Glasgow's housing crisis: Causes and impacts
• Glasgow housing emergency... Show more
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abigael wiseman
18/09/2025
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higher geography - glasgow housing - need for management
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18 Sept 2025
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Glasgow's housing crisis: Causes and impacts
• Glasgow housing emergency... Show more
Demographic Changes and Their Impact on Glasgow's Housing Market
Glasgow's housing crisis is further exacerbated by significant demographic shifts. The city's aging population is a key factor, with life expectancy in Scotland reaching its highest levels ever.
Highlight: Projections suggest that Glasgow's population over 50 years of age will increase by 44,000 in the next 25 years, reaching 241,000 by 2043.
This aging population presents unique housing challenges. Many elderly residents live alone in homes that may no longer suit their physical and mental needs. Additionally, older individuals are more likely to experience financial hardship, with 6 in 10 across Scotland struggling to pay fuel bills.
Changes in household composition are also impacting housing demand. The number of households in Glasgow is predicted to rise by 16% in the next 25 years, with single-adult households projected to make up 45% of all households by 2043.
Example: Reasons for the increase in single-adult households include young people choosing to live alone, later marriage ages, and relationship breakdowns.
Homelessness remains a significant issue in Glasgow's housing emergency. In 2019, 5,679 people applied to Glasgow City Council registering as homeless, and tragically, 45 homeless individuals died in the city that year.
Quote: "Connected to issues of deprivation is homelessness. Relationship breakups, rent or mortgage arrears, unemployment, drug addiction are some of the reasons why people become unemployed."
These demographic changes and social issues compound the challenges faced by Glasgow in addressing its housing crisis.
Poverty, Housing Conditions, and Urban Development in Glasgow
Poverty plays a crucial role in Glasgow's housing crisis. Some areas of the city, such as Possilpark, experience significantly lower life expectancies compared to national averages. Many residents live in accommodation built in the 1960s and 1970s, often suffering from unemployment or low-wage incomes.
Example: In Possilpark, male life expectancy is on average 15 years shorter than the national average, while female life expectancy is 13 years shorter.
The impact of poverty on housing conditions is severe. Buildings are often poorly maintained due to lack of funding for councils and residents' limited disposable income. The right-to-buy policy has complicated building maintenance, as multiple owners in a single building can delay necessary repairs.
Vocabulary: Fuel poverty refers to the situation where a household cannot afford to heat their home adequately.
High-rise tower blocks, such as those in the Gorbals area, have suffered from poor construction and lack of maintenance. Issues like waterproofing failures and roof leaks have led to damp problems, increasing asthma cases among residents. Many residents experience fuel poverty, unable to adequately heat their homes.
The shortage of affordable social housing remains a critical issue. Glasgow City Council lacks the budget to build sufficient affordable housing and relies on property developers, who may not align their construction timelines with the city's urgent needs.
Highlight: Due to high rents and a lack of social housing, many Glasgow residents find themselves in temporary accommodation, facing waits of almost a year for long-term housing.
On a more positive note, areas like Tradeston and Govan have seen redevelopment of old industrial sites into modern office spaces, attracting companies like Barclays, STV, and BBC Scotland. While this has created jobs and drawn people to Glasgow, it also increases pressure on the housing market.
These complex factors illustrate the multifaceted nature of Glasgow's housing emergency, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the supply of affordable housing and the underlying socioeconomic issues.
Glasgow's Housing Crisis: Historical Context and Current Challenges
Glasgow's current housing emergency has roots in historical policies and demographic shifts. The 1979 Conservative government's right-to-buy policy led to a significant reduction in social housing stock. Although this policy ended in Scotland in 2016, its effects continue to impact the housing market.
Highlight: The number of privately rented properties in Glasgow has increased by 125%, much higher than the national average of 85%.
The city's large student population, numbering around 67,000, puts additional pressure on the housing market. A lack of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) forces many students into the domestic rental market, competing with families for available housing.
Definition: PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) refers to housing specifically designed and built for student residents.
Immigration has also played a role in Glasgow's housing demand. EU membership led to increased migration, with the number of EU citizens in Scotland rising from 755 in 1981 to 11,700 in 2011. Additionally, Scotland's welcoming stance towards refugees has further increased housing needs.
Example: Scotland has welcomed refugees from war-torn countries such as Syria, adding to the demand for housing in cities like Glasgow.
These factors have contributed to overcrowding, particularly in the rental sector, with Glasgow experiencing twice the national average rate of overcrowding.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Glasgow's housing crisis: Causes and impacts
• Glasgow housing emergency stems from multiple factors including social housing shortage, high rental demand, student population growth, immigration, and an aging population.
• The crisis is characterized by overcrowding, homelessness, and a lack... Show more
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Demographic Changes and Their Impact on Glasgow's Housing Market
Glasgow's housing crisis is further exacerbated by significant demographic shifts. The city's aging population is a key factor, with life expectancy in Scotland reaching its highest levels ever.
Highlight: Projections suggest that Glasgow's population over 50 years of age will increase by 44,000 in the next 25 years, reaching 241,000 by 2043.
This aging population presents unique housing challenges. Many elderly residents live alone in homes that may no longer suit their physical and mental needs. Additionally, older individuals are more likely to experience financial hardship, with 6 in 10 across Scotland struggling to pay fuel bills.
Changes in household composition are also impacting housing demand. The number of households in Glasgow is predicted to rise by 16% in the next 25 years, with single-adult households projected to make up 45% of all households by 2043.
Example: Reasons for the increase in single-adult households include young people choosing to live alone, later marriage ages, and relationship breakdowns.
Homelessness remains a significant issue in Glasgow's housing emergency. In 2019, 5,679 people applied to Glasgow City Council registering as homeless, and tragically, 45 homeless individuals died in the city that year.
Quote: "Connected to issues of deprivation is homelessness. Relationship breakups, rent or mortgage arrears, unemployment, drug addiction are some of the reasons why people become unemployed."
These demographic changes and social issues compound the challenges faced by Glasgow in addressing its housing crisis.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Poverty, Housing Conditions, and Urban Development in Glasgow
Poverty plays a crucial role in Glasgow's housing crisis. Some areas of the city, such as Possilpark, experience significantly lower life expectancies compared to national averages. Many residents live in accommodation built in the 1960s and 1970s, often suffering from unemployment or low-wage incomes.
Example: In Possilpark, male life expectancy is on average 15 years shorter than the national average, while female life expectancy is 13 years shorter.
The impact of poverty on housing conditions is severe. Buildings are often poorly maintained due to lack of funding for councils and residents' limited disposable income. The right-to-buy policy has complicated building maintenance, as multiple owners in a single building can delay necessary repairs.
Vocabulary: Fuel poverty refers to the situation where a household cannot afford to heat their home adequately.
High-rise tower blocks, such as those in the Gorbals area, have suffered from poor construction and lack of maintenance. Issues like waterproofing failures and roof leaks have led to damp problems, increasing asthma cases among residents. Many residents experience fuel poverty, unable to adequately heat their homes.
The shortage of affordable social housing remains a critical issue. Glasgow City Council lacks the budget to build sufficient affordable housing and relies on property developers, who may not align their construction timelines with the city's urgent needs.
Highlight: Due to high rents and a lack of social housing, many Glasgow residents find themselves in temporary accommodation, facing waits of almost a year for long-term housing.
On a more positive note, areas like Tradeston and Govan have seen redevelopment of old industrial sites into modern office spaces, attracting companies like Barclays, STV, and BBC Scotland. While this has created jobs and drawn people to Glasgow, it also increases pressure on the housing market.
These complex factors illustrate the multifaceted nature of Glasgow's housing emergency, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions that address both the supply of affordable housing and the underlying socioeconomic issues.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Glasgow's Housing Crisis: Historical Context and Current Challenges
Glasgow's current housing emergency has roots in historical policies and demographic shifts. The 1979 Conservative government's right-to-buy policy led to a significant reduction in social housing stock. Although this policy ended in Scotland in 2016, its effects continue to impact the housing market.
Highlight: The number of privately rented properties in Glasgow has increased by 125%, much higher than the national average of 85%.
The city's large student population, numbering around 67,000, puts additional pressure on the housing market. A lack of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) forces many students into the domestic rental market, competing with families for available housing.
Definition: PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) refers to housing specifically designed and built for student residents.
Immigration has also played a role in Glasgow's housing demand. EU membership led to increased migration, with the number of EU citizens in Scotland rising from 755 in 1981 to 11,700 in 2011. Additionally, Scotland's welcoming stance towards refugees has further increased housing needs.
Example: Scotland has welcomed refugees from war-torn countries such as Syria, adding to the demand for housing in cities like Glasgow.
These factors have contributed to overcrowding, particularly in the rental sector, with Glasgow experiencing twice the national average rate of overcrowding.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user