Meeting of the Parliament 17 March 2026 [Draft]
I rise to speak to amendments 8, 10 and 15 in regard to a crucial part of the residential housing market: first-time buyers. At stage 2—I stand by this—I noted
“the vital role of first-time buyers in keeping the housing market viable”
and said that they
“drive demand and create a ripple effect, free up homes for rent, support economic growth, support a balanced market and play into balancing sustainable communities.”—[Official Report, Finance and Public Administration Committee, 10 February 2026; c 35.]
Given the importance of first-time buyers, I hedged my bets and, therefore, lodged three amendments at stage 3. I do not intend to move amendments 8 or 10, but I will move amendment 15.
Amendment 15, through the introduction of the word “partial” and by the use of regulation-making powers, recognises that the minister has consistently stated the Scottish Government’s concerns around quantum. It was helpful at stage 2 to have on the record the fact that 22 per cent of new-build sales are to first-time buyers. Arguably, that percentage could be more if the measures that the Scottish Government undertakes come to fruition.
My final point is that, as a minimum, enabling a partial relief is vitally important to developers—particularly small and medium-sized enterprise developers, who play their part in enabling sustainable communities. We need to support SMEs to have a continued focus on the first-time buyer market. It is much easier for them to go for the step-up market, because, in that area, access to finance is easier and quicker, transactions are larger and margins are better.
I thank the minister for his open-mindedness, flexibility and engagement on the matter.