Transforming Scottish social housing through place-based, data-driven insights

Scotland’s social housing sector is undergoing a major transformation. Faced with ageing stock, rising tenant expectations and urgent climate targets, housing providers must think differently about how they manage assets and deliver services. Smarter use of Scottish social housing data is at the heart of this shift, helping landlords unlock efficiencies, improve tenant well-being and deliver on national policy commitments like the Scottish Government’s Net Zero Housing Route Map

Why place-based working matters in Scotland

At its core, place-based working Scotland is about tailoring solutions to local contexts. No two communities are alike. What works in Glasgow’s city centre may not suit rural Highland communities or towns like Dumfries or Arbroath.

The Place Principle, adopted by the Scottish Government and COSLA, calls for collaboration across sectors to deliver joined-up services shaped around the unique needs of each area. For housing, this means designing investment, maintenance and community support with a clear understanding of local demographics, economic conditions and tenant priorities.

The limits of the traditional model

Scotland’s housing sector has long relied on reactive maintenance and standardised investment plans. This “one size fits all” approach often fails to address:

  • High levels of fuel poverty in rural areas.
  • Ageing stock with poor energy efficiency.
  • Unique community needs such as accessible housing or culturally appropriate designs.

Disconnected data systems make it harder to get a clear view of how assets perform or how tenant needs evolve over time.

The case for a data-led, place-based approach

Integrating Scottish social housing data with asset management Scotland strategies can change this story. By combining property information with real-time tenant feedback, local socioeconomic data and predictive analytics, providers can:

  • Deliver proactive maintenance: For example, Wheatley Group’s use of IoT sensors has helped predict damp and mould risk before it escalates, cutting complaints and repair costs.
  • Align with net zero goals: The Net Zero Housing Route Map requires all homes to reach EPC C or better by 2033. Accurate energy data helps prioritise retrofits where they make the biggest impact.
  • Segment customers and tailor services: By identifying groups such as elderly residents or families in fuel poverty, landlords can develop targeted support like energy advice or local job opportunities.
  • Measure local impact: Place-based working Scotland models allow providers to show how investment improves local outcomes, from reduced carbon emissions to improved health and well-being.

Real-world examples from Scotland

The place-based, data-driven approach is already showing results:

  • Glasgow’s Digital Housing Strategy: Glasgow City Council uses integrated housing data to identify where retrofits are most needed, aligning housing improvements with the city’s net zero commitments
  • Kingdom Housing Association: In Fife, Kingdom combines tenant feedback with asset performance data to plan repairs, upgrades and new builds that reflect local demand.
  • Highland Council: Remote communities in the Highlands benefit from place-based working through tailored affordable housing plans that consider the unique social and economic challenges of rural Scotland.

Key actions for housing providers

For PFH Scotland members, the message is clear: success lies in combining robust asset management Scotland practices with high-quality data and local insight. Steps to take include:

  • Break down internal data silos to build a single source of truth on assets and tenants.
  • Invest in predictive analytics and IoT to shift from reactive to proactive maintenance.
  • Segment tenants to deliver more personalised services that tackle local challenges.
  • Partner with local authorities and community groups to co-design place-based solutions.
  • Align all asset investment plans with the Heat in Buildings Strategy, ensuring compliance and unlocking funding opportunities.

A clear path ahead

Scotland’s social housing sector stands at a crossroads. Those who embed data-driven, place-based thinking into everyday operations will be better placed to meet net zero targets, support tenants and build thriving, resilient communities. For housing providers, this is more than an operational upgrade, it is an investment in the future of Scotland’s people and places.