New housebuilding and affordable housing supply

IN the year to the end of September last year, 2019, some 24,873 new-build homes were started across all sectors. This was a 4,876 (24 per cent) increase on the previous year and the highest number of homes started since 2007.

The figures are from the latest quarterly statistics on new housebuilding and affordable housing supply, released by Scotland’s chief statistician in March 2020.

Among other findings:

* Private-led starts increased by 4,516 homes (34 per cent), local authority starts increased by 377 homes (22 per cent) and Housing Association approvals decreased slightly by 17 homes (0.3 per cent). The total number of homes started across both Housing Associations and local authorities increased by 360 homes (five per cent).

* The number of new-build homes completed increased to 21,805, a rise of 2,972 new homes (16 per cent) on the previous year and the highest number of completions since 2008. There was also a 19 per cent increase in private sector new-build homes from the previous year, with 2,668 completed. Housing Association completions increased by 230, a six per cent increase, while completions for local authorities rose by 74, an increase of five per cent.

* In the year to end December 2019, 9,317 homes were delivered through the ‘Affordable Housing Supply Programme’, an increase of 61 homes on the previous year.

* During the same period, 11,829 affordable homes were approved, a six per cent decrease on the previous year; while 10,765 homes were started, an increase of four per cent.

Read more, here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/housing-statistics-scotland-quarterly-update-march-2020/ (published March 10 2020).