The Scottish Government has opened a consultation seeking views on measures to speed up the delivery of new homes across Scotland as part of its response to the housing emergency.

The proposals focus on getting construction underway more quickly on sites already allocated for development or with planning consent. Options on the table include fiscal incentives to discourage delays and steps to streamline the system for SME housebuilders.

Ministers point to record funding of £926 million for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme in the 2026-27 draft Scottish Budget. A new national housing agency, More Homes Scotland, is also being established to help meet housing need.

-- Advertisement --

Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: "Since 2007, the Scottish Government has supported the delivery of 141,000 affordable homes, including 101,000 for social rent.

"But we know that Scotland urgently needs more homes and planning permission is already in place for a significant amount of housing land. We need to encourage construction to start or re-commence on those sites.

"This consultation seeks views on how incentives, clearer expectations and – where appropriate – stronger interventions could help local authorities, developers, landowners and communities undertake and complete more housing developments, more quickly. It builds on existing work to tackle stalled housing sites, support public sector led development, and strengthen planning capacity across Scotland."

The Accelerating Home Building in Scotland consultation is open for responses until 30 April.