New government statistics show the number of new build homes started in the Borders fell by 87 per cent compared to the first quarter of last year.
In the first quarter of 2023, just 23 new homes were started in the Scottish Borders local authority area.
This is an 87 per cent decrease compared to the 173 new builds started in the first quarter of 2022, according to the Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update.
This big drop in the number of new build homes started is very disappointing news.
Small housebuilders are always looking for new opportunities to produce more affordable homes, but they don’t get the support they need from the SNP Government.
The SNP cut the housing budget last year and the consequence is clear – fewer new build homes are available for people looking to get on the property ladder.
For too many people in the Borders, home ownership is a dream they can’t quite realise because of a lack of options in the local area.
It’s vital that the SNP Government helps workers and families to buy their own home by increasing the number of affordable properties available.
In recent years, housebuilding has not been a priority for SNP ministers. It’s unacceptable and it needs to change.
