Homelessness and Rough Sleeping on the Rise in Scotland

Recent figures published by the Scottish government show a concerning increase in homelessness across Scotland. Between April and September 2025, homelessness rose by nearly 20%, with the number of children in temporary accommodation increasing by 26%—the highest level recorded since data collection began. Over 17,000 households were assessed as homeless or at risk, while more than 18,000 households and 10,000 children remained in temporary accommodation. Additionally, reports of rough sleeping rose by 16% compared to 2024, with over 2,000 households affected.

Scottish Association of Landlords Advocates for PRS Investment

In response to these figures, the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) has called on the government to prioritise investment in the private rented sector. SAL chief executive John Blackwood emphasised the sector’s role in alleviating the housing emergency, stating:
“Nobody welcomes rises in the numbers of people sleeping rough or being homeless and any such increase is deeply concerning. There are many levers available, across all tiers of government, that can be used to bring down homelessness, including getting empty homes back into use and encouraging a healthy housing market. We in the private rented sector very much have our part to play, which is why the government should be encouraging investment from landlords interested in growing their portfolios and providing more homes for people to live in.”

Government Plans and the Role of the Private Rented Sector

The Scottish government recently announced the establishment of a new national housing agency, More Homes Scotland, set to launch in 2028. This agency will focus on delivering large-scale affordable housing projects, including those in rural and island communities. While this initiative aims to tackle the broader housing crisis, SAL’s call highlights the immediate need to support private landlords who can help increase housing supply quickly through the private rented sector.

What This Means for Landlords and Agents

For landlords and letting agents, the rising homelessness figures underline the importance of the private rented sector in providing housing solutions. Encouragement from government policies to invest in and expand PRS portfolios could create opportunities for landlords to contribute positively to the housing market while addressing urgent social needs. Additionally, initiatives to bring empty homes back into use may offer further avenues for landlords to support housing availability.

Conclusion

The increase in homelessness and rough sleeping in Scotland presents a pressing challenge that requires coordinated action. The Scottish Association of Landlords’ appeal for government investment in the private rented sector reflects the sector’s potential to play a significant role in mitigating the crisis. Landlords and agents should remain aware of evolving policies and opportunities to engage constructively in addressing Scotland’s housing emergency.

Suggested internal link anchors

• private rented sector investment
• homelessness statistics Scotland
• Scottish Association of Landlords
• temporary accommodation
• rough sleeping in Scotland
• government housing agency
• affordable housing projects
• empty homes initiatives
• housing crisis Scotland
• landlord portfolio growth

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/