Scottish housing supply increases in 2018/19

Following the publication of Annual Housing Statistics, the Scottish Housing Minister, Kevin Stuart, has commented on its findings, stating that the 15 per cent increase in Scottish housing is much welcomed but he expects the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit to be detrimental to the nation’s future.

Specifically, the statistics showed that the Scottish housing supply increased from 19,320 homes in 2017/18 to a total of 22,273 housing units in 2018/19, displaying an increase of 2,953 units.

According to past data, this is the sixth consecutive annual increase in Scottish housing supply and it is the highest increase since 2008/09, while, for the first time since 1980, local authority housing stock has likewise shown a distinct increase.

Breaking the data down even further, it should be noted that housing association new builds increased by 33 per cent, this translating to 1,041 homes, whereas private-led new builds increased by 21 per cent, with this proportion equally 2,679 homes.

In contrast, local authority new builds decreased by 3 per cent, 51 homes, refurbishments decreased by 67 per cent, 642 homes, and net conversions decreased by 10 per cent, 74 homes.

Minister Stewart stated: “We want to ensure everyone has a warm affordable home and these figures show we are on target to reach delivering 50,000 affordable homes by 2021.

“However, I am deeply concerned that all our good work towards increasing Scotland’s housing supply could be significantly undermined by a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“Private house builders are particularly vulnerable to the implications of Brexit. Construction material imports to the United Kingdom from European Union member states accounted for more than 60 per cent of the total value of construction material imports to the United Kingdom in 2018.

“In addition, more than 7,000 EU nationals were employed in the Scottish construction sector in 2017. A ‘no deal’ Brexit poses significant risks to builders’ supply chains and the construction workforce in Scotland.

“Housing is yet another example of the deep damage that could be done to Scotland by a ‘no deal’ Brexit.”

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