Scots new housing starts lowest since 2013

The Scottish Government said there were just over 17,000 new homes built and 15,500 homes started in Scotland in the twelve months ending June 2026.

“Compared with the previous twelve-month period, newbuild completions fell 11% and starts 2%,” said the Scottish Government. “Completions were at their lowest level since 2015 and starts since 2013.

“The private sector completed nearly 13,600 homes and started around 11,800. Annual completions fell 7% and starts fell 8%, with starts at their lowest level since 2013.

“The social sector completed nearly 3,500 homes and started around 3,700. Annual completions fell 25%, while starts rose 26% from a record low base the previous year. Completions were the lowest since 2007.

“In the year to June 2026, the AHSP (Affordable Housing Supply Programme) delivered around 6,600 approvals, 7,100 starts and 6,800 completions.

“Annual increases were reported for approvals (42% increase) and starts (34% increase); however, these increases were from a low bases reported the previous year.

“As of June 2026, just over 36,500 homes had been delivered towards the 110,000 affordable housing target by 2032 — 77% social rent, 14% affordable rent, and 8% affordable home ownership.”