Plans to introduce mid-market rent homes have taken another step forward, with a proposed 28-home pilot at Coats House in Airdrie.
Mid-market rent sits between social and private rents and is aimed at people in work on modest incomes who may be struggling to access social housing, buy their own home or afford private rents. It provides affordable, high-quality housing, can help attract and retain key workers and support the regeneration of town centres.
The proposed pilot, which could be completed by 2028, would also help the council understand how mid-market rent could be expanded. Independent research has identified strong potential demand in Airdrie, while work is already under way to identify possible future sites across the area.
Housing Convener Councillor Michael McPake said: “Mid-market rent potentially gives us another option for people who are working and contributing to our communities but can find themselves caught between the housing options currently available.
“The proposed 28-home pilot at Coats House gives us the chance to test the model properly before considering how it could grow across North Lanarkshire.
“I understand there will be questions around costs, rents and how the model will operate. These are exactly the things we are looking at carefully. The benefits, costs and plans are under constant review to make sure we would have the right operating model and that it provides value for our communities.
“There is still a lot of work to do, including securing funding and finalising the legal and governance arrangements, and we will continue to look at the evidence as the proposals develop.”
If Coats House cannot ultimately be delivered as mid-market rent, the proposal is for the 28 homes to instead be used for social rent through the council’s new supply programme.
Further reports will be brought forward as the pilot develops and plans for a longer-term mid-market rent programme are considered.