SNP Pledges 'First Refusal' for Tenants to Purchase Private Rental Homes

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has pledged that private tenants will be granted the right of first refusal to purchase their rented property should the landlord decide to sell, a key policy announcement made by John Swinney ahead of the Holyrood election.

New Tenant Purchase Scheme

Under the proposed scheme, tenants would be offered an exclusive period to buy their home at a fair market rate. This initiative aims to tackle the difficulties many face in saving for a deposit due to escalating rental costs, which often surpass potential mortgage payments. Mr Swinney highlighted that this policy would provide greater security for renters and help them establish roots in their communities without the risk of displacement due to property sales.

This pledge comes amidst a declared national housing emergency in Scotland, marked by a severe shortage of social homes, increasing homelessness, and rising property values. Average property prices in Scotland reached £188,000 in January 2026, with Edinburgh seeing an average of £294,000. Concurrently, average monthly rental costs have climbed to £1,022, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Criticism from Opposition Parties

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. The Scottish Conservatives labelled it an "ill-thought-out" plan that could create new problems and hinder homes from entering the market. They advocate for slashing housebuilding regulations and abolishing property taxes to stimulate home ownership.

Scottish Labour's housing spokesman, Mark Griffin, accused the SNP of allowing housebuilding to "collapse" and questioned the efficacy of establishing another public body, suggesting it could represent poor value for money. Labour has committed to the most ambitious housebuilding programme in devolved history, aiming for 125,000 new homes.

The Scottish Liberal Democrats criticised the SNP for failing to adequately respond to the housing emergency, noting a decline in affordable home building. The Scottish Greens, while advocating for a significant expansion of public and social housing and permanent rent controls, also call for bolder action.

Broader Housing Strategy

Beyond the 'first refusal' policy, the SNP also plans to establish a new housing agency and reform the planning system. This follows a previous commitment at the last Holyrood election to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, a target which current figures suggest is not on track. The party has also pledged a £100m 'first homes fund' to assist first-time buyers with deposits, offering up to £10,000 in exchange for a government stake in the property.