Housing sector calls for stability and leadership as new Holyrood takes shape

The election, which broadly reflected pre‑election polling, returned the SNP to government while Labour experienced substantial losses. Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish Greens all made gains, contributing to one of the most politically diverse parliaments since devolution.

Yet the headline numbers tell only part of the story. With 64 newly elected MSPs, almost half the chamber, Holyrood now faces a period of adjustment as fresh voices arrive and experienced figures depart.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has warned that Scotland’s ability to meet its housing, climate and economic goals will depend heavily on the strength and stability of its construction sector.

Dr Jocelyne Fleming, CIOB’s Scottish policy lead, said the new parliamentary term presents an opportunity to reset relationships and refocus on delivery: “A new parliamentary term offers the opportunity to both extend existing and build new relationships with policymakers.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Government to help deliver on their manifesto commitments, which included establishing a national housing agency, More Homes Scotland; developing a single, national skills plan; reforming the planning system; and increasing the number of apprenticeships to 150,000 over the Parliamentary term.”

But Dr Fleming stressed that these ambitions will only be achievable if the government recognises the scale of the pressures facing the sector.

She added: “The sector and the new government must be realistic about the challenges construction is facing, notably an ongoing skills shortage in critical roles plus a crowded and quickly changing policy and regulatory landscape.

“Our pre‑election manifesto made it clear the next Scottish Government must take urgent action to move beyond fragmented policy interventions and fix the underlying systems that enable delivery.”

Dr Fleming argued that a whole‑system approach, spanning housing supply, retrofit, skills and building safety, is essential if Scotland is to turn policy ambition into practical progress.

She concluded: “The construction sector is reliant on stability, and we urge the Scottish Government to ensure consistency and longevity in its approach to policymaking. A first step is to engage with the sector on pressing issues, including the design of More Homes Scotland, the Heat in Buildings Bill, and adopting the Scottish Greens’ proposal for a demolition levy to support building safety and remediation.”

Gillian McLees, national director of CIH Scotland, said the sector stands ready to work constructively with all parties but stressed that the challenges ahead demand sustained political commitment.

“I’d like to congratulate all returning and new MSPs on taking your place in our parliament,” she said. “The housing sector faces significant challenges which require strong leadership, long-term commitment and cross-party support.”

“We know that politicians of all parties care deeply about tackling homelessness and delivering the homes and services we need to ensure that people at every stage of life have a safe, affordable place to call home,” she added.

McLees warned that investment in housing is not only a social imperative but a driver of wider national wellbeing.

She added: “Investing in housing improves health and wellbeing, reduces inequalities and contributes to the economy, creating the foundations for people to flourish.

“Housing will be central to the success of political commitments across portfolios, and we look forward to working with our new elected representatives to ensure that housing remains a top priority for everyone.”

Training organisation Share echoed the sense that the election marks a moment of transition rather than clarity. While the composition of the new Parliament is now known, the direction of policy, particularly in areas such as housing supply, affordability and investment confidence, remains uncertain.

With campaigning now over, attention is shifting to the election of the next First Minister and the formation of a government capable of navigating a more fragmented political landscape. Without a dominant majority, cooperation between parties is expected to be essential for passing budgets, legislation and major policy reforms.

Share’s spokesperson noted that this dynamic could cut both ways for the housing sector.

On one hand, a Parliament that requires negotiation may create opportunities for consensus‑building on long‑standing issues such as planning reform, homelessness prevention and affordable housing investment. On the other, the need for compromise could slow decision‑making at a time when the sector is already grappling with rising costs, constrained budgets and increasing demand for new homes.

Writing on LinkedIn, the spokesperson added: “While the election result provides a clearer picture of who will occupy the benches at Holyrood, it has done little to remove the wider uncertainty surrounding the direction of policy over the next parliamentary term.

“For organisations operating across housing, property and development, attention will now turn to the early signals from the new administration, not only in terms of leadership, but also how quickly clear and deliverable policy priorities begin to emerge.”

As MSPs prepare to be sworn in and a new Presiding Officer is appointed, the housing sector is watching closely for the first indications of how the government intends to address Scotland’s deepening housing pressures.

With homelessness rising, supply targets under strain and investment confidence fragile, stakeholders across the sector are united in calling for stability, clarity and a renewed commitment to long‑term housing strategy.