Estates can help deliver new rural homes by combining land ownership with long-term stewardship, local knowledge and community relationships. Grants, community-led housing and partnerships can reduce risk, improve viability and support delivery.

Q. How does a Rural Housing Enabler help overcome barriers to delivering genuinely affordable housing in rural areas?

A. A Rural Housing Enabler provides a trusted point of contact between communities, landowners, housing associations and local authorities. We listen to local people, identify genuine housing need within a village, and help find suitable opportunities and delivery routes such as Rural Exception Sites. A Rural Exception Site is land released specifically to provide affordable homes for local people in rural communities.

Q. How is a rural affordable housing scheme different from bringing forward a conventional housing site?

A. Rural affordable housing schemes are driven by local need rather than market demand. Rural Exception Sites are designed to deliver affordable homes for local people who might otherwise be priced out of their communities, often through small-scale developments that integrate with existing villages and create lasting social impact.

These schemes need clear evidence of local housing need, local eligibility criteria and long-term affordability arrangements. That can make them more specialist, but helps deliver targeted outcomes, such as enabling younger families to stay in the village or older residents to downsize locally.

Q. Many landowners support the principle of affordable housing, but worry about viability. What would you say to them?

A. Those concerns are completely understandable, but affordable housing can offer financial as well as social value. It can bring forward sites that may not suit conventional development, while benefiting from a relatively straightforward delivery model through partnership with an experienced housing association, dedicated policy routes and funding opportunities that improve viability and reduce risk. Beyond the practical and financial considerations, supporting rural affordable housing is a natural extension of long-term stewardship. For many, the greatest benefit is knowing they have helped create a sustainable future for the community and leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.

Q. For a landowner interested in supporting affordable rural housing, what are the first steps?

A. The first step is simply to start the conversation. Landowners do not have to navigate the process alone; organisations such as RCCE can help assess local housing need and whether land could be suitable. An up-to-date housing needs survey is a useful starting point, providing evidence of the scale and type of homes required. From there, we can explore options, assess feasibility and shape proposals around local priorities.

Q. How do these schemes make sure the homes benefit local people now and in the future?

A. Homes are usually allocated through local connection criteria secured in the Section 106 (S106), meaning priority is given to people who live in the parish, work locally or have close family ties to the area. An S106 is a legal planning agreement between a developer and the local authority. They remain affordable in perpetuity, ensuring future generations can benefit in the same way as current residents. This long-term protection is one of the key strengths of the rural exception site model. When local people can continue to live where they have roots, communities retain their schools, businesses, services and social networks. At its heart, rural affordable housing helps communities remain vibrant, resilient and connected.

Scotland: The Rural and Islands Housing Fund

While Rural Exception Sites provide one route to new rural homes in England, similar challenges exist across the UK. In Scotland, the Rural and Islands Housing Fund (RIHF) helps bridge the viability gap through grant funding. The RIHF supports affordable rural housing through two funds: a main fund for new homes or refurbishing empty properties, and a smaller fund for feasibility studies.

Five things to know about Scotland’s Rural and Islands Housing Fund

1. Feasibility study grants are up to £20,000 to help pay for initial study and planning costs; however, many projects proceed directly to the main capital fund without applying at this stage.
2. The housing grants range from around £102,000 to £117,000 per home, with “add-ons” for items such as electric vehicle charging points and energy efficiency measures.
3. The grants vary according to the geographical location, property size and whether it is for new-build or a refurbishment. They are higher in remote rural areas.
4. Grant-funded homes must remain affordable in perpetuity, although this restriction can be released if the grant is repaid. The repayment amount is not index-linked.
5. The Fund has a £37 million budget and has been extended to run until 2028.

What’s next

Think beyond the next deadline.

Long-term policy shifts mean rural housing faces ongoing, rising scrutiny.

Turn evidence into decisions.

Use audits, condition surveys and financial appraisal to formulate a comprehensive strategy.

Use change to strengthen the estate.

With strategy, rural estates can protect value, support communities and preserve important buildings for future generations.

For more information, visit Savills Rural Knowledge Portal, a hub for the latest rural research, market intelligence and sector analysis.

_{Read the articles within Spotlight: Future-proofing Rural Homes below.}