Half of Scotland’s Affordable Housing Need Lies in the East, New Report Warns
Scotland is facing an escalating housing emergency, with a new report from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland revealing that at least 78,465 affordable homes must be delivered by the next parliament – and more than half of them are needed in the east of the country.
The landmark study, funded by Shelter Scotland, CIH Scotland, and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), highlights the urgent requirement to build 15,693 affordable homes per year, including 7,860 homes annually in Eastern Scotland alone, to meet growing demand for social housing and tackle rising homelessness.
A Growing Housing Emergency
Thirteen local authorities – alongside the Scottish Government – have already declared a housing emergency since 2023. The report paints a stark picture of unmet need, warning that without bold action, the situation will deteriorate further.
“This research shows the devastating reality of Scotland’s housing emergency and the decades of underinvestment that have brought us to this point,” said Alison Watson, Director of Shelter Scotland.
“The need for social rent homes is increasing, yet Scotland is not building anywhere near enough. Unless we act now, more families will be forced into poverty, more children will remain stuck in temporary accommodation, and young people will continue to be locked out of secure housing. Scotland cannot afford another lost decade on housing.”
With 10,180 children currently living in temporary accommodation, the report calls for an ambitious and immediate programme of affordable homebuilding to protect communities, relieve pressure on local councils, and end Scotland’s reliance on unsuitable emergency housing such as hostels, hotels, and B&Bs.
Scottish Government’s Emergency Action Plan
Earlier this month, the Scottish Government introduced a new Housing Emergency Action Plan, pledging urgent investment and reforms. Key measures include:
- Doubling the ‘voids and acquisitions’ fund to £80 million this financial year, bringing total investment to £120 million over two years, with a focus on flipping temporary homes into permanent family housing.
- Implementing Awaab’s Law in Scotland from March 2026 to tackle dangerous damp and mould in rented homes.
- Piloting private sector leasing schemes to reduce reliance on unsuitable temporary accommodation.
- Allocating £2 million in discretionary housing payments to help families move from temporary to permanent private rental housing.
- Introducing a long-term rent control system through the Housing (Scotland) Bill to keep private rents affordable.
- Scaling up best-practice housing solutions in collaboration with councils and housing associations.
A Call to Action
CIH Scotland’s findings serve as a critical reminder that Scotland’s housing targets will not be met without prioritising social housing delivery. With the next Scottish parliamentary election looming, the report is designed to influence urgent policy decisions and ensure affordable housing remains at the top of the political agenda.
“This is a defining moment,” added Watson. “We face a simple choice: invest in the homes we need now or pay the price for generations to come.”
