As new figures show an encouraging increase in home building activity in Scotland across all sectors, industry has responded to a warning from Housing Minister Kevin Stewart that “a no deal Brexit could have a damaging effect on future growth”.

Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of representative body Homes for Scotland, said:

“The continuing increase in home building revealed today is extremely welcome, providing more choice across all tenures for our growing population as well as wider social and economic benefits.

“The Minister is right to outline risks associated with Brexit, but there are domestic challenges facing the Scottish home building industry which the Scottish Government could address now to ensure build levels and investment are maintained as far as possible.  It is these issues that our members are most keen to get resolved.

“Firstly, we require the hugely successful Help to Buy scheme in Scotland to be extended to 2023 in line with England to boost confidence and certainty, as well as prevent disadvantage, for both buyers and builders north of the border.  

“Secondly, our Registered Social Landlord members need to know about grant funding levels post-2021 so they can plan their affordable housing programmes.

“Finally, policy must be aligned at national and local levels.  This is where the real delivery barrier lies.”

Click here to access the latest Scottish Government housing statistics.

Our new “Value of Residential Development” report highlights the wider value of building the homes that Scotland needs and can be accessed here.