Speaking ahead of a government announcement tomorrow, the first minister said changes are needed if Scotland is to fully grasp the opportunities presented by economies of scale, removing barriers, and working more closely with the private sector.

Despite more than 141,000 affordable homes being delivered in Scotland since 2007, Mr Swinney said the current model of public sector delivery must be reformed if it is to meet the urgent need for more homes.

It comes as a record £926 million of funding has been allocated to the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in the draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 - the biggest allocation to affordable housing since records began in 1989.

Mr Swinney said: “Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes in Scotland, including 101,000 for social rent – proportionately far more than other parts of the UK. This has helped thousands of families have a warm, safe and affordable place to call home.

“We are determined to provide our younger generation with the opportunity to find a place they can rent or buy, and we are driven by their needs, hopes and aspirations.

“Our commitment is clear – we have an ambition to invest up to £4.9 billion over the next four years to deliver 36,000 affordable homes. But to maximise best value for this investment, we need a public sector delivery model that is fit for purpose.

“I am of the view that collective action and direct intervention is required if we are to ramp up efficiencies and build on our strong track record in affordable housing. We also need more ambition, greater focus on raising private finance and accelerating development across all tenures. That is why we will work in partnership with the Scottish National Investment Bank to attract more commercial investment into our housing markets.

“Housing is a key driver of how we lift children out of poverty and grow our economy. It is incumbent on all of us to ensure we work together to make things happen – maximising every penny of investment to deliver the houses the people of Scotland so urgently need.”