Private tenants will have first refusal if landlords sell up, according to an election promise.
The Scottish National Party says it will introduce the rule if it retains power at the Scottish elections next month.
Under the plans, when the owner of the property decides to list it on the market, renters would be given a period of exclusivity to purchase it “at a fair market rate”.
Scottish First Minister John Sweeney claims this could help those struggling to get on the property ladder.
He says monthly rental costs make it harder to save for a deposit.
Sweeney comments: “So many people are stuck paying more on rent than they would on a mortgage – and with costs just going up and up, there is nothing left over at the end of the month to save for a deposit.
“That is made all the more difficult when private renters find themselves having to leave their home because the owner has decided to sell up.
“As well as forcing people to upend their whole lives, it also has serious financial implications.
“That is why I will give renters the right to first refusal on the home they live in – at a fair market rate – if the owner of the property decides to sell.
“This will help people to put down roots and to feel secure in their own home – without the risk of being turfed out against their will.”
Other measures being promised by the SNP include help of up to £10,000 for first-time buyers and the delivery of 100,000 affordable homes by 2032.
The SNP declared a national housing emergency in Scotland in 2024, having previously voted down a similar Labour proposal.
This article is taken from Landlord Today