Sort out the housing market, Scots estate agents tell Swinney

New Scottish First Minister John Swinney must end the country’s ‘housing emergency’, Propertymark urges.

The trade body welcomed Swinney’s pledge to make housing one of his priorities, as well as eradicating child poverty.

He replaces Humza Yousaf who was controversial in the property sector for continuing predecessor Nicola Sturgeon’s rent cap.

Turmoil

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 meant that rents for private tenancies could only increase by 3%, with Holyrood later agreeing a six-month extension until the end of March this year.

Propertymark says the future of a Housing Bill the Scottish Parliament introduced in March to allow local councils to enact rent controls, is in turmoil.

Selling up

Research by Propertymark has previously shown that many landlords are contemplating selling up, and others planned to raise rents between tenancies to get round the cap.

Last week, West Dunbartonshire became the fifth council in Scotland to declare a housing emergency.

Propertymark would like to see the Scottish Government review all costs and taxes impacting private landlords and significantly reduce the 6% Additional Dwelling Supplement on purchases of buy to let property.

Tackling the housing emergency in Scotland must be front and centre of his leadership.”

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Tackling the housing emergency in Scotland must be front and centre of his [John Swinney’s] leadership.

“Having previously held senior positions within the Scottish Government, Propertymark member agents will be looking to Mr Swinney to confront the challenges the housing market faces head on and work with the sector to ensure housing plays a positive role in building the economy, improving health and supporting job creation.”

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