The Herald - The Herald Magazine
THE VOICE OF PROPERTY
NEWS that Boris Johnson is considering resurrecting the ‘right to buy’ social housing policy of the 1980s prompted a swift response from Edinburgh-based property firm, DJ Alexander, part of the Lomond Group, the largest lettings and estate agency in Scotland.
David Alexander, the firm’s chief executive officer, comments: “While this policy will be a vote winner for Boris Johnson in key regions, it does not address the need for substantially more housing. If introduced in the same way it was in the 1980’s, the key issues which have dominated the housing market for the last two decades will simply be exacerbated.
“There is also no doubt that, despite the SNP’s ideological objections to selling off social housing, there would be insurmountable pressure to match the policy in Scotland, as tenants who are also voters, would demand the same benefit from discounted house prices as English tenants.
“This policy will only work if the funds gained from social housing sales are reinvested in more social housing.
“At the same time, support for the private rented sector is also required as there are many who don’t want to buy for a variety of reasons. For those workers from the EU and elsewhere, for professionals moving around to further their career, and for the retired who might wish to sample a different lifestyle, then the private rented sector remains a key option and is an essential part of the housing mix.”
He concludes: “The re-introduction of ‘right to buy’ is a clear indication property remains an integral part of political policy. However, it should be just one option among a range of options that meet the widely differing needs of people in the housing market.”
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Priced at £184,000 – details from Remax in Lanark.