Housing to 2040 (Scottish Government)

The document is a policy paper titled Housing to 2040 published by the Scottish Government. It outlines Scotland’s long‑term vision for delivering safe, high‑quality, affordable homes and creating sustainable, thriving communities across urban, rural and island areas. The paper is part of the Government’s broader strategy to address housing shortage, child poverty and climate change, and it is automatically submitted through the EHC profile routine.

Scotland aims to deliver 100 000 affordable homes over the next ten years, adding 50 000 homes by 2026/27 and another 50 000 by 2031/32. At least 70 % of these will be social‑rent homes, helping to tackle homelessness and child poverty. Many new dwellings will feature zero‑direct‑emissions heating and will be built to high energy‑efficiency standards, contributing to the nation’s net‑zero targets.

Since 2007, the government reports 100 000 affordable homes have been built, with the Affordable Housing Supply Programme delivering over 36 000 homes (including 24 000 social‑rent units) since 2016. The 2020‑21 target of 50 000 affordable homes for the parliamentary term was delayed by the COVID‑19 pandemic, but the ambition remains to meet and exceed it through the 2040 plan.

The programme combines government grants (≈56 % of costs, about £88 500 per home) with private finance (≈44 %, around £69 000 per home). The strategy seeks to expand private capital via the Global Capital Investment Plan, Infrastructure Investment Plan and a Green Heat Finance Task Force. The Scottish National Investment Bank will play a key role, supporting projects ranging from affordable housing to green‑heat finance and digital connectivity.

All new social‑rent homes built from 2021/22 onward will be digitally enabled, offering ready‑to‑use internet connections. The plan also promotes green‑heat solutions, zero‑emission heating systems and low‑carbon construction methods, aligning housing delivery with broader climate‑change mitigation efforts.

Beyond housing numbers, the policy emphasises place‑making: integrating homes with green spaces, community facilities, transport links and local services. Initiatives such as the £325 million Place Based Investment Programme and the £25 million per year Regeneration Capital Grant Fund support mixed‑use developments, brownfield regeneration and 20‑minute neighbourhoods that reduce travel demand and enhance quality of life.

The strategy promotes 20‑minute neighbourhoods, where essential services are within a short walk, cycle or public‑transport ride, reducing car reliance. This model is applied across cities, towns and remote rural areas, encouraging compact, well‑connected settlements that support local economies and social cohesion.

A highlighted example is Arnott’s Backland in Paisley, a partnership delivering over 100 mixed‑tenure homes on a former town‑centre site, preserving heritage while creating vibrant, affordable housing and supporting local businesses.

Mid‑point reviews will assess progress and allow adjustments, ensuring alignment with local authority plans and the evolving housing market. The policy’s long‑term horizon provides flexibility to respond to unforeseen events while maintaining focus on affordability, sustainability and community wellbeing.