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Glasgow, Letting, News, Property Management, testimonial
“Teamwork and Dedication” – A personal recommendation by Scotland’s Former Rugby Captain, Andy Nicol
Our CEO David Rowand met up with Andy Nicol, here is what he had to say.. “As a former Scottish rugby captain, I understand the importance of teamwork and dedication! Recently, my daughter was seeking a rental flat in Glasgow, and I turned to recommended Cairn Letting & Estate Agency for assistance. David and his […]
Careers, Edinburgh, Letting, Meet The Team, Property Managers, Staff
Meet the team – Nicola Ainslie – Business Development Branch Manager – Edinburgh
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? As the Business Development and Edinburgh Branch Manager at Cairn, I oversee operations, drive growth, and build strong relationships to ensure the success of our letting and management services. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The people! From day one, I felt like I had been here for years—a credit to the team’s warm welcome and the company culture that makes coming to work so enjoyable. What is your proudest business achievement/moment? With 27 years in the property industry, I’ve had many proud moments, but stepping into my role at Cairn and feeling like part of the team so quickly is a big one. It’s a testament to finding the right fit in both culture and career. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given? You don’t know it all—listen to those around you, especially those with knowledge and experience. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I’m a dedicated football mum, and no matter how many games I watch, I’ll never get tired of standing on the sidelines cheering my kids on. What advice would you give your 18-year-old self? You don’t know everything—listen to others, especially your mum! Who are your heroes inside or outside of business? My mum—she always gave great advice (even when I didn’t listen). What qualities do you most admire in others? A positive attitude can be contagious, uplifting and create an environment where innovation thrives. A willingness to learn, improve, and embrace new challenges is essential for long-term success. How do you unwind out of work? Watching my kids play football, spending time with family, and enjoying the friendly football rivalry at home as I support a different club to my husband and kids. Favourite book and film? Even after all these years, Dirty Dancing is still my go-to movie. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? Any football pitch where my kids are playing—that’s where I’m happiest!
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New Year, New Letting Strategy – How to Increase Your Rental Yield in 2025
New Year, New Letting Strategy – How to Increase Your Rental Yield in 2025 A new year brings new opportunities, and for landlords, 2025 is the perfect time to evaluate and enhance your letting strategy. Whether it’s through smart upgrades, tenant retention strategies, or switching to a more proactive letting agent, increasing your rental yield has never been more achievable. Upgrade Your Property Small, targeted improvements can significantly boost your rental income. Here’s where to start: ● Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Properties with high EPC ratings are more attractive to tenants and may allow for premium rental rates. Consider installing insulation, energy-efficient lighting, or upgrading your boiler. ● Modern Amenities: Adding features like built-in storage, smart home systems, or modern kitchen appliances can make your property stand out in a competitive market. Retain Quality Tenants Tenant turnover can be costly. Retaining reliable tenants ensures steady income and reduces void periods: ● Regular Communication – Build a good rapport with your tenants by addressing concerns promptly and maintaining open lines of communication. ● Incentives for Long-Term Tenancy – Offering incentives, such as minor upgrades or discounts for longer leases, can encourage tenants to stay. Review Your Letting Agent Your choice of letting agent can make or break your rental strategy. If your current agent isn’t delivering results, it might be time to switch: ● Why Switch Agents in 2025? A proactive agent can help you market your property better, attract quality tenants, and manage maintenance efficiently. ● What to Look For – Choose an agent with local expertise, transparent fees, and a track record of boosting landlords’ rental yields. Cairn Estate & Letting Agency specialises in helping landlords achieve their property goals. Our team provides tailored strategies and dedicated support to maximise rental returns. Explore New Investment Opportunities Expanding your property portfolio or diversifying your investments can increase your overall rental income. Partner with an agent who understands the market to identify high-yield opportunities. FAQs – Improving Rental Yield Q: How much can small upgrades impact rental income? A: Even minor upgrades, like a fresh coat of paint or modern lighting, can increase rental income by 5-10%. Larger upgrades, like adding an extra bathroom, may yield even higher returns. Q: How do I know if my letting agent is underperforming? A: Look for signs such as long void periods, lack of communication, and poor tenant quality. These may indicate it’s time for a change. Q: Can rental yield improvements offset rising landlord costs? A: Absolutely. By optimising your property and tenant experience, you can increase income and mitigate the impact of rising costs. Start the new year with a letting strategy that works for you. At Cairn, we’re committed to helping landlords achieve their rental income goals with expert advice and hands-on support. Thinking of switching letting agents or boosting your rental yield? Contact Cairn Estate & Letting Agency today to get started.