Scotland's model of homeownership is well established. Homeowners hold outright title to their individual property, while responsibilities for shared spaces are embedded in title deeds and underpinned by Scottish law — a framework that has shaped how developments are managed for decades.
As the commonhold debate continues to evolve in England and Wales, it is worth reflecting on what Scotland’s experience reveals about the realities of shared ownership and the role the property factor plays in making it work in practice.
Brandon O’Connell, Associate Director at FirstPort Scotland, shares his perspective:
Governance in practice
One of the central assumptions about homeownership models is that owners are naturally more invested in how their buildings are run. Experience across Scotland tells a more nuanced story. In developments with a high proportion of investor landlords, many owners have limited appetite for day-to-day involvement. What they want is confidence that their property factor is making sound, well-informed decisions on their behalf.
Resident owners are not always more forthcoming. Many prefer to leave decisions to their factor, viewing active involvement as an inconvenience. Encouraging participation — and helping homeowners understand why it matters — is a core part of the role. The best outcomes come from processes that are inclusive and transparent, where every owner has a voice and decisions are implemented with clarity and efficiency.
Balanced decision-making
Routine and reactive maintenance is generally managed by the factor under authority granted in title deeds. Larger planned works typically require homeowner consultation and majority agreement, with the Tenements (Scotland) Act providing a clear framework where deeds are silent.
Presenting these decisions clearly with rationale, options and the consequences of inaction is essential. Much of the work is preventative, and making the case for proactive investment before problems arise requires both skill and context. Financial considerations sit at the heart of most conversations. Views on reserve fund contributions vary widely, shaped by personal circumstances, and finding the right balance between affordability and long-term sustainability is an ongoing challenge.
Reaching an agreement across a diverse group of owners is rarely straightforward. Negotiation, mediation and patience are core skills for any property factor, helping owners find common ground without allowing disagreement to stall progress.
Community at the centre
Scotland’s model is about more than legal structure. At its best, it cultivates a genuine sense of shared responsibility for the places people call home. Regulation under the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 and its accompanying Code of Conduct provides homeowners with additional assurance and accountability.
While not every owner will engage with the factor, our role is to bridge gaps, encourage collaboration and keep communities moving forward. With transparent, fair and inclusive processes, this shared form of communal ownership works not just in theory, but in practice.
