Renters to be given ‘first refusal’ on house sales under SNP plan

Private renters will be given a period of “first refusal” to purchase the property they live in under measures being set out by the SNP.

First Minister John Swinney said his party would introduce new legislation to give renters priority to buy their home at a fair market price.

Other measures being promised by the SNP include help of up to £10,000 for first-time buyers and the delivery of 100,000 affordable homes by 2032.

Swinney said: “Too many young people are being locked out of home ownership as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.  So many people are stuck paying more on rent than they would on a mortgage – and with costs just going up and up, there is nothing left over at the end of the month to save for a deposit.  
  
“And that is made all the more difficult when private renters find themselves having to leave their home because the owner has decided to sell up.  As well as forcing people to upend their whole lives, it also has serious financial implications. 
 
“That is why I will give renters the right to first refusal on the home they live in – at a fair market rate – if the owner of the property decides to sell.  This will help people to put down roots and to feel secure in their own home – without the risk of being turfed out against their will.”

The SNP declared a national housing emergency in 2024, having previously voted down a Labour motion.

Anas Sarwar’s party has promised to deliver a “housebuilding revolution” if it wins next month’s election, overhauling planning laws, delivering 125,000 new homes over the next five years, and introducing a £1 homes scheme to bring disused and derelict properties back into use.

Meanwhile, Reform UK has said it would build more affordable homes and cut regulation in the private rental sector which it claims has “driven down supply and driven up rents”.