The delay to the Future Homes Standard to 2028 has provided short-term flexibility for developers, but it also raises important long-term considerations for the sector. The transition towards low-carbon housing remains inevitable. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important, both in terms of affordability for residents and long-term asset performance for investors. For housing providers,...

The housing market in England has entered a more balanced and measured phase in 2026. While modest price growth continues, wider economic pressures are influencing buyer behaviour and overall market sentiment. Rising borrowing costs and affordability constraints are making buyers more selective. This is particularly evident among first-time buyers, who are increasingly focused on value, long-term...

The government’s commitment to a new generation of settlements through the New Towns Programme represents a major shift in how housing is planned and delivered across England. With developments expected to deliver thousands of homes alongside infrastructure, the programme signals a return to long-term, strategic placemaking. Each new settlement is designed to integrate housing with transport,...

Delivering affordable housing at scale remains one of the sector’s most pressing challenges. While demand continues to grow, supply is constrained by planning delays, construction costs, and capacity pressures across the industry. The Affordable Homes Programme provides long-term funding certainty, but funding alone is not enough to unlock delivery. A more integrated and coordinated approach is...

The introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act represents one of the most significant changes to England’s private rented sector in recent decades. The removal of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and the transition towards a more secure tenancy model signals a clear shift towards a more regulated, transparent, and tenant-focused system. For housing providers, institutional investors, and operators...

The Scottish Government has confirmed plans to establish a new national housing agency, More Homes Scotland. This agency is intended to simplify delivery, increase scale and speed up the supply of new homes across the country. The agency is expected to begin operating in 2027 to 28, with full functionality from 2028 to 29, subject to parliamentary approval and the outcome of the next Scottish...

The UK Government has confirmed details of the new Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP) 2026–2036, setting out a ten-year plan to fund the delivery of new affordable homes across England. Administered by Homes England, the programme represents one of the most significant long-term commitments to affordable housing in recent years. With £27.3 billion of funding confirmed, including bridge...

Balancing policy, people and performance Scotland’s housing system is entering a new phase of reform. The Housing (Scotland) Bill places greater emphasis on fairness, affordability and tenant protection. As a result, it will support the creation of stable, well-managed rental homes. These homes will serve a broader range of households. Within this context, Build to Rent (BTR) has become an...

Scotland’s Parliament has passed the Housing (Scotland) Bill, representing one of the most consequential reforms of housing law in a generation. The Bill seeks to balance the dual aims of accelerating homebuilding while strengthening tenant protections, particularly in the private rented sector. As it moves from legislation into implementation, stakeholders across housing, development and investment...

https://www.scotsman.com/sponsored/buying-selling-or-renting-a-home-a-new-estate-agent-property-management-company-comes-to-west-of-edinburgh-5313031 Buying, selling or renting a home? A new estate agent & property management company comes to West of Edinburgh It’s a genuine homecoming for the man behind a new estate agency in Edinburgh. We find out what he’s bringing back from his travels...