The information in this briefing is taken almost entirely from the 2002 Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS), published by Communities Scotland in November 2003. This covers all types of housing, whether owned or rented flats and houses, in urban, rural and island locations throughout Scotland. The SHCS is the largest single housing survey undertaken in Scotland, and contains key information required for policy development and investment.

It in the following text the term 'house' is used to refer to all types of dwellings.

The SHCS shows a profile of housing that falls far short of standards needed for people in Scotland in the 21st century.

Key findings

• 360,000 (17 per cent) of Scotland's houses are affected by dampness or condensation.

• The average Scottish house scores only 4.5 out of ten on the energy rating scale.

• 88 per cent of Scottish homes fail to meet the energy standards (7 out of 10), which have been required of new houses for more than a decade.

• Fuel poverty has dropped from 738,000 (35 per cent) in 1996 compared to 369,000 (17 per cent) in 2002, but is common in households with no central heating, pensioner households and those in the private in rented sector.

• The total repair and improvement bill for Scottish Housing is in excess of £10 billion.

• 776,000 (35 per cent) households include at least one person with a long-term illness or disability.

• There are 3.5 times more people in need of 'barrier free' housing than there are barrier free homes.

• The worst conditions of disrepair are in the private rented sector.

• Rural stock is in poorer state of repair than urban stock.