## New National Housing Agency to Address Scotland’s Housing Shortage

The Scottish Government has unveiled plans to establish a new national housing agency, More Homes Scotland, designed to tackle the country’s ongoing housing crisis. Scheduled to begin operations in 2028-29, subject to the outcome of the next Scottish election, the agency’s primary goal is to deliver more affordable homes across Scotland, with a particular focus on large-scale projects and rural and island communities.

First Minister John Swinney emphasised that the agency would reduce duplication, increase expertise, and improve efficiency in housing delivery. He stated, “More Homes Scotland will meet the needs of this time. It will deliver, for a new generation of Scots, new homes more quickly, more affordably, in more liveable, climate-friendly communities.” The agency will also collaborate with the Scottish National Investment Bank to attract commercial investment, aiming to maximise public sector investment and accelerate housing development.

## Conservative Opposition Highlights Concerns Over Effectiveness

Despite the government’s ambitions, the Scottish Conservatives have expressed scepticism about the agency’s potential impact. Shadow housing secretary Meghan Gallacher MSP criticised the announcement as “warm words rather than action,” arguing that the agency represents “just another quango” unlikely to resolve the housing emergency.

Gallacher highlighted the urgency of the crisis, noting that “Scotland is in the grip of a housing emergency because of the SNP’s appalling failure to deliver the homes we have needed over the last two decades.” She further criticised the timeline, pointing out that the agency will not be fully operational for another two years, offering little immediate relief to the tens of thousands of families currently homeless or in temporary accommodation.

The Conservative response advocates for immediate measures, including cutting red tape and encouraging investment to increase housing supply, rather than establishing new bodies with delayed impact.

## Industry Perspectives on More Homes Scotland

Reactions from the property sector have been cautiously optimistic but call for broader support measures. John Blackwood, chief executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, welcomed the agency as a positive step towards increasing housebuilding but stressed the importance of stimulating investment in the private rented sector. He said, “Scotland’s landlords see this as a step in the right direction towards increasing housebuilding. However, the Scottish government must also work to stimulate investment in the private rented sector and support landlords to help us play our vital role in ending Scotland’s housing crisis.”

Jonathan Guthrie, chair of the Scottish Property Federation, also supported the initiative, describing it as a “positive and timely step” with the potential to accelerate decision-making and improve the use of public and private funds. He highlighted the importance of unlocking stalled sites through strategic land assembly and infrastructure investment, and the need for collaboration between the Scottish National Investment Bank, private investors, and local authorities to achieve the scale of delivery required.

## What This Means for Landlords and Agents

For landlords and letting agents, the establishment of More Homes Scotland signals a government commitment to increasing housing supply, which could eventually ease pressure on the rental market. However, the agency’s delayed launch means that immediate challenges, such as homelessness and temporary accommodation reliance, remain pressing concerns.

The emphasis on collaboration with the private rented sector suggests potential future opportunities for landlords, provided the government follows through on supporting investment and reducing regulatory barriers. Landlords should monitor developments closely, as changes in housing delivery and investment strategies may impact rental demand and property management dynamics in the coming years.

Suggested internal link anchors
– Scottish housing crisis
– affordable homes delivery
– private rented sector investment
– housing emergency Scotland
– housing policy Scotland
– landlord support measures
– housing development projects
– Scottish National Investment Bank
– housing supply challenges
– temporary accommodation issues

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/