Housing statistics quarterly update: June 2020

1. Main Points

In the year to end March 2020, there were a total of 12,886 homes approved through the Scottish Government affordable housing supply programme, which includes off-the-shelf purchases and rehabilitations as well as new builds. This is an increase of 1,756 homes (16%) on the previous year, and an increase of 62% compared with the year to end March 2016.

In the same period, 12,045 affordable homes were started, an increase of 1,173 homes (11%) on the previous year, and an increase of 57% compared with the year to end March 2016.

There were 9,286 homes delivered in the year to end March 2020, a decrease of 282 homes (3%) on the previous year, but an increase of 42% compared with the year to end March 2016.

It should be noted that the amount of affordable housing supply activity recorded in the most recent quarter January to March 2020 will have been impacted on by the introduction of government advice and measures to reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) from mid-March onwards, in which non-essential construction activity stopped, and home buyers were advised to delay moving to a new home where possible.

This has lowered the total amount of activity recorded for this quarter compared to what would otherwise have been the case. Year to date totals to end March 2020 will also have been affected.

Figures for the next quarter April to June 2020, which are due to be reported on in the quarterly housing statistics update in September 2020, are likely to see an even greater impact due to COVID measures continuing throughout April and May, and into June 2020.