Scotland's current housing emergency is the result of trends over several decades, according to Scottish property firm DJ Alexander Ltd. The lettings and estate agency attributes the situation to a decrease in social housing combined with a growing population over the last 20 years.
Between March 2007 and March 2024, the Scottish population increased by 402,700. During the same period, the total number of occupied dwellings rose by 286,142. This included an increase of 151,131 owner-occupied homes and a rise of 107,242 in the private rented sector, but a decline of 20,267 in the social housing sector.
David Alexander, CEO of DJ Alexander Scotland, stated that the current emergency has not occurred suddenly. He highlighted that 30 years ago, there were 668,000 properties in the social housing sector, a figure now over 50% lower at 325,477. This decline comes despite record waiting lists and the highest number of families in temporary accommodation.
Alexander also noted a change in living patterns, with more one and two-person households requiring a greater number of homes. He emphasised the essential role of the private rented sector, which has seen a 43.4% increase in homes in just under 20 years, in meeting housing demand.