Call for Scottish Budget to help landlords

Tomorrow’s Scottish Budget must provide meaningful support across the entire housing market, including help for landlords, if the country is to make progress on its declared housing emergency, one sector expert says.

The chief executive of DJ Alexander Ltd said that with the second anniversary of the housing emergency approaching in May, current policy settings are failing to deliver enough homes.

New housebuilding remains weak, pressure on the private rented sector continues to intensify, and demand for social housing is still far outstripping supply.

Help the PRS

David Alexander said: “This is a chance for the SNP government to set out a strategy for the next five years which must, among other policies, address the key issues facing the housing sector.

“With all sector new housebuilding numbers at a 12-year low here is an urgent need to encourage an increase in these numbers to meet the rising demand from homebuyers, whilst also increasing investment in the private rented sector, and addressing the enormous social sector waiting list.”

He added: “There is currently an opportunity to make Scotland more appealing to landlords and private investors.

“The recent Westminster budget contained a 2% increase in the taxation on landlords’ and property investors’ income.

“To send a clear signal that Holyrood wants to make Scotland a more attractive place for individuals and businesses to invest in the private rented sector this budget could omit this increase in its plans.”

Build more homes

Mr Alexander says the move could raise more revenue by attracting capital and increasing rental supply, particularly in growth areas where demand continues to exceed availability.

He said: “A key aim for politicians seeking to address the key housing issues is to build tens of thousands more social houses to reduce the waiting list and to address the record levels of homelessness in Scotland.

“Only by focusing on this will there be any chance of an end to the housing emergency.”

The call comes as fresh data underlines how stretched the market has become.

An analysis by the firm shows average house prices in Scotland rose by £33,976 between November 2020 and October 2025, climbing from £157,849 to £191,825.

Some areas saw far sharper increases, including East Dunbartonshire, where values jumped by £62,450, while Aberdeen was the only location to record a fall.

Scottish house prices up

Mr Alexander said: “Half a decade of rising house prices in Scotland is testament to the continued strength of the housing market.

“In Scotland, average prices rose by 21.5% between November 20205 and October 2025 with the increase in England and Wales lower at 18% over the same period.

“That properties in East Dunbartonshire are now over £62,000 higher than they were five years ago is remarkable.”

He is also calling for the Scottish government to move away ‘from the limited five-year electoral cycle of decision making’ and move to a 10–15-year cycle.