Propertymark has appealed to John Swinney, the newly appointed First Minister of Scotland, to prioritise resolving the country’s housing emergency. This call to action follows Swinney’s ascension to leadership after the resignation of Humza Yousaf and subsequent confirmation by the Scottish Parliament.
Swinney, who has expressed intentions to make housing a priority, attributed recent challenges to cuts in Scotland’s housing budget by Westminster just days before his appointment. The housing sector’s strain was further highlighted by the collapse of the 2021 Bute House Agreement, which included significant housing and tenant protections under the Scottish Greens’ leadership.
Amid ongoing political shifts, including the uncertainty surrounding the future of a new Housing Bill introduced in March 2024, Propertymark has reported significant repercussions from the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act in the private rental sector. According to surveys conducted by Propertymark between October 2022 and May 2023, 100% of member agents have seen an increase in landlords exiting the market and raising rents between tenancies due to the act.
The urgency of the situation was underscored by West Dunbartonshire, becoming the fifth council in Scotland to declare a housing emergency in May 2024, driven by a shortage of private rental properties and a high number of households in temporary accommodations.
Propertymark has suggested that the Scottish Government reassess the costs and taxes affecting private landlords, including reducing the 6% Additional Dwelling Supplement on buy-to-let properties. This could potentially increase the rental property supply and encourage landlords to invest. Furthermore, they advocate for the construction of more social housing to address the affordability issues in the private rented sector.
Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, commented on the leadership change: “Propertymark congratulates John Swinney on his appointment as the new leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. Tackling the housing emergency in Scotland must be front and centre of his 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.”
