New statistics reveal that Scotland's housing crisis is worsening, with a decline in the number of new homes being started and completed across all tenures. Geoff O’Brien, Relationship Director, commented on the situation, noting Edinburgh's return to prominence: “Edinburgh returns to number one, as the city ranks in the top five in ten indicators, including attractions and house price growth. Edinburgh is the UK’s second most visited city (behind London).”

Glasgow has also shown significant progress, now ranking second after being eleventh in a previous report from H1 2021. According to O'Brien, "Glasgow tops the Property pillar thanks to solid house price growth over the past five years and the highest rental yields across the 20 cities analysed."

The achievements of Edinburgh and Glasgow are noteworthy given recent Scottish government legislation impacting private landlords. Both cities declared a housing emergency last year. The councils have reported substantial decreases in new home starts—23% for Edinburgh and 46% for Glasgow compared to the previous year. There remains a high demand for properties for both rental and purchase, with undersupply becoming an increasing concern as 2024 begins.