New Scottish leader is bad news for rental sector, warns agent

New Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf is bad news for the private rental sector, a prominent lettings agent warns.

David Alexander - chief executive of DJ Alexander Scotland Ltd, part of the Lomond Group - runs the largest lettings and estate agency in Scotland.

He says: “The election of Humza Yousaf as the new SNP leader, and consequently the new First Minister of Scotland, is concerning for the housing sector given that he stood as the continuity candidate.

“If he does persist with the existing housing policy of Nicola Sturgeon then I foresee some very difficult times for Scotland’s tenants. 

“The low numbers of social housing, the reluctance to support housebuilding, and the negative attitude toward the private rented sector have all resulted in fewer homes for Scots, rising rents, increased evictions for tenants, and a housing waiting list that numbers in the hundreds of thousands.

“I would welcome a positive approach from Mr Yousaf if he is not to replicate the mistakes of the previous administration. The concern is that he will continue to view housing as a political rather than a social issue and seek to demonise parts of the housing sector.”

Alexander says he would hope for a housing strategy designed for the long term to ensure that planning regulations, land development, and financial incentives are developed to encourage the right homes in the right areas.

And he warns: “We need a long-term, fundamental rethink on the delivery of housing for homeowners, for tenants in the public and private sector, and in the way that new housing is delivered. 

“Housing must be a major part of the new administrations’ plans. New social and private building developments with large scale infrastructure investment would produce jobs, create wealth, and provide homes for people who want to work and live in Scotland.”