Propertymark has attacked political leaders in Scotland and Wales for failing to tackle urgent housing issues.

The trade body says Scottish finance secretary Shona Robison missed an opportunity in this week’s budget to address the ‘housing emergency’ north of the border.

Spending on housing in Scotland will fall by more than £200 million in the next financial year, Propertymark says.

The total amount spent will go down from £738 million in 2023-24 to £533 million in 2024-25, with the biggest reduction in housebuilding, suffering a drop of nearly £190 million.

‘Huge demand crisis’

Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, says: “There is a huge demand crisis in the private rented sector that the Scottish Government is failing to address.

“Scotland remains the most expensive place to invest in the private rented sector across the UK.”

The Scottish budget was a missed opportunity.”

David Alexander, CEO at DJ Alexander Ltd, adds: “The Scottish budget was a missed opportunity to address some of the key issues affecting the housing sector in Scotland.

“There is to be a £550 million investment in the supply programme for rent, social rent and affordable home ownership, but given the scale of demand and the waiting list for social housing this, although a large amount of money, is still not sufficient to address the issue.”

Look again

In Wales, Propertymark welcomes acknowledgement from the Welsh Government in its draft budget that more homes are needed, but says a review of all taxes impacting private landlords and property buyers is needed.

Douglas says: “There is little mention in the draft budget about funding to help new homes to be built, and whilst we strongly welcome the continuation of the empty homes funding programme, we would like to see the Welsh Government look again at tax policies on second homes and property”.