Propertymark will host a live webinar on Friday 4 July 2025 at 3pm to dissect the latest developments in the Housing (Scotland) Bill following its progression through Stage 2 of the legislative process.
The session will be led by Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, alongside legal and industry experts Rory Cowan, Partner at Bannatyne Kirkwood France & Co, and Miles Gilham, Managing Director at Glenham Property and Propertymark’s Regional Executive for Edinburgh and Southern Scotland.
Stage 2 of the Bill, which concluded on 3 June, saw intense scrutiny and 699 amendments tabled, including several drafted by Propertymark in collaboration with opposition MSPs.
The Bill, originally introduced in March 2024, proposes sweeping changes to rent control, tenant rights – including rules on pets and interior decoration – and new eviction safeguards.
RENT CAPS
Among the amendments approved was the Scottish Government’s cap on rent increases at CPI+1%, up to a maximum of 6% in designated rent control areas. The timeline for the first rent condition assessment report has also been extended to 31 May 2027.
Non-government amendments also gained traction, including proposals to bring Purpose-Built Student Accommodation into the scope of rent controls and to ensure rural local authorities assess the impact of rent control areas in their regions.
Propertymark remains actively engaged with policymakers and is in ongoing dialogue with the Scottish Government. The organisation recently received correspondence from Màiri McAllan MSP, the new Cabinet Secretary for Housing, who has expressed interest in a meeting to discuss the Bill further.
UNDERSTANDING CHANGES
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says: “Stage 2 of the Housing (Scotland) Bill has completed with several amendments both from MSPs, and the Scottish Government approved by the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.
“Propertymark’s work on the Bill continues and agents are encouraged to join our webinar to understand the changes as we dissect the amendments and look at what will happen next.”
Sign up HERE.
