A new independent report, led by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has revealed its recommendations to improve Scotland's housing market.

The independent Scottish Housing Commission is made up of cross-sector experts within the housing industry who have developed a number of recommendations to help remove the barriers that face the Scottish Government and cross-sector policy makers regarding the country's housing market.

According to the report, measures include:

• The expansion of the current Scottish Government Housing Policy Advisory Group

• The creation of a more robust private rented sector

• A renewed emphasis on establishing a sufficient quantity and quality of land for housing, including the creation of new communities across Scotland.

Tom Barclay FRICS, Scottish Housing Commission Chairman, explained: "The imbalance that exists between supply and demand for housing remains an on-going problem in today's, and potentially tomorrow's, Scottish housing market. At the heart of our 15 Recommendations, the Commission identified three key issues for Scotland's housing future, namely: housing land supply, new housing growth and the emerging importance of the private rented sector.

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"A substantial increase in land supply for housing would assist development partners in their business preparation, reduce land costs and impact positively on the affordability of housing. In addition, scaling up production of new house building across all tenures is in our view an essential aspect in a sustainable housing solution for Scotland.

"By promoting the creation of up to eight major new communities, either as new towns; regeneration of existing communities or as expansion of existing plans, we could make major in-roads in addressing Scotland's acute housing need in the decade that lies ahead. At the same time this would give a continued shot in the arm to the Scottish economy, by creating new jobs and supporting existing economies."

Elsewhere, the report suggests that a greater level of attention towards the private rented sector could help alleviate pressure on the market.

According to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey, a net balance of 25% of chartered surveyors reported an increase in tenant demand within the private rented sector, with respondents reporting growth in demand through 2014.

Mr Barclay added: "An effective, regulated private rental market is vital for future housing in Scotland. Significant investment in a private rented growth plan for Scotland is required to provide security for the growing number of families and individuals depend on privately rented properties."

(JP)