Social Housing in Bathgate
In Bathgate, as across the UK, Land to Homes aims to bring forward new social rent homes with councils and housing associations, either within a mixed development or as a scheme built entirely for a social landlord. We handle land, planning and construction. The landlord owns and manages the homes, sets the rent within the rules and allocates them from its housing list.
Bathgate · EH48Register your interest
Tell us where you want to live and what you need. Free, no obligation.
Registering interest is not a housing application. Social and affordable homes are allocated by councils and housing providers through their own lists.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free to registerNo fees, no deposit, no obligation
- Hear firstIf homes are released near you
- Affordable homesWith councils and housing associations
- Clear informationTenure, specification and warranty
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Homes we plan around Bathgate
Bathgate (EH48) is one of the Edinburgh & the Lothians towns we cover, about 18 miles west of Edinburgh. The nearest other places we cover are Livingston (5 miles), Grangemouth (8 miles) and Falkirk (9 miles).
When you register for Bathgate, you can choose homes for private rent, homes for first-time buyers or homes for shared ownership. As Bathgate is in Scotland, applications are judged against National Planning Framework 4, and the buyer of land pays Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
Register for Bathgate and we will contact you if we bring homes forward nearby.
What you get in Bathgate
Homes for social landlords
We plan and build social rent homes for councils and housing associations to own, manage and let to households from their lists.
Part of mixed schemes
Social rent homes are often the affordable housing element of a larger development, secured through a planning obligation agreed with the council.
We do not allocate homes
Allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists and policies. We cannot add anyone to a list or influence who is offered a home.
Built to landlord standards
Social landlords have their own design and quality standards, and we design to them from the outset so homes are ready to transfer.
How the rules work in Bathgate
Affordable homes in Bathgate are mainly funded through the Scottish Government's Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with councils and registered social landlords building them. Councils set local investment priorities in their Strategic Housing Investment Plans. On private developments, Local Development Plans often require an affordable housing contribution, secured through a Section 75 agreement. Land to Homes can bring forward land and deliver homes for councils and housing associations.
In Scotland, social homes are let by councils and registered social landlords regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator, usually on a Scottish secure tenancy. Many areas run common housing registers. New social rent homes are largely funded through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, and planning contributions can be secured through Section 75 agreements.
| Who decides applications | The council as planning authority (or a national park authority in its area) |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Planning permission in principle (PPP), followed by approval of matters specified in conditions |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) |
| How a sale becomes binding | Land sales are concluded through missives, formal letters exchanged between solicitors that become a binding contract once concluded, followed by settlement on the date of entry and registration in the Land Register of Scotland. |
Your questions answered for Bathgate
How are social rents set?
In England, social rents are set using a government formula under the Rent Standard, which the Regulator of Social Housing oversees. Wales has its own rent policy for social landlords, and in Scotland social landlords set rents in consultation with their tenants. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. Social rents are generally well below private market levels.
Does building new social homes shorten waiting lists?
New social homes add to the supply that councils and housing associations can allocate, which helps, but waiting times depend on local demand, turnover of existing homes and allocation policies. We cannot say how any individual household would be affected. Your council's housing team can explain local waiting times and your position on the list.
What is the difference between social housing and affordable housing?
Social housing usually means low-cost rented homes let by councils and housing associations at social rents. Affordable housing is a wider term that also includes affordable rent, shared ownership, discounted sale and, in Scotland, mid-market rent. All social housing is affordable housing, but not all affordable housing is social housing.
Can I apply to Land to Homes for a social rent home?
No. Land to Homes does not allocate social housing or keep a housing list. Social homes are allocated by councils and housing associations through their own lists and policies. To apply, contact your council's housing team or local housing associations. In Northern Ireland, apply through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which manages the common waiting list.
Can I register for new homes in Bathgate?
Yes. Registering for Bathgate is free and does not commit you to anything. There are no homes available yet; if we bring homes forward in or near Bathgate, we will contact you.
Read more: Social Housing · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK