Homes For Scotland publish report examining existing housing need in Scotland						

					

											
1 February 2024

									

			

					

	




    



    
        


            

                


                    

                        
Homes for Scotland have published a study of existing housing need in Scotland undertaken by The Diffley Partnership and Rettie & Co given. They say that this independent survey, reveals the true extent of the problem, with more than a quarter of households in Scotland facing one or more forms of housing need.


Based on the results of a survey of 13,690 people across Scotland, the report takes a much broader definition of housing need than the current HNDA, including hidden households not facing overcrowding and those struggling to afford their home.


The survey found that, overall, 28% of Scottish households currently have some form of housing need. This equates to around 693,000 households in Scotland.


The research was commissioned in response to the Local Development Plan Guidance published by the Scottish Government in May 2023 to assist planning authorities with the crucial evidence gathering stage. The use of a sample survey approach is an alternative to the more complex and expensive local housing needs studies of the past. Homes for Scotland have concluded that the established approach significantly underestimates housing need. With this data tool, they aim to provide that fuller picture of all-tenure housing needs for use by governments at all levels.


The full report can be accessed here.