The professional body
for the property sector

The UK General Election has returned the Labour Party to power with a parliamentary landslide, ending 14 years of Conservative government. Aiming to channel the spirit of Clement Attlee with a proactive and strategic approach to housing, the party campaigned on a manifesto that promised significant changes to planning rules, strict targets for delivery of new homes, reform of the private rented sector (PRS), long-term schemes to help young people onto the housing ladder, and local powers for councils to take over empty commercial premises.

Following the introduction of a licensing scheme in October 2022, the Scottish Government has been monitoring the impact of the legislation on consumers and the sector. Engagement with accommodation operators has resulted in improvements which allow the transfer of licences, more exemptions, and provisional licences for new properties. MSPs approved these measures on 26 June 2024.

While both sectors remain resilient, there is much that the next government can do to support buyers, renters such as improving the home buying/renting process and professionalisation of the sector via the regulation of agents. More broadly there is a need for a review of property taxes to make changes which stimulate supply and demand.