Rise in number of new build homes completed in Scotland last year

The number of new build homes completed in Scotland has increased, according to official figures.

Statistics published by the Scottish Government on Tuesday show that the number of new builds completed across all sectors to September 2018 rose by 4% on the same period for the previous year.

It brought the overall number to 18,750, up by 635.

The statistics include increases in the number of housing association completions (35% or 887 homes) and local authority completions (8% or 116 homes). Private-led completions, however, fell by 368 homes (3%).

The total number of social sector completions (housing association and local authority starts combined) increased by 1,003 homes (26%).

The figures also show that there was an increase in the number of new build homes which were started over the period to September last year.

A total of 4,425 new build homes were started between July 2018 and September 2018 – a rise by 11% (454 homes) on the same quarter in 2017.

The total number of new build homes started for the year to end September 2018 rose to 19,900 – up by 2% (407 homes) – compared to the 19,493 homes started in the previous year.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said the statistics indicate that the Scottish Government is making progress on achieving its affordable homes target.

He said: “Making sure everyone has a safe, warm and affordable home is central to the Government’s vision for a fairer and more prosperous Scotland.

“I am delighted that we remain on track to deliver on our ambitious target to deliver 50,000 affordable homes during the lifetime of this Parliament, backed by over £3 billion of investment.

“Since 2007, more than 82,000 affordable homes have been delivered, including 55,920 homes for social rent. We are now past the halfway point of our current programme and the latest figures show that we continue to lead the way on affordable housing.

“These figures reflect the Scottish Government’s ongoing commitments to delivering suitable housing, which also support our aims to end homelessness and reduce fuel poverty.

“With a Brexit ‘no-deal’ looming, we must not allow the UK Government’s approach to jeopardise this. We will continue to work with the housing sector on Brexit-related risks and I am still committed to deliver our ambitious target of 50,000 affordable homes by 2021.”