Ahead of the Scottish Government’s 2024-25 Budget, Propertymark has laid out a series of proposals aimed at tackling the housing emergency.
The organisation’s suggestions focus on creating a fairer private rental sector, increasing housing availability, and reducing household energy bills.
Key recommendations from Propertymark include providing interest-free loans and grants to refurbish and utilise empty properties, supporting the decarbonisation of Scottish homes with necessary financial assistance, and reviewing property taxation policies affecting landlords and private rental sector (PRS) property supply.
Propertymark also advises against the continuation of rent controls, like the current 3% cap, and the moratorium on evictions.
Additionally, they call for plans to build housing for older people and offer incentives for downsizing, including an LBTT exemption for ‘last-time’ buyers.
These proposals are in response to the ongoing challenges in Scotland’s housing market, exacerbated by public finance constraints, the impacts of Covid, Brexit, and the cost-of-living crisis.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, commented on the situation: “Propertymark and our member agents recognise the key challenges that the Scottish Government faces with continued constraints on public finances, challenges from Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis.
“However, action is needed to address the housing emergency in Scotland and increase the number of places and homes for people to buy and rent as well as support the move towards decarbonisation and help reduce energy bills in people’s homes.”
The Draft Scottish Budget for 2024-25 is due to be presented on 19th December 2023.
