Social Housing in Stornoway
In Stornoway, 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.
Stornoway · HS1Register 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 Stornoway
In Highlands & Islands, Stornoway lies about 94 miles north-west of Inverness; its central postcode district is HS1. Close by, our coverage also takes in Inverness, Thurso and Fort William.
People registering interest around Stornoway can tell us whether they want accessible and adaptable homes, homes for first-time buyers or homes for affordable rent. Because Stornoway is in Scotland, land titles are registered with Registers of Scotland (Land Register of Scotland) and transfers attract Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
Register for Stornoway and we will contact you if we bring homes forward nearby.
What you get in Stornoway
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.
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.
Nation-aware
Social housing law, regulation and funding differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we work within each system.
Homes for the long term
Homes are designed for long-term letting, with durable materials, practical layouts and running costs for tenants kept in mind.
Planning and land rules in Stornoway
For councils and housing associations planning homes in Stornoway, Scottish delivery centres on the council's Strategic Housing Investment Plan, grant from the Affordable Housing Supply Programme and, on private sites, affordable housing secured through Section 75 agreements under NPF4 and the Local Development Plan. Land to Homes can bring forward land with or without planning, or build homes for transfer to a registered social landlord.
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.
| National planning policy | National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), which forms part of the statutory development plan |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Land registration | Registers of Scotland (Land Register of Scotland) |
Questions about Social Housing in Stornoway
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.
How is social housing allocated?
Councils and housing associations allocate social homes using published allocation policies that give priority to households in housing need, such as people who are homeless, overcrowded or living in unsuitable housing. Many areas use a shared register or choice-based lettings, where applicants bid for advertised homes. The details vary by council and by nation.
What tenancy do social housing tenants get?
It depends on the nation and the landlord. Council and housing association tenants in England usually have secure or assured tenancies, Wales uses secure occupation contracts, Scotland uses the Scottish secure tenancy and Northern Ireland has its own secure tenancy arrangements. Some landlords start new tenants on an introductory or starter tenancy first.
Can social housing be built on land I own?
Yes. Land can be sold to a developer who includes social homes in the scheme, or offered for a scheme built entirely for a council or housing association. Planning policy often requires affordable homes on larger sites anyway. Our free site appraisal looks at whether your land suits new homes and which route makes sense.
Are there new homes available in Stornoway now?
Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Stornoway at the moment. You can register your interest for Stornoway, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.
Read more: Social Housing · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI