SNP pledges right of first refusal for Scottish tenants to buy rented homes

SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney has pledged that private tenants in Scotland would be given a legal right of first refusal to buy their rented homes if landlords decide to sell, should the SNP win the next Holyrood election.

The announcement, made on 18 June as part of the SNP's election housing offer, would give tenants a set time window to purchase the property at a "fair market price" before it can be sold on the open market. Swinney billed the proposal as a measure to boost home ownership and strengthen tenants' rights amid Scotland's wider housing affordability crisis.

Policy Details and Implementation

Under the proposed legislation, private tenants would receive formal notification when their landlord intends to sell, triggering a statutory period during which they can exercise their right to purchase. The property would need to be offered at what the SNP describes as a "fair market price," though the party has not yet detailed how this valuation would be determined or what appeals process might exist for disputed prices.

The policy forms part of the SNP's broader housing strategy ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election, positioning the party as championing tenant rights in a market where many renters face uncertainty about their long-term housing security. Swinney framed the measure as addressing both the shortage of affordable homes for purchase and the precarious nature of private tenancy agreements.

Industry Concerns Over Investment Impact

Landlord and property groups have already voiced concern that the move, alongside existing and proposed rent controls, could further deter investment in Scotland's private rented sector. Industry representatives argue that additional restrictions on property sales could make buy-to-let investments less attractive to current and prospective landlords.

The proposal comes as Scotland's private rental market already faces pressure from recent rent control measures and broader regulatory changes affecting landlord obligations. Property sector voices warn that further constraints on landlords' ability to manage their investments could lead to reduced supply in the rental market, potentially worsening availability for tenants who cannot afford to purchase.

Housing Crisis Context

The right of first refusal pledge emerges against the backdrop of Scotland's acute housing affordability crisis, where rising property prices have pushed homeownership beyond reach for many working households. Private rental costs have also increased significantly, creating a squeeze where tenants struggle both to save for deposits and to afford monthly rent payments.

Scotland's housing market has seen particular pressure in urban areas, where competition for both rental and purchase properties has intensified. The SNP's proposal appears designed to address situations where tenants, having established roots in a property and community, face displacement when landlords choose to sell to the highest bidder rather than sitting tenants.

The policy also reflects broader European models where tenant purchase rights exist in various forms, though the specific mechanics and success rates of such schemes vary considerably between jurisdictions. According to the BBC report, the SNP has not yet published detailed costings or impact assessments for the proposal.

Electoral and Legislative Outlook

Implementation of the right of first refusal would require the SNP to win the next Scottish Parliament election and subsequently pass new legislation through Holyrood. The party would need to address practical questions including valuation disputes, financing support for tenants seeking to purchase, and potential exemptions for different property types or circumstances.

Opposition parties are likely to scrutinise both the policy's feasibility and its potential unintended consequences during the election campaign. The proposal's ultimate success would depend not only on electoral victory but also on detailed legislative drafting that balances tenant rights with property market functionality.

The announcement signals the SNP's intention to make housing policy a central battleground in the upcoming election, positioning the party as willing to introduce significant interventions in Scotland's property market to address affordability and security concerns.