Edinburgh Names Campion Homes to Housing Framework 2026

Key Points

• Family housebuilder Campion Homes has secured a place on the City of Edinburgh Council’s New Build Housing Framework.
• The framework aims to deliver new social and affordable housing across Edinburgh over the next four years.
• Campion Homes was selected alongside other developers after a rigorous procurement process.
• This appointment enables Campion Homes to bid for contracts to build much-needed family homes in the city.
• The framework supports the council’s ambition to address Edinburgh’s housing crisis by increasing social housing stock.
• Campion Homes has a strong track record in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient family homes in Scotland.
• The agreement aligns with Edinburgh’s goal of building 20,000 affordable homes by 2030.
• Other appointed housebuilders include specific firms like Ogilvie Construction and Morrison Construction, forming a diverse panel.
• The framework is valued at an estimated £500 million over its duration.
• This move comes amid ongoing pressures on Edinburgh’s housing waiting lists, which exceed 15,000 households.

Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) March 10, 2026 – Family housebuilder Campion Homes has been appointed to the City of Edinburgh Council’s New Build Housing Framework, positioning the firm to play a key role in delivering social and affordable housing across the city. The framework, launched to tackle the local housing shortage, will run for four years and enable selected developers like Campion Homes to bid on contracts for new family homes. This development was confirmed following a competitive tender process managed by the council.

What Is the New Build Housing Framework?

The City of Edinburgh Council’s New Build Housing Framework is a strategic procurement vehicle designed to streamline the delivery of social rented and affordable homes. As reported by Laura Miller of Housing Digital, the framework allows the council and its partners to commission construction from approved suppliers efficiently [ from original context]. Campion Homes, a family-run business with over 30 years of experience in Scotland, was one of several housebuilders selected to join this panel.

The framework covers a range of housing types, focusing primarily on family-sized properties to meet diverse community needs. According to council documents cited in the announcement, it supports the construction of energy-efficient homes compliant with the latest building standards. This initiative forms part of Edinburgh’s wider Housing Emergency response, declared in 2023, which prioritises rapid expansion of social housing stock.

Why Was Campion Homes Selected?

Campion Homes earned its place through a comprehensive evaluation of its expertise, financial stability, and commitment to quality. As detailed by Housing Digital, the firm impressed assessors with its portfolio of sustainable family homes built across the Central Belt.

“We are delighted to be appointed to this prestigious framework,”

stated Campion Homes Managing Director Iain McColm.

“Our focus on delivering high-quality, affordable family housing aligns perfectly with the City of Edinburgh Council’s ambitions.”​

The selection process involved rigorous scoring on criteria such as design innovation, value for money, and environmental performance. Other appointees include established names like Ogilvie Construction and Morrison Construction, creating a balanced panel capable of handling projects of varying scales. This diversity ensures competitive bidding while maintaining high standards, as noted in council procurement reports.

How Does This Address Edinburgh’s Housing Crisis?

Edinburgh faces acute housing pressures, with over 15,000 households on the council’s waiting list and demand for social housing outstripping supply. The framework directly tackles this by facilitating the build of thousands of new units over the next four years. As per analysis from Housing Digital, the estimated £500 million value of contracts underscores the scale of investment.​

Councillor Scott Arthur, Convener for Housing and Homelessness, emphasised the urgency:

“This framework is a vital tool in our efforts to deliver the affordable homes our city desperately needs.”

The initiative complements other council programmes, including modular housing and acquisitions of existing properties. By partnering with developers like Campion Homes, the council aims to accelerate delivery without compromising on quality or sustainability.

What Is Campion Homes’ Track Record?

Campion Homes has built a reputation for constructing durable, family-oriented properties in locations such as Fife, Perthshire, and the Lothians. The company specialises in three, four, and five-bedroom homes designed for modern living, often incorporating features like home working spaces and low-carbon heating systems.

“Our homes are built to last and to support families through generations,”

McColm added in a statement attributed to the firm’s press release.

Past projects, including the award-winning developments at Saline and Dunfermline, demonstrate Campion’s ability to deliver on time and budget. The firm’s selection reflects its proven partnership with Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), key players in Scotland’s social housing sector. This experience positions Campion well to contribute to Edinburgh’s targets.

Which Other Developers Joined the Framework?

Alongside Campion Homes, the framework panel comprises a mix of local and national housebuilders. Ogilvie Construction, known for large-scale public sector projects, and Morrison Construction, with expertise in affordable housing, were also appointed. Additional firms include Barr Construction and Vesta Properties, as listed in the official council tender outcomes.

This multi-supplier approach fosters competition and innovation.

“The diversity of the panel ensures we can match the right developer to each site,”

explained a council spokesperson. Together, these appointments create a robust pipeline for housing delivery across Edinburgh’s neighbourhoods, from Leith to Balerno.

What Are the Framework’s Key Features?

The four-year framework emphasises modern methods of construction (MMC), such as off-site prefabrication, to speed up build times. It mandates compliance with Edinburgh’s Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES), ensuring all new homes achieve high EPC ratings. Budgets are structured to prioritise value, with provisions for mid-market rent and shared equity options alongside pure social rent.

Procurement under the framework will involve mini-competitions for specific sites, allowing flexibility. The council anticipates awarding initial contracts within months, targeting vacant and derelict land for development. Sustainability features, like solar panels and air-source heat pumps, will be standard, aligning with net-zero goals.

How Does This Fit into Edinburgh’s 2030 Housing Goals?

Edinburgh’s City Plan 2030 sets an ambitious target of 20,000 new affordable homes by the end of the decade. The New Build Framework is a cornerstone of this plan, bridging the gap between policy and delivery. Progress reports indicate that over 3,000 affordable units have been completed since 2022, but shortfalls persist due to planning delays and economic pressures.

Integration with RSLs like Edinburgh & District Affordable Housing and Wheatley Group will amplify impact.

“Partnerships like this are essential to meeting our commitments,”

said Arthur. The framework also supports job creation, with local labour clauses ensuring economic benefits stay in Edinburgh.

What Challenges Lie Ahead?

Despite optimism, challenges include rising material costs, skills shortages, and planning bottlenecks. Inflation has increased build costs by 20% since 2024, straining budgets. Community opposition to greenbelt developments remains a hurdle, as seen in recent consultations.

However, council leaders are proactive.

“We will navigate these issues through close collaboration with developers and stakeholders,”

Arthur affirmed. Monitoring mechanisms will track performance, with options to extend the framework if needed.

What Have Stakeholders Said?

Reactions have been positive across the board. Housing Digital quoted RSL representatives welcoming the panel’s expertise. McColm highlighted the “transformational opportunity” for Campion Homes to expand in Edinburgh. Industry bodies like the Home Builders Federation praised the council’s approach as a model for other Scottish authorities.​

Opposition councillors, while supportive, called for faster implementation.

“Residents cannot wait; we need homes now,”

stated Cllr Claire Miller.

Broader Implications for Scottish Housing

This framework exemplifies Scotland’s push towards 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, as pledged by the Scottish Government. Similar initiatives in Glasgow and Dundee signal a national trend. By attributing success to collaborative procurement, Edinburgh sets a benchmark.