The homes will be built or purchased at sites identified in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2026/27 to 2030/31. This includes 439 new council homes, 713 homes built by Registered Social Landlords, and 30 homes purchased through the Open Market Purchase Scheme. The SHIP outlines where and how affordable housing will be developed, making sure homes are built in the areas that need them most.

Many of the affordable homes to be delivered will be located in the Midlothian East area, covering communities such as Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Gorebridge, Rosewell, Mayfield, Easthouses, Pathhead, Newtongrange, Danderhall and Shawfair.

The SHIP was developed in a challenging economic environment, where funding shortages, adverse market conditions and evolving national policies are contributing additional costs to building homes. The strategy will be submitted to the Scottish Government by 31 October 2025.

The SHIP aligns with the action plan set out in the Local Housing Strategy 2021-2026. A new Local Housing Strategy 2026/27 – 2030/31 is currently being developed and is scheduled for adoption in April 2026.

Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Stuart McKenzie, said: “The delivery of more affordable housing remains a high priority for Midlothian Council.

“This investment programme has been developed in a tough economic climate, with rising building costs, funding constraints and changes in national policy all adding extra costs to building homes.

“Despite these challenges, our ambitious plans will ensure best value in the use of resources and also ensure the delivery of the right mix of houses in the most pressured areas in Midlothian.”