Scotland’s largest landlord is buying homes for social rent

Scotland’s biggest registered social landlord has begun buying homes across Glasgow to boost the city’s supply of affordable housing.

Wheatley Homes Glasgow is using funding from the Scottish Government and backing from Glasgow City Council.

The programme will see each property being refurbished before being offered at social rent to households facing urgent need.

The provider says home purchases will continue until March 2026.

Offering market value

Owners who sell will be paid market value and offered what Wheatley describes as a clear, supportive transaction, with no obligation to proceed.

The landlord is prioritising streets and developments where it already operates, although homes of any size or type will be considered, including properties not yet listed for sale.

Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I warmly welcome this new approach taken by Wheatley Homes where, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, they are working to rapidly increase the number of homes available to families and tackling waiting lists.

“In my Housing Emergency Action Plan published in September this year, £80 million was made available for the immediate purchase of properties to reduce pressures in the need for social homes – £24 million of that went to Glasgow City and is now helping to fund this work.”

Contact Wheatley to sell

Homeowners in neighbourhoods where Wheatley already has stock are being encouraged to make contact if they are thinking about selling.

After a valuation, the organisation can submit a no obligation offer, even when a property has not been placed on the open market.

Managing director Aisling Mylrea said: “There is a huge demand in the city for social housing.

“This project is just one way we are helping increase the number of homes available to families and other people on housing waiting lists.”

She added: “Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government, we can buy homes which are on the open market or speak directly with owners who are thinking of selling.

“We are looking at many different ways to increase the number of available homes for social rent in the city, whether that’s thanks to our own new build programme, buying directly from housing developers or through this new project.”