The SPF 2025-2026 Election Manifesto
Scotland’s success in housing its people, supporting its businesses, and attracting global recognition is inseparable from the strength of its real estate sector. The sector plays a central part in achieving this not only as an economic driver but as a creator of social value. Whether it’s new housing or workplaces, shops or restaurants, every development leaves its mark on Scotland’s communities.
The Scottish Property Federation’s manifesto ‘Building a Better Scotland’ sets out the real estate sector’s offer to the new Scottish Government following the 2026 Scottish Election.
- Name
- Jonathan Guthrie
- Job Role
- SPF Chair; Director for Strategic Partnerships, Robertson Group
The SPF Election Manifesto 2025-2026
In Scotland, our sector plays a vital role in shaping places and improving lives, working alongside government to deliver long-term investment that benefits people and communities. Every year, we help direct billions of pounds into renewing Scotland’s built environment, from housing and offices to high streets, infrastructure, public spaces and leisure facilities.
This investment is backed by institutions that manage our pensions, protect our homes, and support prosperity both in the UK and globally.
With a supportive policy and regulatory framework in place, we can do even more. We can unlock greater investment in local priorities, drive growth, and help create safer, healthier, and more vibrant places across Scotland for generations to come.
Our Key Asks for the New Government
We have set three overarching priorities that apply to all sectors in the real estate industry alongside three sector-specific actions to create the modern, thriving society we all want Scotland to see.
Our Key Asks for the New Government
We have set three overarching priorities that apply to all sectors in the real estate industry alongside three sector-specific actions to create the modern, thriving society we all want Scotland to see.
Our Three Overarching Priorities
Our Three Overarching Priorities
Development Viability:
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Adopt a clear national framework for assessing development viability, ensuring that essential homes, workplaces, and community spaces are not stalled by inconsistent application of regulation.
Urban Centre Regeneration:
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Support housing-led urban regeneration through stronger incentives, modernised tools, and place-based renewal.
Planning, Tax and Regulatory Reset:
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Reset planning, tax and regulatory policy to streamline delivery, unlock land, and attract long-term investment.
The Living Sector
The Living Sector
The Living Sector is a vital component of Scotland’s social and economic framework, providing homes across our communities: from working families to retired pensioners; from students to key workers. Building new homes keeps communities resilient, supports the workforce, and brings fresh investment into local economies.
Our key asks for the next government:
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Treat housing as strategic national infrastructure
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Provide long-term policy and funding certainty
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Support specialist housing and city centre regeneration
Employment Spaces
Employment Spaces
Employment spaces are the bedrock of our economy. The real estate industry supports the development of offices, logistics hubs, manufacturing plants, life science labs and knowledge sector facilities. These provide a home for businesses and a base for our future workforce to learn, train, and to grow into our industry leaders.
Our key asks for the next government:
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Support pre-development
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Safeguard employment sites in local plans
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Promote innovation hubs to encourage speculative development
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Create industry-ready spaces to attract demand
Experience Economy
Experience Economy
The experience economy is an increasingly vital pillar of Scotland’s national economy, driven by a growing demand for meaningful, memorable experiences.
Rooted in Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, and natural environment, this sector spans tourism, hospitality, hotels, cultural venues, events, and retail. It not only contributes significantly to social and economic life, but also acts as a powerful catalyst for regeneration, inward investment, and global recognition.
Our key asks for the next government:
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Improve accessibility through better integrated public transport
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Expand investment incentives such as BPRA 2 and Fresh Start Relief
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Modernise business rates and support late-night venues