The excitement amongst homebuilders and social housing providers could be heard across Scotland last week when it became clear that housing funding would be restored in Shona Robinson’s budget.

Last year, whilst still under Humza Yousaf’s premiership, the budget was slashed by around £200m, forcing social housing providers and developers to rethink their home building plans for the coming year.

It has now been over six months since the Scottish Parliament declared a housing emergency. Here in the Highlands, the council declared a ‘housing challenge’ and it is a priority for Albyn Housing Society, and other social and private developers in the area, to deliver much needed homes for local people. There is too much at stake if we do not.

Forster Group, Scotland’s leading provider of integrated roofing and solar solutions, has completed a major installation for Fife Creamery, marking the company’s biggest project to date for a client in the food and drink industry.

Following an investment of £230,000, Fife Creamery appointed Forster Group to install over 700 roof-mounted solar panels for its Innovation Hub and refrigeration warehouse in Kirkcaldy – covering an area the size of five tennis courts.

In the ever-evolving landscape of housebuilding, the need for innovative practices and techniques has never been more critical. As we strive to meet ambitious housing targets and address the pressing demand for new homes, it is essential for companies to invest in cutting-edge solutions that enhance efficiency and futureproof the industry.

The shortage of homes in Scotland has been quite clear for a number of years. Industry leaders put the shortfall to be somewhere in the region of 110,000. Given the recent significant reductions in new home starts and completions, this is not going to be fixed anytime soon.

The shortage of homes in Scotland has been quite clear for a number of years. Industry leaders put the shortfall to be somewhere in the region of 110,000. Given the recent significant reductions in new home starts and completions, this is not going to be fixed anytime soon.

Imagine for a moment how different your life might be without the security of a safe, comfortable home. Next week marks Scottish Housing Day, with the theme "Homes for Life." At Perceptive Communicators, we’re supporting our housebuilding clients around this, shining a spotlight on the incredible impact of homes on the quality of all of our lives and yet also the massive shortage of much needed homes. 

As I approach nearly a year as Chair of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) Regional Group in Scotland, I've had the opportunity to reflect on the evolving responsibilities and influence of our profession.

As the UK grapples with a housing market that’s increasingly stretched at both ends, one solution that’s often overlooked is the potential of the retirement housing sector. Specifically, age-exclusive developments for the over-55s could play a crucial role in easing pressure on the market by encouraging downsizing, freeing up larger family homes, and ultimately ensuring a more efficient housing lifecycle.

Glasgow-based specialist communications consultancy Perceptive Communicators has been shortlisted as Property Marketing Team of the Year at the Herald Property Awards 2024. 

Ravenscraig's transformation is not just about clearing old remnants of its industrial past. It's about laying the groundwork for a future that offers high-quality housing, excellent transport links, and abundant educational and employment opportunities.

The economic benefits of building new housing are clear and well documented. The home building sector in Scotland supports 45,000 jobs directly and tens of thousands more up and down the supply chain. In 2019 the sector was worth £3.4 billion to the economy.

In an age rapidly being defined by the pressing need for sustainability and environmental responsibility, traditional methods of construction are giving way to more innovative approaches, with modular construction leading the charge towards a greener future.

Last week, Homes for Scotland (HFS) published a report revealing a concerning decline in the small and medium enterprise (SME) home building sector. A day later, the Scottish Government released its quarterly housing statistics. Neither paint a positive picture.

Scotland’s housing system is at a critical juncture. The Scottish Government has acknowledged the nation’s housing emergency and announced its intention to recognise housing as a national outcome. This is a vital first step, but the real challenge is translating this intention into effective action.

There is no denying that the challenges faced across the housebuilding and wider construction industry over the last few years have been particularly acute. A combination of planning and covid delays, inflationary cost increases for material and labour, rising cost of living and high mortgage interest rates all contributed to a negative ripple effect across the sector.

Last week the UK's Real Estate Investment Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) took place in Leeds. With over 12,000 delegates, the conference was a bustling hub of innovation, ideas, and challenges focusing on the vitality and dynamism of the real estate sector.

We’ve recently seen Scotland’s largest cities - Edinburgh and Glasgow - declare housing emergencies. This reflects the harsh reality across the country and there is no doubt more declarations are to follow.

Family-owned Muir Group has appointed Martin Smith as their CEO. Martin joins the Fife-based company from ISG where he was Director of Operations for Major Projects.

This year is the 50th anniversary of Muir Homes building quality homes across Scotland. This landmark comes amidst rising energy prices and an industry bouncing back from the covid pandemic.