Scottish Borders Housing Association’s Garages to Homes programme has been shortlisted for the 2026 Herald Property Awards in the Innovation in Sustainable Construction and Design category.

Developed in partnership with HUSK, the initiative has converted redundant and underused garage sites in Jedburgh and Hawick into 13 high-quality, accessible and energy-efficient homes for social rent. It is the first HUSK Garages to Homes scheme delivered in Scotland, demonstrating how neglected spaces can be repurposed to address local housing demand, reduce waste and revitalise neighbourhoods.

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The new homes feature full level access, adapted shower rooms, air source heat pumps, solar panels, fire suppression systems and A-rated EPCs, providing warm, comfortable and affordable places to live in communities where people already want to remain.

The shortlisting recognises the project's creativity, collaborative approach and tangible benefits, turning small, constrained sites into much-needed housing while improving the look and feel of local areas.

SBHA thanked tenants, residents, partners and funders who helped make Garages to Homes possible, including HUSK, South of Scotland Enterprise and everyone who contributed feedback during consultation.

The association said it is proud to see this Scottish Borders initiative recognised nationally and is looking forward to the awards next month.