Shetland Islands Council

10/06/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/06/2025 09:41

Statement: Councillors agree to set up Mid-Market Rent organisation

Six one-bedroom properties that are proposed for mid-market rent tenancies are currently under construction in Lerwick. Credit: SIC

Councillors today backed a proposal to set up an arms-length external organisation to deliver and manage tenancies on local properties at mid-market rent.

This approach aims to address a gap in the local housing market, by creating options for those either unable to access social housing, or who can't afford to buy or rent properties at market rates.

Councillor Dennis Leask, Chair of Development, said: "I'm delighted that councillors today agreed to progress this project to create affordable homes available for mid-market rent in Shetland. There's a very small private rental market locally, affordability is challenging, and it's well known that the housing market is under pressure.

"This is an innovative project for Shetland that will increase local housing diversity and help some of those looking for a home who might otherwise be unable to do so. We need more affordable homes and this mid-market rental project is part of the solution for us to achieve that."

• The report and supporting papers on Mid-Market Rent can be found on the Council's committee pages at -

Published: 6th October 2025

Shetland Islands Council published this content on October 06, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 06, 2025 at 15:41 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]