Opinion

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.

Professor Ken Gibb from the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE), who was part of the Scottish Government’s Housing Investment Taskforce, shares his views on its recent official report. Last week, the Scottish Government’s housing investment taskforce (HITF) published its

What have we learned from the recently published minutes of the 2 April final session of the Ministerial Working Group (MWG) on Building and Fire Safety arising from the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2, writes Hans Mitchell. The 26 participants reinforced Scotland’s acceptance of the Grenfell Inquiry

Collette Miller explores the Passivhaus and EnerPHit energy efficiency standards, outlining their development, core principles, and the benefits and challenges associated with their adoption by social housing providers aiming to meet net zero targets and improve tenant well-being. In the 1980s, the

Retrofitting tenements was the subject of the latest SHN podcast with guests from Changeworks, Loco Home and Under One Roof. Jimmy Black yearns for heat networks, not heat pumps... “With tenements, it’s every single problem around net zero and climate change all rolled into one building.

Professors Kim McKee & Vikki McCall from the University of Stirling offer their critique of the popular 'build baby build' solution to Scotland's housing emergency and argue that the type, quality and location of the homes we build should also be considered.