Demand for social housing across the Highlands remains high, with almost 8,826 households on the Highland Housing Register (HHR).
Housing and Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “The demand for social housing across Highland remains significant and continues to outstrip the number of homes available in many areas. Despite these challenges, the Highland Housing Register continues to ensure that available homes are allocated to those in greatest need, including people experiencing homelessness, households with health needs and those living in unsuitable accommodation.
“It is vital that the Council continues our work with housing partners, developers and landowners to increase the supply of affordable homes, bring empty properties back into use and continue to explore various ways to grow housing stock across Highland, alongside our work to support people to sustain existing tenancies.”
A new annual performance review shows that 8,826 households were registered for housing or transfers through the Highland Housing Register, which provides a single application process for social landlords across Highland.
There is strong demand for smaller homes, with half of all applicants being single people. Inverness remains the most popular area, with 42% of applicants choosing it as their first preference. However, limited housing supply means only 29% of available homes are located there.
During 2025/26, a total of 1,592 households were housed through the Highland Housing Register. While the number of social rented homes increased overall, fewer properties became available for re-let as more tenants successfully sustained their tenancies and remained in their homes.
The Highland Housing Register continues to allocate homes to those with the greatest housing need. More than half of all homes let during the year, 891 properties or 56%, were allocated to households experiencing homelessness. This represents an increase of 4% compared with the previous year and reflects the commitment of Highland Council and its housing partners to help people move into permanent homes as quickly as possible.
The report highlights positive outcomes for other priority groups. Around one in five households housed had health-related housing needs, while almost one in five had been living in overcrowded accommodation.
Partnership working also helped support some of the most vulnerable people in Highland communities. During the year:
- 13 households moved into their first independent living tenancy, including people with complex health and support needs.
- 14 care-experienced young people were housed through the Highland Protocol.
- 23 current and former members of the Armed Forces secured housing through the Highland Housing Register.
The report notes that many applicants would consider other housing options if more properties were available, including private rented housing, mid-market rent and low-cost home ownership.
Highland Council and its housing partners continue to work together through initiatives including the Highland Housing Challenge, the Local Housing Strategy and the Strategic Housing Investment Programme to increase the supply of affordable homes across Highland.
The annual review concluded that, while housing demand remains high, the Highland Housing Register continues to perform well in prioritising those with the greatest housing need and supporting stronger, healthier communities across Highland.