As Scotland approaches the 2026 Holyrood election, the pressing need for affordable housing has become a focal point for policymakers and housing organisations alike. Recognising the urgency, three prominent housing bodies—the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), and Shelter Scotland—have commissioned a comprehensive research project to assess the nation’s affordable housing requirements for the upcoming parliamentary term from 2026 to 2031.
This initiative aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Scotland’s current Affordable Housing Supply Programme and determine the number of new homes needed to meet the growing demand. The findings, expected by summer 2025, will guide discussions with political parties as they formulate housing policies ahead of the election.
The backdrop to this endeavor includes significant challenges. In 2024, social housing completions in Scotland fell by 25%, coinciding with a £200 million (26%) cut in the affordable housebuilding budget for 2024-25. Although funding levels have been restored for the 2025-26 financial year, the shortfall has impacted the momentum of housing projects.
Callum Chomczuk, national director at CIH Scotland, emphasized the critical nature of the situation:
“Escalating costs of construction and an underfunding of Scotland’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme have set us back in delivering the social and affordable homes Scotland needs in this parliamentary term. We hope this research will provide a new baseline and accurate assessment of affordable housing need, and will be reflected by all parties in the housing policies of their 2026 manifestos.”
In response to the housing crisis, the Scottish government has set an ambitious target to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% designated for social rent and 10% located in rural and island communities. As of September 2024, 24,382 affordable homes have been completed toward this goal.
At Ardbeg Modular, we recognize the pivotal role that innovative construction methods can play in addressing Scotland’s housing challenges. Our modular building solutions offer a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and scalable approach to rapidly increasing the supply of affordable homes. By embracing modular construction, Scotland can expedite the delivery of high-quality housing, ensuring that more individuals and families have access to the homes they need.
As the nation prepares for the 2026 election, it is imperative for all stakeholders—government agencies, housing associations, and private sector partners—to collaborate and implement strategies that will meet Scotland’s affordable housing needs. Through concerted efforts and innovative solutions like modular housing, we can work towards a future where everyone in Scotland has a place to call home.