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14/7/25 8:13 pm
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Scotland’s private rented sector should be seen as a key partner in solving the housing shortage, not as something to be pushed out, warns a leading Scots conservative.
Thomas Heald, a councillor for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan, Unionist candidate for Dunfermline and political advisor in the Scottish Parliament, blames the SNP’s housing policy for letting tenants down, rather than protecting them.
Writing for Conservative Home, he says rent caps claimed to provide greater security and affordability for tenants, but that rents are rising faster in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK.
“Landlords, facing tighter margins and uncertain rules, chose to exit the market, reducing choice and leaving families scrambling for ever-scarcer accommodation,” says Heald.
He blames a lack of new homes for driving up rents, making it harder for young families to buy, and creating longer social housing waiting lists.
“We need investors to feel confident
“We need investors to feel confident if we want to meet Scotland’s housing needs,” he adds.
“To make this happen, Scottish Conservatives should promise stable rules, talk to investors before making changes, and make sure any new energy efficiency rules are realistic and flexible for older buildings. Support like grants and temporary relief can also help keep investment in new rental homes coming.”
Heald wants clear targets for new housing, better planning rules to encourage private developers, and more funding and power for councils to create social housing.
“If Scottish Conservatives want to regain trust, we need to make it easier for young people to get affordable mortgages, offer more shared ownership options, and change planning rules to allow more building. When public housing is sold, the money should always go back into building new homes, so we don’t fall behind on supply.”
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