The UK Collaborative Centre for Housing (CaCHE) has published its report on housing evidence priorities for the next Scottish Government ahead of the 2026 election.
The report looked at changes since 2021, drawing on CaCHE’s own research as well as interviews with housing sector leaders and politicians.
It set out four priority areas.
The report said there needs to be a reset of affordable and social housing supply, as the research found a 50% increase in housing needs over the next parliament, meaning the programme needs major reform and long-term investment.
It also stated that governance and structural reform are needed, as the Housing to 2040 strategy lacks the delivery mechanisms and accountability needed to implement its ambitions.
CaCHE called for strengthened national leadership, more powers for local authorities, and property tax reform to replace council tax and Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
The report also noted that planning, land and infrastructure needs addressing, as the research found planning departments are under-resourced and the land market is not working.
CaCHE recommended modernising planning, clearer NPF4 guidance, new land assembly powers and considering a national or regional housing land agency.
Additionally, the report said prevention, homelessness and support must be tackled, as Scotland’s homelessness system requires systematic intervention.
More prevention, better temporary accommodation and a review of housing support services are all needed.
CaCHE said short-term fixes will not solve Scotland’s housing problems.
The report called for consistent policy, cross-party commitment and preventive investment.
It also said better data and evaluation are needed to track progress and check that policies work.
