Welcoming the 18 per cent rise in the total number of new build homes completed over the year ending June 2019 reported today, industry has emphasised the importance of both social and private housing sectors receiving clarity on the future funding intentions of the Scottish Government if momentum is to be maintained.

Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of trade body Homes for Scotland (pictured right), whose members deliver most of the new homes built across the country, said: “Today’s figures are very encouraging, but a deeper delve into the statistics reveals a five per cent drop in completions between Q1 and Q2 2019, demonstrating the fragility that still exists across the housing market.

“This is currently being compounded by a lack of clarity over the Scottish Government’s future funding intentions for those building much needed new homes for both social rent and owner occupation.  Whilst the delay to the UK budget has constrained the Scottish Government, it is nonetheless imperative that confirmation be provided as soon as possible if the housing growth we have seen is to continue.

“As well as ensuring that both buyers and builders north of the border are not disadvantaged in relation to the Help to Buy scheme (which is due to end here two years earlier than in England), it is critical that our Registered Social Landlord members receive certainty on grant funding levels post-2021.  This will enable builders across the housing spectrum to plan their investment programmes accordingly to deliver more homes for Scotland.”