HOMES for Scotland (HFS) is calling for a rethink on how to address what it described as the nation’s ‘spiralling housing crisis’.
Launching its new five-year strategy ‘Home building as a force for good’, the trade body said there is a shortfall of 110,000 homes in Scotland, with a ‘worrying downward trend’ in the number of new homes being started.
The organisation wants better local and national government collaboration and the voices of the ‘silent majority’ heard in order to tackle Scotland’s ‘chronic undersupply’ of housing across all tenures.
Latest Scottish Government figures show a decline of 12% in home building starts overall and a 27% reduction in social housing approvals.
HFS chief executive Jane Wood said, “Having accumulated a shortfall of 110,000 homes since 2008, Scotland’s housing crisis is well recognised. Just as this affects us all, so it is up to each and every one of us to take responsibility for ensuring that we have enough homes for those who need them now and for future generations.
“From health and education to jobs and investment, housing impacts every area of our lives and is key to advancing social justice and tackling inequality, but we simply don’t have enough homes.
“Unfortunately, home building is a hugely politicised and contentious issue and I’m calling on those of us who already have homes to be more supportive of those who don’t.
“Delivery challenges across the sector have never been greater, from rising costs and skills shortages to planning delays and changes to building standards as part of the transition to net zero. These barriers are now making it harder than ever to build new homes in Scotland. Our sector is not able to compete on a level playing field compared to elsewhere in the UK.
“SME builders, in particular, are bearing the brunt with their numbers having already declined significantly and with the viability of many projects in doubt, some smaller home builders have abandoned home building plans altogether.
“The housing crisis has already had a drastic and far-reaching impact on Scotland’s economic and social development. If we don’t get this sorted, the consequences on the life chances of future generations will be even worse.”
HFS revealed that, on average, major housing applications are taking 39 weeks to reach a decision from the time of registration. The national target is 16 weeks.
Negative perceptions of home building are also said to have far-reaching consequences, with ‘misinformation and opposition’ to new developments having an effect. In reality, HFS said that only 2.1% of land in Scotland is built upon, the lowest level in the UK.
“I am asking us all to pause and reflect before condemning the building of new homes, recognising the urgent and critical need that exists right across the spectrum,” Jane Wood added. “It’s time to embrace the benefits new homes bring and for the voices of the silent majority to be heard by those who influence and direct local and national policy. We need urgent action with better collaborative working between key players to solve what is a chronic issue and help stimulate growth.”
HFS said new regulations like the National Planning Framework 4 as well as ‘costly, time-consuming and difficult’ consent processes are making it more difficult for developers. The trade body wants to facilitate joined-up and partnership approaches with the Scottish Government, local authorities and stakeholders to pave the way for housing delivery and ensure policies and regulation are implemented ‘appropriately, fairly and in support of much needed homes’.
Speaking ahead of the organisation’s strategy launch at the annual HFS awards, Jane Wood continued, “We must have a policy environment that supports development rather than frustrating it and one which attracts investment otherwise we will stymie our ambitions and damage the potential of our towns, cities and rural communities. Above all else, policy-making must be informed by contextual data and market insight to avoid unintended consequences across other National Outcomes.”
HFS plans to work with the Scottish Government, local authorities and its members to create relevant data sets to ensure the homes that are needed are delivered. The new HFS strategy highlights the organisation’s aim to lead the conversation on the move to net zero carbon housing through the development of a ‘clear road map to support the transition, working with members to achieve targets on timescales that are commercially realistic through the creation of a Scottish Future Homes Hub’.
Faisal Choudhry, head of Savills Scotland residential research, said, “Homes for Scotland’s latest five-year strategy covers a wide range of issues facing the supply of new homes. Its launch comes amid an array of supply and production constraints facing the industry.
“Without new homes, communities across Scotland risk stagnation, as a lack of choice is impacting local people wanting to buy their first home or one that better suits their needs, and live in areas where they grew up, close to their families. Such communities are missing out on much needed investment and infrastructure.
“While the industry continues to address economic challenges such as mortgage lending and construction costs, delays in planning remain endemic. Meanwhile, demand for energy efficient new homes remains strong, against a backdrop of an increase in the cost of living. I commend HFS’s offer to work with the government to tackle planning delays with data-based solutions that measure performance and housing need.
“The economic and social impact of Scotland’s ongoing new homes supply shortfall cannot be underestimated. In the 12 months to March 2023, the circa £4.4 billion worth of private new homes that transacted in Scotland contributed to around £113 million in basic LBTT taxation for the Scottish Government, according to Savills Research using Registers of Scotland data. Our research shows that while private new home sales made up 14% of all Scottish residential transactions in the 12 months to March 2023, they contributed to around a quarter of all basic LBTT revenue during this period.
“The strategy pays close attention to negative perceptions of home building. This is an opportunity for the industry to promote its financial contribution for new or improved local services, including new schools. These contributions often go unnoticed in the face of significant opposition to new developments.
“I call upon Scotland’s civic society to support dreams and aspirations of buying a home and to embrace the Homes for Scotland’s 2023-2028 strategy that has a simple and straightforward aim to deliver more homes for the people of Scotland.”
