Insight

Following the BBC Panorama investigation into the working practices of some of the UK’s biggest estate agencies, ESPC CEO Paul Hilton highlights the ethical advantages of working with solicitor estate agents in Scotland.  The investigation revealed unscrupulous practices by some esta

Retrofitting social housing is often seen as an overwhelming challenge. In this piece, Shirley Evatt, senior associate at Will Rudd Edinburgh, argues that by working smarter and building on shared experience, we can unlock scalable solutions and make real progress toward net zero goals. I often hear

Mark Bickford, CEO of Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC), explores how social investment is transforming supported housing in Scotland, enabling charities to move from renting to owning properties, and providing far greater stability for vulnerable individuals. Scotland is witnessing a steady ris

Alastair Tibbs reviews Netflix's new documentary on the Grenfell Tower fire. In the early hours of 14 June 2017, the London sky was ignited. What started as a spark from a faulty fridge soon became the blaze that claimed the lives of 72 men, women and children. It was, however, a perfect storm of ne

Elderpark Housing director of asset management Duncan Smith outlines the technical innovation, financial support and political commitment required to retrofit Glasgow's tenement homes towards a zero-carbon future while, crucially, preserving what makes them special.

Anthony Pycraft discusses the ongoing risks of unsafe cladding on residential buildings in Scotland and argues for the proactive retrofitting of sprinkler systems to enhance resident safety, rather than just returning buildings to their previous state. In the latest Scottish cladding remediation est

It is an ideal moment to pause and reflect on what has been an intriguing and evolving year for the property market across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders, writes Paul Hilton. At the close of 2024, the market was buoyant. Activity levels were high, and we saw strong momentum carry into

Michael Palethorpe discusses how the role of housebuilders has evolved beyond construction to include a responsibility for delivering meaningful and lasting social value through targeted community benefit initiatives. There has been an undeniable shift in the role of housebuilders across the UK. Wit

Jane Wood discusses the critical decline of SME homebuilders in Scotland and calls for urgent reforms to support the sector. In June 2024, Homes for Scotland (HFS) took a bold step to fill a glaring gap in our national housing data. Our landmark report, Scotland’s SME Home Builders 2024: Data

As we reach the end of Pride Month 2025, this is the opportune moment to highlight the issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals when trying to secure safe accommodation, writes Charley Wilson. The housing crisis in Scotland continues to affect many, but for some, the challenges of homelessness are intensifi

Callum Chomczuk, national director of CIH Scotland, highlights the value and long-term benefits of working with Indigo House to review leadership and culture in the Scottish social housing sector. Following the Grenfell tragedy in 2017, significant concerns were raised about the competence and condu

Jimmy Black says knowing what causes condensation is the key to fixing it.

Aitken Turnbull Architects managing director Alasdair Rankin shares his concerns regarding rent caps in Scotland and their impact on housing stock. We’ve all become much more accustomed to the idea of special measures being implemented. We hear it in news reports about under performing schools

After a survey of ESPC members sparked calls for a fairer and more proportionate system of LBTT, CEO Paul Hilton shares how the tax impacts first time buyers and the rental market via small and first time landlords, and looks at the wider picture in light of the current housing emergency.  Ten

Douglas Robertson reflects on the case of Wendy Murray to highlight the deepening crisis of tenement disrepair in Glasgow.