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During 2025/26, Fife Council increased the supply of affordable housing by purchasing new build homes directly from developers as part of its Affordable Housing Programme and Housing Emergency Action Plan. Delivered by Housing Property Acquisitions, Property Services Estates and Legal Services, in partnership with Persimmon Homes and Allanwater Homes, the initiative focused on quickly bringing high-quality homes into council ownership to meet urgent demand.
The approach involved acquiring completed or near-complete properties on the open market in areas where demand for family housing is high. In total, 25 new build homes were purchased, including 22 three-bedroom and 3 four-bedroom properties. These homes were selected based on identified local need, offering suitable accommodation for families requiring larger or alternative housing options.
Working closely across teams, each property was carefully inspected to ensure it met required standards before being handed over for allocation. This included detailed snagging checks carried out by professional inspectors to ensure compliance with NHBC and other quality standards. By identifying and resolving issues early, the council has been able to reduce the risk of future repair costs and ensure homes are ready for tenants from the outset.
This approach has delivered both speed and value. Acquiring 25 homes in a single programme has allowed the council to respond quickly to housing need, while securing properties at or below construction cost. As part of a wider programme of acquisitions, these purchases made up 37% of the 68 homes acquired in 2025/26, demonstrating the growing role of this model in increasing housing supply.
The impact is immediate and practical. These homes have increased the availability of high-quality, affordable housing for families across Fife, helping to reduce waiting lists and relieve pressure on housing services. By targeting areas of highest demand, the programme ensures that homes are delivered where they are needed most, supporting more stable and sustainable communities.
The initiative directly supports the Plan for Fife priority of tackling poverty and preventing crisis, alongside the ambition of ensuring everyone has access to affordable housing. By increasing the supply of family homes and responding to housing need at pace, the programme plays an important role in addressing the ongoing housing emergency in Fife.
Looking ahead, the council will continue to explore opportunities to expand this approach, working with developers to secure further off-the-shelf purchases where they offer value for money and meet local need. Ongoing work with contractors will also focus on improving turnaround times and reducing delays, ensuring that homes can be brought into use as quickly as possible.
