As the Scottish Government’s programme to build 50,000 new homes between 2016 and 2021 continues into its third year, the aim of the new research project is to establish how many homes are needed in Scotland in the years post-2021 as well as how much additional investment is required to build these new homes.

The new research follows on from a previous project launched in 2015 by the partners and carried out by researchers from Sheffield Hallam University, University of Sheffield, and the Centre for Housing Research at the University of St Andrews.

Sally Thomas, SFHA chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Shelter Scotland and the Chartered Institute of Housing in Scotland on this critical research.

“It is vital that post-2021, social housing providers can continue to deliver the housing that Scotland needs, and this research will be key to ensuring that happens.”

Callum Chomczuk, CIH Scotland national director, said: “We know that all across the country, people are priced out of the housing market and are unable to find a safe, warm affordable home in a place they want to live.

“We hope this new research will help inform the Scottish Government’s affordable housing programme post-2021.”

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, added: “Our housing emergency is the result of decades of underinvestment in affordable housing in Scotland.

“While the current building programme includes the largest expansion of social housing since the 1970s, much more will be needed to meet the demand that has built up over the last 40 years. This research will give us critical information on what action is needed after 2021 to ensure everyone has access to an affordable safe and secure home.”