Out of Office Hours
Glasgow 0141 270 7878
News & Blog
The latest property news & information from a trusted source.
Explore our property blogs, select a category from below
AirBNB, Edinburgh, Legislation
cAIRnBNB
Ever considered renting out your property at a higher monthly rental figure with no stress as someone else is taking care of all the set up for you– sound too good to be true? With over 20 years of property management experience, particularly in the highly regulated HMO market, we are delighted to announce Cairn BNB which is a natural fit to our existing management services. We offer a strictly ‘hands on’ BNB experience, tailor-made specifically for you, whilst maximising your overall monthly rental income. We pay close attention to market trends and any upcoming local events to ensure all prices fall in line with accurate rental prices across the board. Cairn BNB presents a fantastic opportunity to earn higher income where the fast-paced environment is both exciting and highly profitable, as opposed to the traditional professional letting route. Read about the new legislation directive from the Scottish Government – click here. New hosts and operators ( Did you know ? ) If you were not using your premises to provide short term lets before 1 October 2022, you cannot take bookings or receive guests until you have a licence. All hosts and operators need to have a licence by 1 July 2024. There are four types of licence for short term let accommodation Secondary letting – the letting of property where you do not normally live, for example a second home that is let to guests Home letting – using all or part of your own home for short-term lets, whilst you are absent. An example of this could be whilst you are on holiday Home sharing – using all or part of your own home for short-term lets, whilst you are there Home letting and home sharing – operating short-term lets from your own home while you are living there and for periods when you are absent You can find the latest information about the regulation of short term lets at https://www.gov.scot/publications/short-term-lets/. At Cairn we have a dedicated AirBnb ( Short-term Let ) specialist, Mark Coll – today we asked Mark for his comments on the new legislation changes. “At this moment in time, the information on licensing for short term lets is very vague where more information will be released when rules come into force on October 1st. What we do know is that any properties currently operating before this date can still operate under the assumption that landlords apply for a licence before April 1st 2023 and have it granted by July 1st 2024. Any new short term letting landlords operating after October 1st are not allowed to let their properties out until a licence has been applied for and has been granted otherwise there could be a firm penalty – this is extremely important to know and to not get caught out. My advice would be to be prepare in advance of this date and start contacting your local authorities now for more information to get the best footing for when the legislation takes effect. After October 1st we will have a much clearer vision of the direction and future of short term lets where Cairn BnB will be the first to offer any advice and guidance on the next steps to getting things up and running for your property on the short term letting market. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more information on this or if you would like to get up and running prior to the October 1st deadline.”
Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Property Investment, Tenanted Properties
5 Big Advantages of Buying Tenanted Flats
5 Big Advantages of Buying Tenanted Flats Here, we explain the benefits of buying tenanted flats and how Cairn can help. Interested in property investment? Imagine you could skip the marketing, viewings, and tenant vetting and get straight to the monthly rental income. With tenanted flats, you can. Put simply, these are flats with tenants already in place. And there are several benefits to going down this route. In this short post, we share the 5 biggest advantages of buying a tenanted flat. Related: Selling a Property with a Tenant in Situ – What to Know What Are the Benefits of Buying Tenanted Flats? 1. Tenanted flats are fixed-price investments One of the best things about buying a tenanted flat is that they’re often marketed at a fixed price. This means if you meet this price with your offer, you’re more than likely to seal the deal. Fixed price properties are typically sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and you’ll rarely get involved in a costly bidding war. This can be particularly attractive if you have a set budget and you don’t want to stretch beyond it. 2. You get cash flow from the word go Another huge benefit of buying a tenanted flat is that you get immediate cash flow. The property won’t be sitting empty after you buy it, and you won’t need to spend time and money searching for new tenants. It’s regular and reliable rental income from day one. And the added bonus of having tenants in situ is that they’re less likely to request expensive improvements, repairs, or refurbishments (as the previous landlord will need to deal with them before selling). 3. You get tenants with a track record Finding the right tenants for a vacant property can take time. You’ll want to make sure they have the means and character to make their rental payments on time each month. And sometimes, you won’t know they will until they’re in place. With tenanted flats, you’ll have all this information available before buying. You can check their payment history and ask the current landlord for a character reference. 4. You’ll have complete confidence in compliance Another major consideration when buying-to-let is the responsibilities you’ll have as a landlord. This extends to ensuring safety checks are carried out regularly and mandatory safety certificates (for fire, gas, and electricity) are in place. When you buy a tenanted flat, all of this documentation will already be arranged. It’s simply transferred to you, so you’ll know when the next checks are due. And if you stick with the existing letting agent, they can organise them on your behalf, giving you complete peace of mind that the property will remain compliant. Read more: Landlord Legislation & Responsibilities 5. You know it’s been sourced (and checked) by a reputable letting agency Buying any rental property comes with risk, but that risk can be reduced when you buy with tenants already in place. A reputable local letting agent can conduct an in-depth audit of the property to ensure it’s a sound financial investment — and with the advantages described above, you’ll be in a solid position to start recouping money on your purchase from the outset. At Cairn, we’ve helped many buy-to-let investors source and purchase tenanted flats. Our team can offer expert advice and guidance to new and experienced investors. Interested in Buying Tenanted Flats? Let’s Talk As you’ve discovered, buying tenanted flats offers plenty of advantages. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Cairn today to discuss the investment opportunities available to you.
Edinburgh
A History of Edinburgh Tenements
A History of Edinburgh Tenements While not as ubiquitous as in Glasgow, Edinburgh boasts its fair share of tenements amongst its diverse housing stock. And interestingly, many of those Edinburgh tenements tend to be much older than their Glasgow counterparts — most dating from around the 17th century onwards. In this short article, we dig into the history of Edinburgh tenements and why you might want to call one of these unique properties home. Note: This is a companion piece to our History of Glasgow Tenements article. Click the link to learn all about Glasgow’s iconic red stone flats. What is a Tenement? A tenement is a type of building with multiple dwellings (typically flats or apartments) on each floor and a shared entrance and stairway access. You’ll find tenements in places like New York, Dublin, Berlin, and even Mumbai, but they’re particularly common right here in Scotland. That’s why there’s an official Scottish law used to define a tenement. According to Section 26 of the Tenement (Scotland) Act 2004, a tenement is: “Two or more related but separate flats divided from each other horizontally”. Traditionally, many tenements were built in response to a major 19th-century Scottish housing crisis, offering homes for large, working-class families. Some of the tenements in Edinburgh could even be considered the world’s first highrise flats, stretching some 15 storeys into the skyline. Today, flats in tenement buildings in both Edinburgh and Glasgow are often highly sought after, due to their prime locations, large rooms, high ceilings, bay windows, ornamentation, and period features. Where Can You Find Tenements in Edinburgh? While many tenements were demolished in Glasgow in the 1960s and 70s (due to poor maintenance, dangerous living conditions, and overcrowding), thankfully, most Edinburgh tenements avoided a similar fate. In fact, in the capital, the residential tenements found in the medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town – as well as the Victorian city centre surrounding them – are now designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And between 2015 and 2020, major conservation work was carried out in the Canongate, Old Town to restore three 300-year-old tenements to their former glory. Why Choose an Edinburgh Tenement? Tenement-style properties often top the list for Edinburgh flat-hunters, and with good reason! From the stunning stone frontage to the vast rooms, big windows, and ornate cornicing, they have the kind of charming features that modern developments simply cannot match. What’s more, many of the best Edinburgh tenements are within walking distance of the city’s most popular bars, restaurants, and attractions — not to mention the nearby transport links. Want to Learn More About the History of Edinburgh Tenements? Try these links to continue your curiosity: Scotland’s History: Tenement Housing, Carnegie Street, Edinburgh The ‘Penny Tenement’ collapse that changed Edinburgh forever The Canongate Tenements | Edinburgh World Heritage Searching for Edinburgh Tenements? Talk to Cairn If you’d like to call an Edinburgh tenement home, don’t go it alone. Whether you’re renting or buying, Cairn can help you find the ideal property for your situation. Contact us today to learn more. And if you’d like some capital flat hunting tips, read our guide: Flats For Sale in Edinburgh (How to Find Them Before They Go Online).
Edinburgh, Guides, Portobello, Properties
Focus on Portobello (Property & History)
Focus on Portobello (Property & History) Located a mere 3 miles east of Edinburgh city centre, Portobello is a beautiful coastal suburb standing opposite the breathtaking Firth of Forth. Once a popular Scottish seaside resort, it now offers a generous mix of property types and amenities, perfect for families and professionals alike. In this short post, we take a look at Portobello’s history, property, and reasons why you might want to call this particular part of Scotland home. A (Very) Brief History of Portobello Originally known as Figgate Muir, the area now known as Portobello was used as pasture for cattle by the monks of Holyrood Abbey. By the 18th century, it was a haunt for sailors and smugglers. And in 1742, a cottage was built on what is now the High Street by George Hamilton, a seaman who’d served under Admiral Edward Vernon. Hamilton was part of a crew who’d captured Porto Bello (“beautiful port”) in Panama in 1739, and so he named his cottage “Portobello Hut” in honour of the victory. From that point on, Portobello continued to grow and thrive, becoming an industrial town where bricks, glass, paper, soap, pottery, and even mustard were manufactured. In 1833, the town was officially made a burgh, and by 1896, it was incorporated into Edinburgh. Between 1846 and 1964, a railway station provided easy access to the resort town for visitors from all over the country. They would flock to the town for the sandy beach, promenade, amusements, and open-air heated swimming pool, where a certain Mr Sean Connery once worked as a lifeguard. In later years, the arcade amusements and funfair attractions gradually disappeared. However, what remains is a small, sought-after residential area with history and fresh sea air at every turn. And as recently as 2021, it was considered one of the top eight places to live in Scotland by a Sunday Times panel. What About Portobello Property? Similar to many parts of the capital itself, Portobello properties for sale often include gorgeous (and spacious) Georgian and Victorian flats and large terraced houses. But it’s not a town trapped in time. Modern developments have started to pepper the landscape, allowing first-time buyers the chance to get on the property ladder in this picturesque part of the country. Why Choose to Live by the Seaside? Besides the east coast beach and promenade (filled with cafes, restaurants, and bars), you’ll find everything you need in and around Portobello High Street. From independent shops to a butcher, fishmonger, coffee shops, and a bakery, you’ll certainly be well fed! Meanwhile, for those “bigger shops,” you’ve got your choice of Lidl, Morrisons, and a Sainsbury’s Local, while a 24-hour Asda is just a short car journey away. And for entertainment, the nearby Fort Kinnaird shopping centre offers high street brands, restaurants, a gym, and a cinema. If you’re considering Portobello to raise a family, schooling is available for all levels, from nursery to secondary school. And higher education is only a stone’s throw away. Queen Margaret University, the University of Edinburgh, and Edinburgh college are all located in and around the city. Finally, for commuters, the A1 and motorway are both easily accessible. Plus, regular buses run into Edinburgh city centre (and further afield) throughout the day and evening. Ready to Start Your Portobello Property Hunt? Use Cairn We’ve long had a presence in Edinburgh, and we’ve recently opened a brand new Portobello office to better serve those wishing to move to, rent from (or sell from) this stunning seaside town. Interested in buying in Portobello? Or do you need a local estate agent to help you sell or rent your Portobello property? No matter if you’re a house-hunter or seller, Cairn can help. Contact us today to learn more.
Estate Agency
Picking a Trusted Letting & Estate Agent: 5 Questions You Need to Ask
Picking a Trusted Letting & Estate Agent: 5 Questions You Need to Ask Picking a trusted letting & estate agent can be harder than you think. For starters, the “letting” and “estate” agent parts are two distinct specialities. Some companies offer one or the other, some offer both. It all depends on what you’re looking for. A letting agent will help you rent out and manage your rental properties; An estate agent will help you market and sell your home/property. Still, there are some overlapping qualities you should consider when searching for a letting agent or an estate agent. In this article, we share 5 questions you need to ask before you pick a property agent. Picking a Trusted Letting & Estate Agent? Start Here 1. Do They Match Your Requirements? Not all letting & estate agents are created equal. Some are niche or boutique in their approach, dealing only with specific clients or property types. Others offer a variety of services covering multiple bases. So, before you start your search, you’ll need to get a handle on what you require: Letting agents: Do you need a letting agent to find tenants (and you’ll manage the rest – i.e. “Let Only”)? Do you want them to take care of rent collection while you look after the day-to-day property management? Or do you want a full management service? Estate agents: Are you happy to conduct viewings with prospective buyers (which is often the case with online estate agents)? Or would you rather the estate agent take care of everything on your behalf? 2. Do They Know the Area/Local Market? Whether you’re looking to sell your property or simply rent it out, working with an agent who keeps their finger on the pulse of the local market is vital. That way, you know you’ll have a steady stream of suitable buyers/tenants ready to view once your property goes on the market. Read more: How to Find the Best West End Estate Agents 3. Do They Have a Web Presence? Having a local presence is only part of the puzzle. Buyers/tenants are searching from all over, and having your property front and centre online is crucial. Your prospective estate & letting agency should have a website, social media accounts, and share to the most popular property portals as part of their marketing efforts. 4. Do They Deal with the Legal Stuff? There’s more to being a property agent than finding tenants or buyers. Once a lease has been signed or a sale agreed, there are legal requirements to fulfil. Buy-to-let landlords, for example, are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of their tenants, carrying out regular gas, electrical and fire safety checks. If you’re handing over day-to-day management of your rental property to a letting agent, you need to know they’ll help you meet those ongoing responsibilities. Meanwhile, estate agents should be able to offer guidance and recommendations when it comes to the conveyancing part of a property sale (the legal transfer of the property from the seller to the buyer). For example, here at Cairn, we can give you an introduction to our fixed fee conveyancing partners. 5. Do They Have a Strong Track Record? Finally, you’ll want to know if the letting & estate agent you’re choosing has testimonials from people in a similar position to your own. That way, you can feel confident you’re working with a company that understands your situation and can help you achieve the results you want. Whether You’re Renting or Selling, Work with Cairn We mentioned at the start that picking a trusted letting & estate agent can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. When you work with Cairn, you tap into decades of letting and estate agent experience across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Scotland as a whole. Contact us today to learn more.
Investment, Property Investment
Getting into Property Investment? Start Here
Getting into Property Investment? Start Here If you’re just getting into property investment, it’s important to take your time, do your research, and make sure you’re ready. While it can be a lucrative, exciting, and often low-risk investment, there are plenty of pitfalls that can catch first-time investors off guard. In this short post, we’re sharing our top tips for getting into property investment as a first-time investor. Our Top Tips for Getting into Property Investment 1. Start Following Property Trends Before you even think about making your first investment, you should get into the habit of tracking property trends and the health of the housing market, both locally and nationally. That way, you’ll have more confidence that your investment will see a return in the long run. Note: When you work with Cairn, we provide expert analysis of industry data, alongside in-house and subscription data covering property prices and market trends. Find out more about our investment services here. 2. Only Invest What You Can Afford The next step is to review your current and short-term financial situation to get a handle on your budget. It’s often a good idea to hold some money back for any unforeseen expenses, such as repairs or renovations. And you’ll also need to factor in the additional costs and taxes associated with investment properties, including Stamp Duty, Income Tax (if you’re renting the property), and Capital Gains Tax (the tax paid on any profit generated when you sell the property down the line). 3. Make Sure You Understand Your Legal Requirements & Responsibilities Becoming a buy-to-let landlord comes with extra legal responsibilities, so it’s vital that you know what you’re getting yourself into early doors. Landlords must ensure: The property is safe and hazard-free That they are registered to be a Landlord. All gas and electrical equipment is safely installed, maintained, and inspected regularly Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and tested, and all fire safety regulations are followed to the letter Working with a property management agency (like Cairn) can help you make sure your property adheres to these requirements. 4. Focus on ROI When you’re viewing possible investment opportunities, you need to overlook the aesthetics and focus on the revenue-generating potential of the property. Wallpaper and layout can be changed, so try not to get hung up on the little things. Instead, consider the rental income and the likelihood the property will appreciate in value based on the demand in the area and those property trends you reviewed earlier. 5. Know When to Exit The property market has a habit of fluctuating, and the best investors know when to ride out the lean years and when to sell to make the most profit. Of course, no one’s born with this level of intuition — it takes years of experience to spot those opportunities. Luckily, working with a property investment agency like Cairn lets you tap into that experience as and when required. We’ll keep you up-to-date on current and future trends and help you offload investment properties at the optimum time. Getting Into Property Investment? Work with Cairn Our experienced team are on hand to provide guidance at any stage of the investment process. From supplying valuable insight into current market trends to advising on legal requirements, we’re with you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.
Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Letting, Services, West End
How to Choose the Right Glasgow West End Letting Agents for Your Rental Property
How to Choose the Right Glasgow West End Letting Agents for Your Rental Property Are you a landlord looking to rent out a property (or properties) in Glasgow’s West End? Working with the right Glasgow West End letting agents can make a world of difference. Here, we explain all. For many buy-to-let investors in Glasgow, investing in the city’s iconic West End is a no-brainer. This much sought after location combines glorious green space with bustling cafes, trendy bars & restaurants, and countless transport hubs and local amenities. Popular with students and young professionals alike, rental properties are constantly in demand. And if you’re thinking of adding to your portfolio in this part of the city (or you’re looking for help managing your existing properties), working with expert Glasgow West End letting agents is a must. Here, we explain how to shortlist and choose the right agent. What Should You Look for in Glasgow West End Letting Agents? In our experience, there are three key questions you should ask yourself when shortlisting your Glasgow West End letting agents. Let’s explore in more detail: 1. Are they local to the area? Whether you live elsewhere in the city, the country, or overseas, when you appoint a letting agent to look after your property (or properties), it pays to work with someone local to where your portfolio is situated. That way, you know you have boots on the ground if your tenants require any help or advice, of if an emergency situation arises, such as flooding or fire. Cairn is located on Gibson Street, smack dab in the middle of the busy Kelvinbridge area. We’re a stone’s throw from Kelvingrove Park and 5 minutes from the University of Glasgow. While other letting agents might claim to keep an eye on the West End, our staff know it inside out. 2. Do they have experience dealing with student lets and HMOs? A large proportion of the renters in the West End are made up of students attending one of the city’s major universities or colleges, many of which are easily accessible from this part of the city. When you’re choosing a West End letting agent, they must have experience in dealing with student lets and HMOs. With so many rules and regulations you need to adhere to as an HMO landlord, you need to know you’re in safe hands and on the right side of the law. At Cairn, we invest heavily in our people, our staff are both qualified and abreast of legislation to help ensure we meet your obligations as a landlord. In investing to ensure our staff are Letwell and ARLA qualified, we also have an in-house specialist in first tier tribunals and compliance, where normally a landlord would have to pay extensive solicitor fees, our dedicated team keep you compliant. We’ve been dealing with students and HMOs since day one. Discover why we’re the best letting agents for Glasgow students here. 3. Do they have trusted local trade contacts? Above all else, you should have complete peace of mind that your investment is being maintained to a high standard. And a crucial part of this is making sure your West End letting agents have the right processes and contacts in place to safeguard the condition of your portfolio. When you work with Cairn, we carry out regular inspections and report directly to you. We also deal with any queries or property management issues, and we arrange appropriate (and vetted) contractors to carry out any repairs. See more: Management Services Cairn: Proudly Serving the West End of Glasgow Since 1999 Thinking of working with Glasgow West End letting agents? Choose Cairn. Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly (local) property experts.
Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Selling, Tenanted Properties
Selling a Property with a Tenant in Situ – What to Know
Selling a Property with a Tenant in Situ – What to Know Thinking of selling a property with a tenant in situ? You’ve come to the right place. Here we explain everything you need to know — and share why help is at hand from Cairn. If you’re a landlord thinking of selling your rental property, should you wait until the place is empty, or can you sell with sitting tenants? It’s a question we’re often asked, and so we’re here with an answer: there are pros and cons to both scenarios. Let’s explore them in a little more detail. What are the benefits of selling your rental property when it’s empty? The clear benefit of selling your rental property when it’s vacant (also known as “vacant possession”) is that you have a wider range of options. Rather than selling to another buy-to-let landlord, you could sell the property to a private buyer who wishes to live in it themselves. And before you get to the sale, having the property empty (and clean) will make viewings a lot more straightforward. You won’t have to worry about keeping tenants in the loop, and you’ll know the place is presentable when prospective buyers come looking. What about the drawbacks of selling a rental property when it’s vacant? The main downside to this scenario is that you won’t be drawing any rental income while the property is on the market — so you’ll need to make sure you can cover the mortgage and other expenses from your own pocket. Read more: Top Tips for Selling with Glasgow West End Estate Agents So, what about selling a property with a tenant in situ? When you sell a property with sitting tenants, it means the tenants continue to live in the property after the sale is complete. You simply transfer the tenancy agreement and deposit to the new owner. Everything else remains the same for the tenants, and the new owner has rental income from day one. This might seem like a no-brainer for all involved, but there are a few potential downsides to this approach: Selling with sitting tenants narrows your market to only other buy-to-let investors; Your tenants might become spooked by the change and move out, leaving you with an empty property and extra expenses; It could increase the amount of time it takes to sell the property if the rental market is slow; And you’ll need to convince the prospective buyer that your tenants are responsible and reliable before they agree to takeover the tenancy agreement. The good news is that all of these issues can be overcome if you work with an estate agent experienced in selling tenanted flats. How to sell a property with sitting tenants When selling a property with a tenant in situ, you need to keep everyone informed on both sides of the transaction. Firstly, your tenants need to be reassured that nothing will change on their end. The tenancy agreement they signed with you remains valid, and their rent won’t change while that’s the case. Meanwhile, you need to provide references, credit checks, and other evidence to the prospective buyer to demonstrate that your tenants are reliable and trustworthy, and have been paying their rent on time. When it comes to the actual sales process, it’s largely similar to selling any other property type. You (or your estate agent) would inform your tenants of your plan to sell, put the property on the market (highlighting that it comes with tenants in situ), and begin arranging viewings. And when you receive an acceptable offer, you’ll need a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legalities of transferring the tenancy agreement and deposit to the new owner. Again, working with an expert estate agent (like Cairn) can help iron out these details. Selling a property with a tenant in situ? Work with Cairn One of our main areas of expertise is selling tenanted properties for our clients. And in the majority of cases, our tenanted properties are sold off-market to our investment database. This ensures lower volumes of viewings and minimal disruption to your current tenants, while you continue to collect rental income up until the point of sale. Want to learn more about our services? Contact us today.
Edinburgh, Portobello, Recruitment
WE ARE HIRING – IN OUR PORTOBELLO OFFICE
We Are Hiring – In Our Portobello Office The key to Cairn’s success is its people and its commitment to high quality and personal customer service. Responsive and productive. Cairn always aims to deliver against clients needs. Cairn is currently seeking to recruit an experienced Property Manager based at our new Portobello office. Ideally the […]
