Housing Minister Paul McLennan MSP

As announced as part of the 2024-25 Programme for Government, funding will be used alongside institutional investment – such as pension funds – to grow to at least £500m.

This commitment forms part of the government’s approach to leverage in more private investment to deliver housing, making public funds go further.

It will build on the success of the Thriving Investments model which has grown an initial £47.5m investment from the Scottish Government to £222.5m to deliver up to 1,200 mid-market homes across Scotland.

Mid-market rent is a type of affordable housing aimed at assisting households on low to moderate incomes to access affordable rented accommodation and helps those who have difficulty accessing social rented housing, buying their own home or renting privately.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “Tackling the housing emergency requires a collective effort and bold decisions. We already have a strong track record in housebuilding in Scotland and this commitment will ensure public funds are used more efficiently.

“Since 2007, we have supported the delivery of more than 133,000 affordable homes, including more than 94,000 social rented homes. However, we know we can do more to tackle the housing emergency and encouraging more private investment into the sector is one key aspect of that.

“This new model will encourage more private investment into the mid-market sector that we know is willing and able to invest and it will deliver affordable homes that people need.”