with two stories in particular catching attention.

Changes to the city’s short‑term lets licensing policy, which temporarily relaxed safety requirements during the Festival period, drew readers as well as fierce debate across the sector.

The council’s unprecedented proposal to suspend its general lettings policy for up to a year — redirecting all available stock to homeless households — became one of the most‑read stories of the year, reflecting the scale of the capital’s housing emergency.

Homelessness pressures intensify nationwide

Indeed, homelessness‑related reporting consistently topped the readership charts throughout 2025, with several stories resonating strongly.

Glasgow’s warning that it faces a £66 million bill for refugee‑related homelessness pressures highlighted the scale of demand on local services.

Councillors’ decision to reject an appeal for a city‑centre night shelter, while allowing temporary operation to continue, drew significant attention amid concerns over winter provision.

The arrival of the first modular homes at South Lanarkshire’s new Social Bite homelessness village offered a rare moment of optimism, showcasing innovation in supported accommodation.

A Glasgow schoolgirl’s award‑winning solar‑powered heated blanket design captured readers’ imaginations, demonstrating how young people are engaging with the issue in creative ways.

Best of the rest

Beyond the major policy and homelessness themes, several other stories captured strong interest across the sector.

An architect’s decision to report Glasgow City Council to Police Scotland over the collapse of a derelict Pollokshields tenement drew widespread attention, raising questions about dangerous buildings processes and local authority responsibilities.

North Lanarkshire Council’s announcement that deputy chief executive Andrew McPherson will retire in 2026 was among the year’s most‑read leadership stories, reflecting his long influence on one of Scotland’s largest local authorities.

A major planning application for up to 360 new homes in Rosyth also ranked highly, underscoring continued public interest in large‑scale development proposals and affordable housing delivery.