CIH, Shelter and SFHA launch project to research Scotland’s affordable housing need

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)  the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) and Shelter Scotland have commissioned new research to identify the affordable housing need in Scotland over the next parliamentary term (2026-2031).

Following on from two previous reports published in 2015 and 2020, the research will evaluate the current Affordable Housing Supply Programme and the levels of housing demand to work out how many new homes are required.

Scotland’s Affordable Housing Supply scheme aims to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which at least 70% will be for social rent.

The research will be carried out by Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Sheffield, and the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Research, with findings expected by the summer of 2025.

The commissioning bodies will use the report to inform discussions with political parties ahead of the 2026 Scottish parliamentary elections.

The most recent report from March 2020 identified that 53,000 affordable homes were needed between 2021 and 2026.

>>See also: ‘It’s not a surprise’: housebuilding starts and completions plummet in Scotland

>>See also: CIH Scotland to announce housing emergency at national conference

Alison Watson, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “We know there is an urgent need for more social homes to be built in Scotland. With 10,110 children in temporary homes, ensuring safe and permanent housing for families in Scotland needs to be a crucial priority for all parties in their housing policy.

“Since the last report in 2020, 13 local authorities have declared a housing emergency after decades of under-investment. Since March 2022 and June 2024, 22,743 affordable homes have been built. That is 21% of the target. We hope this report will serve as a stark reminder of the need for safe, secure and affordable homes for the people of Scotland so that no one finds themselves homeless.”

In May 2024, the Scottish government declared a national housing emergency.