SNP, Labour, Reform — who’s best for property investors in Scotland?
Episode Overview
The Scottish election is days away — and if you’re a property investor or landlord, what happens on May 7th actually matters.
In this market update, Nick and Steven cut through the political noise and break down exactly what each party’s housing policies mean for landlords, investors, and anyone trying to build a portfolio in Scotland right now.
From ADS cuts to rent controls, council tax hikes of up to 500%, first-time buyer grants, and a housing building crisis — this one is packed with real talk on the policies that will shape the Scottish property market for years to come.
Episode Highlights
- ADS breakdown by party — Tories want to cut from 8% to 4%
- Rent controls: CPI+1% capped at 6% — what it means for you
- Council tax on second homes — up to 500% in some areas
- Short-term let licence & small business bonus scheme changes
- SNP’s right to buy proposal & £10k first-time buyer grant
- Why Scotland’s house building targets keep getting missed
- The social housing cost crisis & impact on private developers
- Edinburgh’s 5% tourist levy coming July 2026
Episode Timestamps
- 00:00 – Intro: why this election matters to property investors
- 02:00 – Election overview: latest polls & party predictions
- 06:00 – Reform’s rise in Scotland & what it means
- 10:00 – ADS (Additional Dwelling Supplement): party by party breakdown
- 18:00 – LBTT: who wants to cut it, scrap it, or raise it?
- 24:00 – Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR): is it safe?
- 28:00 – Rent controls: CPI+1% capped at 6% — is that fair?
- 35:00 – Council tax: the 500% increase in Midlothian explained
- 42:00 – Short-term lets, Airbnb & the small business bonus loophole closing
- 48:00 – Edinburgh tourist levy from July 2026
- 52:00 – First-time buyers: right to buy & the £10k SNP grant
- 1:00:00 – House building targets: will any party actually deliver?
- 1:08:00 – The £307k social house in Clydebank worth £200k
- 1:18:00 – Build to rent, private equity & what Scotland needs
- 1:25:00 – Energy, North Sea drilling & the Norway comparison
- 1:30:00 – Who are they voting for? Networking events & wrap-up
Useful Links
Join our monthly property networking events across Scotland and connect with investors, landlords and industry experts. View Upcoming Events
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Listen to more episodes of The Scottish Property Podcast and explore conversations with investors, landlords and industry experts across Scotland. Browse Episodes
Drop your questions or opinions in the comments — who are YOU voting for?
