First Affordable Blackford Homes in 60 Years Completed by Cala, Edinburgh 2026

Key Points

• The first affordable homes built in Edinburgh’s Blackford area in more than 60 years have been completed and handed over
• Developer Cala Homes (East) built 12 energy-efficient apartments on the former St Crispin’s School site
• The properties include two three-bedroom homes, four two-bedroom homes, and six one-bedroom apartments
• All 12 apartments have been transferred to Wheatley, one of Scotland’s leading housing providers, for social rent
• The development addresses Edinburgh’s declared housing emergency by boosting housing supply in Blackford
• Construction began in March 2024, with homes originally scheduled for autumn 2025 completion
• The homes are now ready for occupation as of May 2026
• This marks the first social rent affordable housing delivered in Blackford in over six decades

Edinburgh(Edinburgh Daily)June 02, 2026 — The first affordable homes to be built in the Blackford area of Edinburgh for more than 60 years have been completed and handed over, marking a significant milestone in the city’s housing development. Developer Cala Homes (East) has transferred 12 energy-efficient apartments to Wheatley, one of Scotland’s leading housing providers, to be used for social rent.

How Many Affordable Homes Were Built and What Types?

As reported by Scottish Housing News, the collection of affordable homes includes two three-bedroom homes, four two-bedroom homes, and six one-bedroom apartments. These properties form part of Cala’s new development at the former St Crispin’s School site in Blackford. The energy-efficient design of the apartments aligns with modern sustainability standards while addressing critical housing needs in the area.

When Did Construction Begin and When Were Homes Completed?

Construction on the Blackford affordable homes began in March 2024, according to Project Scotland. The properties were originally due to be ready for occupation from autumn 2025. The completion and handover occurred in May 2026, with the homes now officially ready for residents. This timeline represents the full development cycle from groundbreaking to final delivery.

Why Is This Development Significant for Edinburgh’s Housing Market?

The development helps boost housing supply in Blackford amid Edinburgh’s declared housing emergency, as noted in reports from Project Scotland. STV News reported that Cala Homes said it will build 12 new energy-efficient flats in the region in the south of the city that will be passed over to the Wheatley Group. The 60-year gap in affordable housing construction in Blackford represents a substantial period during which the area lacked new social rent properties.

Who Are the Key Organizations Involved in This Development?

Cala Homes (East) served as the developer responsible for constructing the 12 apartments. Wheatley Group, described as one of Scotland’s leading housing providers, received the properties to manage them for social rent. The development forms part of broader efforts to address housing shortages in Edinburgh, with the city having officially declared a housing emergency.

What Type of Tenancy Will These Affordable Homes Offer?

All 12 properties will be available for social rent, according to Project Scotland. This tenure type makes the homes accessible to individuals and families meeting social rent eligibility criteria, providing affordable housing options in a area that has not seen new social rent development for six decades.

Where Exactly Is This Development Located?

The affordable homes are situated at the former St Crispin’s School site in Blackford, located in the south of Edinburgh. This location places the development within the Blackford area of Edinburgh, which has not received new affordable housing construction for more than 60 years.

How Does This Development Address Edinburgh’s Housing Crisis?

Edinburgh’s declared housing emergency prompted increased focus on affordable housing development across the city. The 12 new apartments directly contribute to boosting housing supply in Blackford, an area that had experienced a 60-year drought in affordable housing construction. As reported by Scottish Housing News, this completion represents a tangible response to the city’s housing emergency declaration.

The social rent model ensures that the homes remain affordable for eligible residents, addressing one of the core challenges in Edinburgh’s housing market. By delivering the first social rent properties in Blackford in six decades, the development fills a critical gap in the local housing supply.

What Impact Will Energy-Efficient Design Have on Residents?

The 12 apartments feature energy-efficient design, which should help reduce utility costs for residents. Energy-efficient homes typically offer lower heating and cooling expenses, providing additional financial relief to households on social rent budgets.

Background: The 60-Year Affordable Housing Gap in Blackford

Blackford, located in south Edinburgh, experienced a remarkable 60-year period without any new social rent affordable housing construction prior to this development. The former St Crispin’s School site remained undeveloped for affordable housing purposes for decades, contributing to the area’s housing supply shortage.

Construction finally began in March 2024, ending the prolonged drought in affordable housing development. Project Scotland documented the start of construction as a significant moment, noting these would be “the first new social rent affordable homes to be built within Blackford in over 60 years”. The six-decade gap represents multiple generations who lived in Blackford without access to newly built social rent housing in their community.

The development’s significance extends beyond the immediate 12 properties, as it demonstrates that affordable housing can still be delivered in established Edinburgh neighbourhoods after long periods of inactivity. This breakthrough may encourage similar developments in other areas that have experienced prolonged affordable housing shortages.

Prediction: How This Development Will Affect Blackford Residents and Edinburgh’s Housing Market

Impact on Blackford Residents Seeking Affordable Housing

Local residents in Blackford who have been waiting for affordable housing options will now have access to 12 new social rent properties. Families and individuals on social rent eligibility lists can now apply for these homes, providing housing opportunities that have been unavailable in the area for 60 years. The energy-efficient design will help reduce monthly living costs for new residents, offering financial relief beyond just rental affordability.

Effect on Edinburgh’s Overall Housing Supply

This development contributes directly to Edinburgh’s efforts to address its declared housing emergency by adding 12 affordable units to the city’s supply. While 12 properties represent a modest addition to Edinburgh’s overall housing stock, the breakthrough in Blackford after 60 years may catalyse further development in the area. Other developers may view this successful completion as proof that affordable housing projects can proceed in established Edinburgh neighbourhoods.

Long-Term Implications for Future Affordable Housing Development

The successful delivery of Blackford’s first affordable homes in six decades may encourage investment in similar projects across Edinburgh. The partnership between Cala Homes (East) and Wheatley Group demonstrates a viable model for affordable housing delivery that other developers could replicate. Local authorities may use this development as a case study when planning future affordable housing initiatives in areas with similar long-term shortages.

Potential Challenges and Considerations

While the development addresses immediate housing needs, 12 properties will not fully resolve Blackford’s housing shortage or Edinburgh’s broader housing emergency. Continued investment in affordable housing will be necessary to make meaningful progress on the city’s housing goals. The social rent model ensures long-term affordability, but demand will likely exceed supply for these properties.