Investing in housing would lead to savings in social care and more cash for the NHS
Investment in housing is crucial if Scotland is to tackle health problems and inequality, according to the country's former auditor general.
Robert Black, who now chairs the housing and wellbeing commission, said investing in now would lead to significant savings in social care services as wealth as the health service, and go some way to tackling the country's homes crisis.
Speaking at the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) conference in Glasgow, Black said there was a danger of losing sight of how important housing was in terms of preventative spend.
"Our society faces major challenges in responding to the consequences of a chronic housing crisis now and in the future," he said.
"We are in danger of losing sight of the importance housing plays in the wellbeing of everyone that lives in Scotland.
Poor housing can have a significant impact on health, education, employability and life chances
"Poor housing can have a significant impact on health, education, employability and life chances."
It is estimated that each incident of repeat homelessness costs upwards of £15,000.
Recent attempts in England to quantify the monetary costs of poor housing have estimated at least £600 million per year to the NHS south of the border.
Black continued: "Today, a serious lack of affordable housing and poor quality housing continues to damage the health and life chances of thousands of families and individuals in Scotland.
"To avoid a health and inequality time bomb, Scotland must build more homes and improve the quality of existing stock. Only then can it ensure the wellbeing of its people.”
CIH chair Keith Anderson challenged politicians, housing professionals and the business community to work more closely to create a housing system that works for everyone.
He said: "Over 29,000 households in Scotland were classed as homeless last year, and when you add the stark reality of around 180,000 households currently on council and housing association waiting lists, it is clear we have a housing crisis on our hands.
"Housing is central to delivering a stronger society and a stronger economy. You cannot have a fair and just society without everyone being properly housed and supported."
The call came as housing minister Margaret Burgess told the conference a further £2m is to be invested in a charitable bond to help boost the supply of affordable homes in Scotland.
The investment will be used by Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association - part of the Places for People Group - to build over 30 homes in Midlothian and East Lothian.
The £2m comes on top of £10m invested in 2013-14, with a further £25m allocated for 2015-16.
The £37m charitable bond pot could allow housing associations to provide up to 600 affordable homes across Scotland, the government says.
Burgess said: “We are determined to ease housing pressures by continuing to explore innovative funding approaches that can help deliver more affordable homes.
"Charitable bonds represent this type of innovation; it is helping increase the supply of affordable homes and delivering vital support for construction and house building companies."
