Recognising the Potential of Cohousing in Scotland

That the Parliament congratulates Cohousing Scotland on successfully hosting an event on 21 January 2025, which highlighted the unique potential contribution that cohousing can make in meeting Scotland’s housing needs as an embedded part of the housing supply programme; acknowledges the growing interest in cohousing as a sustainable, community-led housing solution that can enhance health and wellbeing, social cohesion, affordability, and environmental sustainability; considers that, for cohousing to flourish in Scotland, a clear, agreed, Scottish definition of cohousing is required, alongside efforts to address cultural and institutional barriers within the leadership of key players in the Scottish housing system; believes that more must be done to ensure the Scottish Government and local authorities incorporate cohousing within national guidance, local housing strategies, and strategic housing investment plans by quantifying local demand and resource requirements; calls on the Scottish Government to support local community groups in scaling up cohousing projects by providing templates for delivery, a toolkit, and legal frameworks to facilitate the practical development of community-led housing solutions, and urges ministers to take proactive steps to ensure that cohousing becomes a viable and accessible part of Scotland’s future housing landscape.