Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 - 2031

What you told us

The Strategic Housing Investment Plan, or SHIP, outlines the potential affordable housing investment programme over the period 2026-2031 across Aberdeenshire. The main outcome of the SHIP is to enable the delivery of high quality, energy efficient affordable housing. In summer 2025 people were asked to provide their views and feedback on Aberdeenshire Council’s SHIP 2026-2031.

Survey participants were asked to rate the eight main aims of the SHIP 2026-2031 in order of importance, if there were any further broad aims they felt should be in the SHIP, and if they had any further comments regarding the SHIP 2026-2031.

There were 36 responses to the survey and the feedback has been collated.

The main aims of the SHIP which were deemed as the four most important by survey participants were:

• Provide social housing for rent
• Provide appropriate housing and support for older people
• Provide appropriate housing and support for people with a physical or learning disability
• Provide affordable home ownership

Survey participants commented on:

Place

There was a strong emphasis on place-based approaches, recognising the value of healthy environments including improving local infrastructure, creating green spaces, and maintaining the natural environment to support community wellbeing.

Local communities

Some respondents emphasised the importance of supporting local communities through housing provision and allocation policies. There was a call for more affordable housing in rural areas to help young people remain in their communities, alongside concerns about the impact of high property prices and holiday homes. In terms of allocations, participants advocated for systems that prioritise local people enabling families to stay together across generations and supporting wellbeing.

Suitable homes for older people and people with particular needs

Survey responses highlighted the need for a range of housing options for older people and those with particular needs. This includes home adaptations, ground floor accommodation, and support services to enable households to live independently within their local communities close to family, friends, and support networks.

Affordable housing

A common theme in the responses was the need for more affordable housing, with calls to increase opportunities for both renting and buying. Particular emphasis was placed on supporting young people to remain in their local communities, ensuring they can live and work in the areas where they grew up.

What we're doing

We will take into consideration all feedback which will play a vital role in shaping and guiding future housing developments across Aberdeenshire.

The draft SHIP 2026-2031 will be presented to the Communities Committee on the 6th November for consideration and approval.

You can view the original project here: Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 - 2031 | Engage Aberdeenshire