The NHBC Foundation has published a new report in partnership with sector body Homes for Scotland (HFS); 25 Facts: Scotland's homes, housing and house building today.
Officially launched at the HFS Annual Lunch & Awards, this report explores a wide range of topics related to the house-building industry in Scotland and examines how the landscape has changed over time. It also considers the impact of the sector on the country’s social and economic growth.
Recognising the gravity of the housing supply situation in Scotland, the Scottish Parliament declared a national housing emergency in May 2024. One year on, this report looks behind the issue, presenting 25 key facts based on in-depth research from high-quality sources, as part of a shared mission to drive positive change.
Covering everything from the categories of homes built versus housing needs, rates of home ownership and how this is changing, to the use of renewable technologies, the challenge of running costs and the environmental performance of homes, this report is essential reading for all those involved in housing in Scotland.
By improving understanding of the home-building sector and the pressing need for new homes across all tenures, the policy decisions that matter for Scotland can be influenced and informed. This report brings together a wide range of metrics and trends across demographic factors, public attitudes and housing characteristics, answering questions such as:
- How many homes does Scotland need to build each year?
- What are the changing demands for homes and where are these required?
- Who owns housing in Scotland and how is ownership changing?
- How is public opinion on building new homes changing?
- What economic benefits would building more homes deliver?
- How much Scottish land with planning permission is held by major house builders?
It is designed to serve as a useful reference point for policymakers, partners and anyone with an interest in tackling Scotland’s undersupply of housing.
Stefan Szymoszowskyj, Director for Scotland at NHBC commented, “I believe that this report is a vital source of information and a valuable reference point for policymakers, partners and anyone new to, or currently working within, this sector. We have worked hard to ensure that the information is clear and current, and that it reflects the challenges and opportunities facing the Scottish house-building industry. By presenting these insights in one concise report that is accessible to everyone, we hope to support better decision-making and help drive forward the policies and actions needed to deliver more high-quality homes in Scotland.”
Jane Wood, Chief Executive at Homes for Scotland commented, “Twelve months on from a national housing emergency being declared, business as usual is not acceptable. Things can and must change if we are to ensure Scotland’s social wellbeing and economic success. Delivering the homes that meet the needs of everyone that lives here and that they can afford is absolutely fundamental to this and in pursuing the First Minister’s ambition of eradicating child poverty. To achieve this, I strongly believe it is incumbent on HFS and the wider sector to inform, educate and, if you like, storytell from within and across civic society. Like all our work, this will be underpinned by data and evidence, as such I am delighted to launch this report with the NHBC Foundation to help shape a better future for housing.”
The NHBC Foundation report 25 Facts: Scotland's homes, housing and house building today is available to download at https://www.nhbc.co.uk/25facts.
