Third of Scots worried they'll lose their home in the next few years, survey finds

More than a third of Scots are worried they could lose their homes within the next few years, according to polling which suggests housing anxiety is high among younger people.

The poll was carried out for the Everyone Home collective, a group of more than 40 organisations working around housing and homelessness.

Opinion Matters surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 Scottish adults in late April on the issue.

Those polled were asked how concerned they were – if at all – about losing their home in the next few years “because of factors like cost of living, lack of affordable housing, high rent, high mortgage or something else”.

Around 35% said they were concerned, while 61% said they were not concerned.

Among the 18 to 24 age group, around 49% said they were concerned.

They were also polled on whether they were more or less likely “to vote for a political party that prioritises reducing homelessness more effectively in the next five years”.

Around 21% said they were much more likely, 40% said they were somewhat more likely and 3% said they were less likely to do so.

The Everyone Home collective is convened by Homeless Network Scotland.

Margaret-Ann Brunjes, chief executive at Homeless Network Scotland, said: “These figures confirm that housing insecurity is no longer a fringe issue, it is a weight on the minds of people across Scotland.

“Younger generations, in particular, feel increasingly locked out of the stability they need to build their lives.

“Voters are sending an unmistakable message: homelessness and housing must be treated as urgent national priorities.

“While these issues are appearing in party manifestos, the level of ambition shown so far falls short of the radical action this emergency demands.”

She urged policymakers to focus on prevention in order to reduce pressure on local services.

Ms Brunjes added: “We know what works. Prevention, early intervention and joined-up services can stop homelessness before it starts – but only if they are properly funded and delivered.

“This election is a major opportunity for all parties to show they understand the scale of the housing emergency and are prepared to meet it with the ambition required.”

The latest figures suggest around 250,000 people are on housing waiting lists across Scotland.

More than 17,000 households are believed to be in temporary accommodation, including 10,000 children.