Send us a text

Scotland's cities face an unprecedented affordable housing crisis that threatens the very fabric of our urban communities. With housing completions falling 7% in 2024 to just 19,797 homes and social sector completions plummeting 22% to only 4,731 affordable homes, Scotland is moving backwards on one of its most critical challenges. This episode explores the human cost of a crisis that's pricing out teachers, nurses, and essential workers from the cities they serve.

The statistics paint a sobering picture: private sector completions have fallen to their lowest levels since 2017, while Scotland has completed only 24% of its commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032. But behind these numbers are real people facing impossible choices—young professionals unable to move out of their parents' homes, essential workers commuting hours each day because they can't afford to live where they work, and families forced to leave communities they've called home for generations.

We examine the perfect storm of factors driving this crisis: soaring construction costs making development unviable, scarce urban land commanding premium prices, and planning delays that extend timelines and inflate costs. The ripple effects extend far beyond housing, affecting public service recruitment, local business staffing, and the social cohesion that makes cities vibrant and diverse.

Yet this episode isn't just about problems—it's about solutions. We explore innovative approaches already making a difference across Scotland, from Edinburgh City Council's strategic use of public land for affordable housing to Glasgow's Sighthill regeneration project, which demonstrates how mixed-tenure developments can create inclusive, sustainable communities without stigmatization.

The conversation delves into the crucial role of housing associations and community-led organizations, whose social mission and long-term commitment offer alternatives to profit-driven development. We examine how modular construction and modern building methods could revolutionize housing delivery, reducing both costs and construction times while maintaining quality.

Financial innovation emerges as another key theme, with shared ownership schemes, rent-to-buy programs, and community land trusts offering new pathways to homeownership for those excluded from traditional markets. The German model of social housing provides insights into how public ownership can ensure long-term affordability while maintaining quality management.

We investigate the urgent need for planning system reform, moving beyond off-site developer contributions to meaningful on-site affordable housing requirements. Land value capture mechanisms offer promising ways to fund affordable housing by ensuring communities benefit when public investment increases property values.

The episode emphasizes that housing cannot be considered in isolation—successful affordable housing must integrate with transport planning, employment opportunities, and community services. This crisis demands collaboration between all levels of government, private sector partners, and community organizations to create cities where everyone has a place to call home.

Support the show

Come back every week for new episodes and check our our website at www.scotlandreimagined.co.uk for social and in depth articles.