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The Scottish commitment to make renting more affordable is gaining steam. As one affordable rent project in Edinburgh has just been completed, another project announced in August is about to be underway.

The effort to boost the availability of affordable rent housing in Scotland is made possible by the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative. The focus on increasing the choices for lower income Scots is helping to slow down overall rent prices while providing a cheaper alternative to private market rents.

The newly-built Salamander Place offers housing to 145 Edinburgh residents at a rental rate that most local tenants would love to pay. Initially funded through NHT, the properties will generate revenues that can be used to build other affordable rent projects across Scotland. Demand for such rent-controlled housing is especially high in Edinburgh. Already some 422 new NHT-sponsored homes have been build in Edinburgh.

The newest project is the recently announced 94-unit planned development at Western Harbour in Leith. The goal is to open up housing to lower-paid workers in the area that need affordable housing nearby their jobs.

The goal of these projects is to create homes that can be rented by those households that normally do not qualify for affordable housing. They are in a pinch since they cannot pay the high prices of private landlords either. This middle ground is served through these projects.

There are several positive effects of the projects on the community.

• The improved availability of affordable rental units helps local workers find a suitable home.
• Overall rent increases slow as the increased supply of housing provides more choice.
• Derelict land can be repurposed for development that serves the social good.
• Rents received cover most of the project, leaving only a small amount funded by taxpayers.

While there may be some critics of the initiative, many community advocates are pleased by the effort to help lower-income households continue to live independent of direct public welfare. It gives them the chance to be able to pay their bills based on their own earnings without having to rely on housing benefit.

More information about renting one of these new affordable homes is available through Hillcrest Housing Association. Prospective tenants may call 0300 123 2640 to enquire about available properties.