Propertymark has urged politicians in both Wales and Scotland to prioritise housing reform ahead of the 2026 Senedd and Scottish Parliament elections, warning that affordability pressures, weak supply and policy missteps are undermining confidence across the market.
The trade body has published separate housing manifestos for the two nations, setting out proposals aimed at boosting supply, supporting the private rented sector and improving the data used to guide housing policy. It says housing will be a defining issue at both elections as rising costs and limited availability continue to affect buyers, renters and landlords.
In Scotland, the organisation’s 10-point plan responds to the national housing emergency declared in 2024, calling for action to increase building, cut the cost of renting, expand construction skills and improve energy efficiency rules without reducing the number of homes available.
In Wales, the manifesto, Boosting housing and growth for Wales, focuses on unlocking new supply, bringing empty properties back into use, revitalising high streets and maintaining a sustainable rental market while avoiding measures that could further restrict availability.
SHARED PRIORITIES
Across both documents, Propertymark highlights shared priorities including reforming property taxes, investing in skills, strengthening regulation and building more homes, particularly social housing, to meet long-term demand.
The body also warns that a lack of coordination between devolved governments and Westminster is adding to the pressure, particularly where frozen Local Housing Allowance rates are leaving more households unable to cover housing costs.
ECONOMIC PRIORITY
Timothy Douglas (main picture), Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, says “Housing pressures are now being felt across every tenure and in every part of Scotland and Wales.
“These manifestos are grounded in the day-to-day experience of property professionals, and they set out practical, deliverable solutions that the next governments can act on immediately.
“Without bold, evidence-based reform, affordability will worsen, supply will continue to fall short, and the consequences for households and local economies will deepen.”
Propertymark says the next governments in both nations must treat housing as a core economic priority, warning that without decisive action shortages will worsen and market confidence will continue to weaken.
Read Propertymark’s Welsh manifesto HERE.
Read Propertymark’s Scottish manifesto HERE.
