Scotland urged to match Labour’s housebuilding target

Scotland urged to match Labour’s housebuilding target

9:07 AM, 15th July 2024, About 3 months ago

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The Scottish government needs to mirror Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent proposal to build 1.5million homes in the next five years, one leading lettings firm chief says.

David Alexander, the chief executive of DJ Alexander Scotland, says the target will be helped by easing planning restrictions and supporting property developers.

He adds that Labour’s ambitious goal translates to around 123,000 homes over five years for Scotland, considering its population.

This equates to an annual target of 24,600 new homes.

Not an unrealistic figure

Mr Alexander said: “Although this may sound like a large number it is not an unrealistic figure. Just two years ago 23,735 new homes were built.

“However, that year was an outlier, and you have to go as far back as 2004 to 2007 to see consistent newbuild numbers around the 25,000 level.”

He added: “The problem is that this is an issue which has been developing for decades.

“Between the start of the SNP government’s reign in 2007 until 2022, the number of social houses available has increased by just 11,368 rising from 607,191 to 618,559.”

Family-sized social housing

During that time, Scotland’s population grew by 277,000 and changing demographics, where nearly 85% of people now live alone or as couples, have shifted demand toward one-bedroom flats in major cities, away from traditional family-sized social housing.

Despite the growth in population, there aren’t enough homes to meet the demands of a growing population and evolving social trends.

As a result, the private rented sector (PRS) has partially filled the gap, but further action is necessary.

Right types of homes are built

Mr Alexander says that Scotland should not only focus on quantity but also ensure that the right types of homes are built in suitable locations.

While setting targets can be politically challenging, he adds, it provides a tangible incentive for meaningful change.

He said: “The Scottish government could do a lot worse than emulate Keir Starmer’s housing policy and introduce ambitious housebuilding targets created through a substantial relaxation of planning regulations with a keen eye on ensuring we have homes that reflect the needs and demands of people from all walks of life in all parts of Scotland.”


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