The conversation delves into the challenges of student accommodation, affordability, and the need for a dedicated cabinet secretary for housing. Additionally, they explore the significance of maintaining tenement properties and the complexities of enforcing communal responsibilities among property owners.

With all the electoral turmoil across the states and the potential impact upon our economy and more, Steven and I took a moment to sit down, take a breath and discuss what 2025 might bring.

We start with the macro world view and funel that down to how it may impact housing here in Scotland.

Steven and I are joined for the first podcast of 2025 by Chris Dougray, Head of Development Scotland at CBRE to chat all things property.

We found it fascinating and we hope you do too.

Through their conservation grants programmes people will enjoy, understand and care for Glasgow’s historic built environment and will be able to access funding and expertise which will ensure the sustainability of the city’s heritage for current and future generations.

Niall has nearly 20 years experience as an architect and is heavily involved in heritage, conservation and community issues in Glasgow being current Chair of Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust – the largest meanwhile use in Scotland – and Vice Chair for the Pollokshields Trust – a community anchor organisation set up following the ‘Make Your Mark’ East Pollokshields and Port Eglinton Charrette in 2016 which Niall helped secure funding for.

Niall has won the Glasgow Doors Open Day Excellence Award for Inspiring City Tour (2017), the Glasgow Doors Open Day Above and Beyond Award (2014), the Sir Robert Lorimer Award for Sketching (1996) and, in addition to nominations for Saltire Awards and GIA Awards was nominated for the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Award for Civic Champion in 2015. Niall regularly lectures on architecture, heritage and urban design issues.

Paul McDermott owns a property factor company and is a director of the trade body - The Property Manager's Association and he's on the podcast to explain all.

Current CEO, Dr Stuart Patrick CBE, is a very vocal advovate and whilst his position is based upon what's best for his city, his comments will resonate among people across Scotland.

Recently Stuart has been making news in his comments about the recent Housing Bill and so we decided to have him as a guest on the podcast.

Hopefully you'll enjoy the chat between Brian, Steven and Stuart.

Ariane Burgess has been a Green MSP for Highlands and Islands since 2021 and author of Life Design for Women: Conscious Living as a Force for Positive Change.

Specifically, for the purposes of our podcast, we discuss her role as the convenor of the housing committee and what she sees as the role of the committee in shaping and interrogating government legislation.

He has carried out research for government departments, ESRC, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, trade bodies, the private sector and international organisations like OECD, the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute and the European Union. Recent research, including projects for the Scottish Funding Council and for the EPSRC, have shifted into the economics and evaluation of net zero and lower carbon retrofit of existing housing.

Paul is an SNP MSP representing East Lothian since 2021 and prior to this was a councillor for many years for Dunbar and East Linton.

We discuss with him whether this long period in local government was a help in preparing him for life as an MSP and a Minister and he provides us with an exhaustive list of issues that he has to cover within the housing brief.

An excellent chat and we'll no doubt get him on again to discuss the various announcements that he trails in the podcast.

John Blackwood is the Chief Executive and joins the podcast to discuss rent controls, the challenges of being a landlord in the current climate and the benefits of joining and organisation like SAL.

Steven delves into his thoughts on the current state of affairs and provides a thorough examination of the potential implications for housing, including an assessment of the newly introduced housing bill.

Steven and Brian talk with John Boughton, author of Municipal Dreams: The Rise and Fall of Council Housing.  John enlightens Brian & Steven on how this quest for homes for all transformed the UK and changed us forever.

If you have an interest in housing, this is a fascinating listen.

In the podcast, John reveals how he believes red tape and a hostile attitude towards landlords from government is fuelling Scotland’s housing crisis. He also warns that Scotland’s “reactionary and bureaucratic” planning system is hindering new housing developments.

Join us as we delve into the world of real estate, providing expert insights, valuable tips, and exclusive interviews with industry leaders. Stay ahead of the game with the latest trends and developments in the Scottish housing market. Tune in now and elevate your property knowledge to new heights!