One of the country’s leading lettings agents is angry at what he calls “a damning indictment” of housing policy.

David Alexander – chief executive of DJ Alexander, part of the Lomond group and Scotland’s largest lettings and sales agency – is commenting on the latest Scottish Government quarterly housing statistics.

These show all-sector new-build starts are down by 11.2% between financial year 23/24 to 24/25; private sector new-build starts down 11.5%; social sector new-build starts down 10.1%; and affordable housing supply starts down 21.3%.

He says: “They’re a damning indictment of the continuing failure to address the country’s current housing emergency. 

“… At a time when the country is crying out for more new housing there continues to be a lack of action, encouragement or financial support at all levels. The Scottish Government’s much vaunted affordable housing policy is down by a fifth over one year, while the social housing sector continues to languish at a level not seen since 2012-13. 

“With little encouragement either financially or through the planning process the private sector has also had its slowest year of new-build starts since 2013.”

Alexander has also been fiercely critical in the past of Scottish Government policies regarding rent controls which have been shown to lead to landlords quitting the sector, and to Build To Rent investments being put on hold.

He continues: “This simply cannot be allowed to go on. With fewer and fewer houses being started each year, we are creating a greater and greater emergency in the years to come. 

“The only way to resolve the current imbalance between supply and demand in all sectors is to build more homes right now. 

“Without immediate action house prices will continue to rise; rents will continue to increase; waiting lists will continue to grow; and individuals and families will continue to be unable to find a suitable home in Scotland now or in the future.”