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About Us
Why Cairn?
Founded in 1999, Cairn is a team of specialists in residential property investment. Managing Director David Rowand saw that his estate agency clients could benefit from more than sales or purchase advice and help with negotiation. Property assets could deliver more return with the right development, refurbishment, letting management and property maintenance programmes.
Cairn began as a property company, developing and selling on existing properties. Now it works mainly with investor clients – sourcing, developing, managing and selling residential investment properties to maximise return for their owners.
How we do business?
Personal connection is central to Cairn’s ethos. We want to build long-term relationships with our clients. Agency means standing in your client’s shoes and Cairn takes that responsibility seriously.
Clients’ individual goals for their properties become Cairn’s goals too. We offer honest advice coming from experience and expertise but geared to your own expectations.
How we add value?
Adding value is at the heart of what we do delivering returns is why we make a difference. The reason clients want to use Cairn is because we are a independent company with two decades of property experience. We meet and exceed our clients expectations, whether you are a repeat investor, new landlord or client or a referral from one of our existing clients you can be assured your property expectations will be resolved. We have a dedicated well qualified team with local knowledge who are ready to listen.
Cairn are specialists in the profitable but highly regulated HMO market, have a reputation for sourcing and developing properties not only to respected standards, but also to deliver above-market returns.
The latest property news & information from a trusted source.
Careers, Glasgow, Investment, Landlords, Meet The Team, Property Management, Property Managers, Staff, Uncategorized
Meet the Team – Claire Vine – Property Manager
Claire Vine – Property Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? Managing the standard of the flats and tenancy, while supporting and building relationships with the landlords and tenants. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The team are genuinely supportive. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? Being part of a team […]
Careers, Glasgow, HMO licensing, HMO Properties, Investment, Landlords, Meet The Team, Property Careers, Property Investment, Staff, Student Accommodation
Meet the team – Heather Macmillan
Heather Macmillan Cert CIH Level 3 – Head of HMO & Investment What made you return to Cairn? I missed the strong team ethos, everyone supports one another, and there’s a real sense of genuine friendship amongst the team. At Cairn you feel valued, and I missed being part of such an amazing group […]
Legislation
Scotland Landlord Legislation Updates – What to Expect in 2026
Scotland Landlord Legislation Updates – What to Expect in 2026 As 2026 approaches, Scottish landlords must prepare for key changes in property legislation that will impact the way they manage their rental properties. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for compliance and ensuring a smooth transition into the new regulatory environment. Here’s what landlords need to know and how to stay ahead. New Energy Efficiency Standards Energy efficiency remains a top priority in Scotland’s drive toward sustainability. Minimum EPC Ratings: From 2026, all rental properties must meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C. Landlords should begin upgrading insulation, windows, and heating systems to meet these requirements. Funding Options: Check for government grants and incentives like the Home Energy Scotland Loan to assist with energy-efficient upgrades. By 2026, all rental properties in Scotland are expected to meet a minimum EPC rating of C under upcoming efficiency standards. Landlords should plan ahead by improving insulation, windows, and heating systems to align with these requirements Changes to Tenancy Regulations Updates to tenancy agreements aim to enhance tenant protections. Improved Notice Periods: Anticipate extended notice periods for landlords ending tenancies, providing tenants with more time to relocate. Rent Controls: Local councils may gain powers to enforce rent caps in high-demand areas. Landlords should review rental prices and assess their profitability under potential caps. HMO Licensing Reforms Changes to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) licences will affect multi-tenant properties. Safety Upgrades: Stricter fire safety requirements, including mandatory fire suppression systems, may be introduced. Renewal Process: The process for renewing HMO licences will include more thorough property inspections, requiring landlords to stay proactive with maintenance. Edinburgh City Council has confirmed plans to inspect a percentage of licensed HMOs, the first round of inspections since before the pandemic. While no major legislative reforms have been announced nationally, landlords should ensure properties remain compliant with all safety and licensing requirements ahead of any upcoming visits. Taxation and Financial Considerations Scotland’s property tax landscape is also expected to evolve. Capital Gains Tax: Anticipated changes may impact landlords selling rental properties, with potential increases in tax rates. Short-Term Let Licensing: New rules for short-term lets will continue to be enforced, requiring compliance with specific licensing and safety standards. Preparing for Compliance Staying compliant with new legislation requires careful planning. Conduct a Property Audit: Regularly review your property portfolio to ensure it meets all safety, energy, and tenancy standards. Seek Expert Advice: Partnering with property management experts like Cairn Estate & Letting Agency can help you navigate complex legislative changes. Stay Updated: Follow updates from trusted sources like the Scottish Government Housing Division. FAQs: Scotland Landlord Legislation for 2026 Q: How do I check my property’s EPC rating? A: You can check or update your property’s EPC through accredited assessors. Visit the Scottish EPC Register for more details. Q: What happens if I don’t comply with new regulations? A: Non-compliance can result in fines, loss of your landlord registration, or legal action. Proactively addressing changes is crucial. Q: Are rent controls guaranteed in all areas? A: Rent controls will be implemented only in designated areas with high demand. Stay informed about developments in your region. Further Reading for Landlords Scotland’s upcoming energy efficiency roadmap includes several important milestones. To help landlords stay ahead of each stage, Cairn has created in-depth guides explaining what to expect: New Energy Efficiency Regulations Coming 2026 – Learn how the new Heat Retention Rating (HRR) system will replace EPCs and what it means for landlords. 1 April 2028 – New Tenancies Must Meet HRR Band C – Understand the first compliance deadline and what steps landlords should take now. 2033 Deadline – All Scottish Rentals Must Reach HRR Band C – Explore the final milestone and how to plan long-term upgrades efficiently. These articles provide practical insights to help you plan improvements, spread costs, and maintain compliance across every key date. Adapting to Scotland’s 2026 landlord legislation updates ensures your properties remain compliant and appealing to tenants. For personalised guidance and support, contact Cairn Estate & Letting Agency today. Stay ahead of Scotland’s landlord legislation updates. Contact Cairn Estate & Letting Agency for expert advice and compliance support.
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