2021 private rent rises show Scotland’s housing system is broken

Rising rents in the private sector continue to put pressure on renters, a double whammy for many who are still struggling with the effects of the pandemic, demonstrating the need for more social housing.

The latest private rent statistics from the Scottish Government report there are some areas of Scotland, in particular Greater Glasgow and the Lothians, where rents have risen above inflation for all property sizes for the last 11 years.

At a national level there were increases in average rents over the last year for: 1 bedroom (0.6%), 2 bedroom (0.6%) and 4 bedroom (1.2%).

Our Director, Alison Watson, said:

“It has been an extremely tough year for many, with tens of thousands of people losing jobs and income. But the cost of putting a roof over your head in the private sector is still growing, putting extra undue pressure on families.

“The housing system in Scotland is broken and we need to see action now so that no one has to face the prospect of losing their home. Families are sacrificing other essentials such as energy to heat homes and clothing to pay for extortionate rent. The rising cost of family homes mustn’t be allowed to push more children into poverty.

"The Scottish Government's rented sector strategy needs to address this long-term issue of increasing rents. Alongside this, we need to give hope to struggling families by building more social housing so that everyone can have the foundation of a safe, secure and affordable home.”