The North Ayrshire Local Housing Strategy 2023–2028, approved in June 2023, outlines key priorities for addressing housing challenges across the region. The strategy aims to ensure residents have access to suitable homes in appropriate locations, along with necessary support services. It covers a broad spectrum of housing-related areas, including housebuilding, rural housing, homelessness prevention, private sector housing, and energy efficiency.
Developed through consultation with tenants and residents, the strategy supports individuals regardless of their background, financial status, or current housing situation. A recent Cabinet update highlighted progress on four main outcomes: delivering 1,666 new Council homes by 2031, with over 1,000 already completed. Construction is ongoing for 202 new homes at Ayrshire Central in Irvine, the council's largest single development. Private developers contributed 385 homes in 2025/26, bringing their total to 918 since April 2023.
Regarding affordability and choice, the Homelessness Prevention Strategy 2026–2031 is nearing finalisation after extensive consultation. A pilot project, Early Doors, launched in February in partnership with charity CHAP, aims to prevent homelessness in the private sector. New developments are incorporating air source heat pumps and solar panels to promote affordable warmth and zero emissions, complemented by retrofit programmes and energy efficiency schemes.
Improvements to the quality of existing homes are also a focus, with housing staff receiving training to identify tenants' support needs and early indicators of tenancy risk. Investment continues in sheltered housing through the Sheltered Housing Reprovisioning Programme. While a housing emergency has not been declared, Local Housing Plans will be developed based on assessments of housing need, demand, supply, and investment priorities, starting with a pilot plan for Kilwinning.
“"It is encouraging to see that we are progressing with our aim of residents being able to live in the right home, in the right place, with - vitally - access to the various types of support they need. Delivering more homes, supporting residents and creating sustainable communities is key to improved wellbeing. As the strategy enters its final years, work will continue alongside our partners to address housing pressures and issues faced by our residents."
The Local Housing Strategy will undergo annual reviews to adapt to the evolving needs of North Ayrshire's population.
