First Minister and SNP Leader will today set out a new
package of help to support people into home ownership – including
measures to give renters new rights to buy the home they live
in.
Campaigning in Inverness, the First Minister will announce that
the SNP Government will introduce new legislation to give private
renters a period of first refusal to purchase the property they
rent at a fair market price if the owner chooses to sell.
The SNP Government will also provide up to £10,000 in help
towards a deposit for first time buyers – recognising that many
young people are paying more in rent than they would on a
mortgage.
We will also:
- Establish a new housing agency More Homes Scotland to build
homes more quickly and affordably
- Invest £4 billion in affordable housing over the next four
years
- Deliver 100,000 affordable homes by 2031/32
- Enhance the planning system to ensure new housebuilding is
supported
The First Minister said:
“Too many young people are being locked out of home ownership as
a result of the cost of living crisis. 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.
“And 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.
“With our £10,000 help towards a deposit for First Time Buyers,
the SNP is taking serious action to support our young people and
unlocking the dream of home ownership for a generation that has
been badly let down by Westminster.
“That is what people get with me and the SNP - a First Minister
and a government that is always on Scotland's side.”
