An update on Homelessness Statistics covering 1 April to 30
September 2025 has been released today.
Over that period:
- There were 20,643 applications for homelessness assistance.
This is a decrease of 2% (468) compared with the same six-month
period in 2024.
- There were 17,291 households assessed as homeless or
threatened with homelessness; also a decrease of 2% (379)
compared to 2024.
- There were 33,006 open cases at 30 September 2025. This is a
4% (1,124) increase compared to 30 September 2024 and the highest
in the time series since 2003.
- There were 18,092 households and 10,480 children in temporary
accommodation at 30 September 2025. These are also the highest in
the time series since 2002 and increases of 9% and 1%,
respectively, compared to 30 September 2024.
- There were 2,092 households reporting a household member
experiencing rough sleeping in the three months prior to
application, and 1,487 the night before. These are increases of
16% and 24%, respectively, compared to 2024.
- Applications from those with refugee / leave to remain status
accounted for 16% of all applications. Applications from these
households increased by 51% between 2024 and 2025, while they
decreased for all other eligibility categories.
- There was a 4% decrease in the number of adults (to 19,469)
and a 14% decrease (to 7,304) in the number of children
associated with homeless households in the period April to
September 2025 compared to 2024.
- There were 10,710 instances of households not being offered
temporary accommodation. This is an increase from 7,565 in 2024.
- There were 3,635 breaches of the unsuitable accommodation
order. This is a 12% decrease compared to 4,150 in 2024.
- A total of 19,280 cases closed between April and September
2025, a decrease of 6% compared to 20,604 in 2024.
- The proportion of households who secured settled
accommodation having been assessed as unintentionally homeless,
and where the outcome was known, was 83%, the same as 2024.
Background
The full statistical publication is available on our website.
The Homelessness in Scotland: Update to 30 September 2025
publication provides an indication of trends for key aspects of
homelessness including applications, assessments, use of
temporary accommodation and outcomes in the period from 1 January
2023 to 30 September 2025.
Official statistics are produced by professionally independent
statistical staff – more information on the standards of official
statistics in Scotland is available.
