The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has responded to the release of the latest private sector rent statistics by calling for the Scottish Government to commit to further investment in affordable housing after the current parliamentary term ends in 2021.
The statistics show that between 2018 and 2019, 15 out of 18 Broad Rental Market Areas of Scotland have seen increases in average new let rents for two-bedroom properties, ranging from 0.2% in North Lanarkshire, up to 5.3% in Greater Glasgow. These regional trends combine to show an increase of 2.4% in average new let rents for two-bedroom properties from £652 in 2018 to £668 in 2019.
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “Changes to social security and stagnant wages have left many households struggling to make ends meet. Rising private sector rents will only add to that pressure, making private renting increasingly unaffordable, and likely increase demand in the social housing sector.
“While the current affordable housing supply target of 50,000 homes is on track, there remains significant, and increasing, housing need, with over 160,000 households on waiting lists. The only way to meet current and future housing need is for the Scottish Government to commit to investment in affordable housing after this parliamentary term ends in 2021.”
