A must-attend one day conference for all Housing professionals
The Business of Housing 2026
The programme will take a deep dive into the critical issues shaping Scotland’s housing future – from the pressures on local authorities and the need for faster delivery, to new approaches to ending homelessness and stabilising the rental market. With international perspectives from Finland and expert insights from across the UK, the conference will focus on practical action to deliver the right homes in the right places.
Featuring more than a dozen speakers, leading exhibitors and hundreds of delegates from housing, government, business and the third sector, this is Scotland’s most important forum for housing leaders in 2026. Speakers span government, industry, the third sector and universities, ensuring every part of Scotland’s housing system is represented.
The event will cut through political soundbites to focus on delivery: planning and land supply, supply chain bottlenecks, new finance models, tenant protections, and how local and national leadership can work together.
Who will be speaking
Màiri McAllan MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Scottish Government
Prof. Duncan Maclennan, Emeritus Professor in Urban Economics, University of Glasgow
Cllr Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing, Development, Built Heritage and Land Use, Glasgow City Council
Prof. Juha Kaakinen, Professor of Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere
Rt Hon. Lord Haughey, Chair, City Facilities Management
John Alexander, Chief Executive, Hillcrest
Alison Condie, Managing Director, Barratt Redrow
And more…
What you will learn
- Understand the Scottish Government’s priorities in responding to the housing emergency.
- Hear from international leaders on successful housing reforms, including Finland’s Housing First model.
- Explore best practice from across Scotland’s local authorities, housing associations, and private developers.
- Learn how finance, planning and construction reforms can accelerate delivery at scale.
- Discuss how to balance tenant security with sustainable returns for investors and landlords.
- Network with leaders across government, industry and the third sector to develop shared solutions.