Property market body Propertymark has released real estate manifestos ahead of the 2026 Scottish and Welsh Parliament elections, calling for reforms to resolve what it refers to as considerable real estate market obstacles in both countries.
The organisation has outlined a series of policy propositions including reforms to real estate tax and transaction costs, measures to bring empty homes back into use, and modified techniques to energy effectiveness standards that account for different residential or commercial property types.
Building and construction and guideline priorities
The manifestos require increased financial investment in building and construction training and abilities development, noting that builders currently operate without official regulation. Propertymark states that extra real estate supply is needed, along with strengthened professional standards and guideline across the residential or commercial property sector.
The organisation argues that real estate policy should be supported by transparent data and alerts that without coordinated intervention, price obstacles might heighten and customer choice might diminish. This might lead to higher rents, lowered transaction volumes, and deteriorated market self-confidence.
Cross-tenure issues
Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Projects at Propertymark, said: “Real estate pressures are now being felt across every tenure and in every part of Scotland and Wales. These manifestos are grounded in the daily experience of property specialists, and they set out practical, deliverable solutions that the next Federal governments can act upon immediately.”
He included: “Without vibrant, evidence-based reform, cost will get worse, supply will continue to fall short, and the effects for homes and local economies will deepen.”
The manifestos are readily available on Propertymark’s website ahead of the elections set up for later this year. Real estate is anticipated to feature plainly in both electoral campaigns as pressure develops throughout rental and sales markets in both countries.