Where policies align with Propertymark priorities
Our manifesto focuses on increasing housing supply, improving affordability, supporting the private rented sector (PRS), reforming property taxation, and raising standards through regulation and professionalisation.
Across all parties, there is broad recognition of the need to build more homes across all tenures, improve affordability, and address housing supply challenges. However, the key differences lie in how these goals are delivered.
Propertymark continues to call for:
- Increased housing supply, including social housing
- A review of property taxation to support buyers and landlords
- Opposition to rent controls that reduce supply
- Professional regulation of property agents to raise standards
- Practical, funded approaches to energy efficiency
These priorities are rooted in the need to create a balanced housing system that supports consumers, agents, and investors alike.
We will continue to work with all parties to promote policies that support a professional, sustainable, and accessible housing market across Scotland.
Scottish Conservatives: Supply-first approach and reduced regulation
Their manifesto places a strong emphasis on increasing housing supply by removing what they see as barriers to development. Housing proposals include relaxing planning rules, scrapping rent controls, and reducing property taxes such as Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
They argue that current regulation has reduced housebuilding and constrained supply, and they prioritise accelerating development—even if that means lowering energy efficiency requirements in the short term.
There is clear alignment with Propertymark’s long-standing call to boost supply and review taxation to encourage investment in the PRS. We also support action to reduce barriers to development and increase the number of homes available. However, we have consistently highlighted the need for a balanced approach to standards, including energy efficiency, supported by funding and practical implementation.
The Conservatives’ opposition to rent controls also reflects our position that such measures can reduce supply and negatively impact the sector.
Read the Scottish Conservative Manifesto
Scottish Greens: Strong regulation and environmental focus
The Greens’ commitment to press the UK Government to reverse cuts to Housing Benefit chimes with Propertymark’s long-running campaign on this issue.
However, the focus on regulation and controls contrasts with our position that increasing supply and supporting investment are essential to improving affordability and standards over the long term.
While we support improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, we have emphasised that policies must be realistic and supported by funding. A one-size-fits-all approach risks unintended consequences for landlords and tenants alike.
Read the Scottish Greens Manifesto
Scottish Labour: Focus on affordability and tenants’ rights
Policies focus on improving affordability, strengthening tenants’ rights, and increasing social housing delivery. Their approach centres on intervention in the rental market and greater protections for tenants.
While we support building more social housing as part of a long-term solution to affordability pressures, we have consistently raised concerns about policies that could discourage investment in the PRS. A well-functioning housing system requires both strong tenant protections and a stable environment for landlords and agents.
Labour’s approach aligns with our aim to improve housing access but diverges where policies risk reducing supply or placing additional burdens on the sector without sufficient incentives.
Read the Scottish Labour Manifesto
Scottish Liberal Democrats: Targeted local solutions and planning reform
The Liberal Democrats focus on local housing delivery, planning reform, and improving access to housing in rural and high-demand areas.
Their proposals include increasing housebuilding and addressing local housing shortages, which aligns with our call for a significant increase in housing across all tenures. We also support more strategic planning and better use of land to meet demand.
However, as with other parties, the detail will be critical. Propertymark has consistently argued that planning reform alone will not solve the housing crisis and must be supported by broader measures, including investment, skills, and incentives for development.
Read the Scottish Liberal Democrat Manifesto
Scottish National Party (SNP): Continuity with intervention-led policy
As the party that has been in government for the last two decades, the SNP’s approach builds on existing policies, including rent controls, energy efficiency requirements, and a strong focus on regulation and tenant protections.
From our analysis, the SNP position continues to prioritise intervention in the PRS and wider housing market. While this aligns with ambitions to improve standards and affordability, Propertymark has repeatedly highlighted that increased regulation and costs—without corresponding support—can reduce landlord confidence and investment.
Rising costs and legislative pressures are already constraining supply in the PRS and contributing to higher rents. We therefore call for policies that balance reform with incentives to maintain and grow supply.
Read the Scottish National Party Manifesto
Reform UK: Tax reform, deregulation and boosting supply
The party proposes phasing out Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), describing it as a barrier to mobility and affordability, and replacing it with a broader property tax to support local services. It also commits to building 15,000 affordable homes per year and using planning reforms, including fewer restrictions and greater local control, to accelerate development.
In the private rented sector, Reform UK argues that existing regulations have reduced supply and increased rents, and pledges to repeal rules for new tenancies to encourage investment and improve availability.
There is clear alignment with Propertymark’s calls to increase housing supply, review property taxation, and create conditions that support landlord investment. However, while we support reform to ensure the PRS remains viable and attractive, we continue to emphasise the need for a balanced framework that maintains standards and consumer protections alongside growth.
