The Scottish property landscape faces significant regulatory changes with new rent control powers for ministers, Edinburgh considering student accommodation restrictions, and multiple authorities advancing development plans following major housing legislation.
Insight
Scotland Planning Updates - October 25
Scotland’s Housing Bill Passed
The Scottish Parliament passed the Housing (Scotland) Bill on 30 September, introducing new legislation regarding rent controls, joint-tenancy agreements, greater duties to reduce homelessness as well as implementing Awaabs Law to tackle damp and mould.
Rent control areas can be designated by ministers, with build-to-rent, mid-market rentals and student accommodation being exempt from these. Rent control areas are anticipated to be implemented by 2027.
The legislation comes forward after the Scottish Government declared a housing emergency in 2024 due to private rent costs constantly increasing, availability of social homes decreasing and more people declaring homelessness.
Relevant articles on the Housing Bill can be found on the BBC and Propertymark.
Edinburgh’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) Moratorium
City of Edinburgh’s Planning Committee considered a potential city-wide moratorium on PBSA. The planning officer’s report is linked here.
It was considered not appropriate to currently approve a moratorium at this stage, however addendums including monitoring the current and future demand for PBSA and committing to creating strategic partnerships with those who provide and use PBSA were passed.
These addendums and therefore additional works assist with the City’s preparation of the next Local Development Plan.
Local Development Plans to look out for
Aberdeenshire – Call for Sites closes 31 October 2025. Call for Ideas closes 31 December 2025.
North Lanarkshire – Call for Ideas anticipated to launch late 2025.
Renfrewshire – Evidence report approved by Council to submit to Scottish Ministers for Gatecheck.
Stirling – Call for Sites closes 31 October 2025. Call for Ideas closes 31 October 2025.
To discuss any of the matters discussed above or any other planning matter, please contact the team.