With 693,000 households (28%) identified as being in housing need, 250,000 people on waiting lists, 17,240 households in temporary accommodation, including 10,180 children, and an accumulated shortfall of over 110,000 homes since 2008, the Homes Build Futures campaign underscores the scale of Scotland’s housing crisis.

Despite the declaration of a national housing emergency in May 2024, the latest statistics show record highs for temporary accommodation alongside falling housing starts and completions. HFS is warning that Scotland is planning for significantly fewer homes than England, further exacerbating the problem.

The campaign was formally launched on 23 September at St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh, where cabinet secretary for housing Màiri McAllan MSP joined apprentices, sector representatives and a group of young people, including campaign ambassador Eimear O’Leary (9), who presented a brick house to symbolise the call for action.

HFS chief executive Jane Wood stressed the urgency of the issue: “Whether on homelessness, waiting lists or the ongoing decline in the number of homes being built, the figures on housing speak for themselves and, frankly, Scotland’s people deserve better. That is the bottom line. The Homes Build Futures campaign aims to tackle this head on in what is a vital period ahead of next year’s Scottish Parliament election, informing civic society to encourage more voices to join the collective push on our politicians for a resolution.

“Homes Build Futures aims to challenge the status quo and mobilise the public to be advocates for more homes. We also want to use the campaign as a platform to drive productive and outcome-driven dialogue between policymakers and the home building sector to address and tackle more positive housing outcomes from here on in. Even if you think this issue doesn’t affect you specifically, it will be impacting family members, friends and colleagues in some shape or form.

“Crucially, it is our young people and future generations that will suffer most if action isn’t taken now. We encourage everyone to find out more about the campaign and be part of the conversation.”

HFS Manifesto 2026: reversing the decline

Alongside the campaign, HFS published its 2026 Manifesto, which sets out key recommendations to halt the downward trajectory in delivery and unlock the social and economic benefits of housing growth.

Proposals include:

• An all-tenure housing target of at least 25,000 new homes annually to ensure policy and regulation actively support delivery.
• A more enabled planning system, including reinstating the presumption in favour of sustainable development.
• Support for SME home builders, whose numbers are now at a 20-year low, to increase sector capacity and diversify supply.

Ms Wood added: “Access to a safe, secure home is fundamental to everyone’s social wellbeing but housing is also critical to Scotland’s economic growth and success. It is in this context that we urge all those with an interest in increasing supply to join us and take part in this very important Scotland-wide discussion.”

The campaign has already secured backing from across civic society.

Josh Littlejohn MBE, founder of Social Bite, added his support: “There has never been a more crucial time for an initiative such as Homes Build Futures. It’s imperative that we find a long-term solution to the housing crisis which is leaving so many people vulnerable. Temporary accommodation is not the answer, that’s been made very clear – we need quality, dignified homes for individuals and families which suit their need for safety, security and community.”

Architect and broadcaster George Clarke also endorsed the campaign: “While having a place to call a home is about so much more than bricks and mortar, the stark reality is that so many people across the country are unable to even begin to dream of what it’s like to have their own home as simply not enough houses are being built.

“Importantly, delivering the homes we need has wide-ranging positive impacts. As well as providing roofs over heads, they support improved health and education outcomes, jobs, skills and the economy. For every new home built, three and half jobs are supported.”