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Legislation
COST OF LIVING (TENANT PROTECTION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2022 – RENT INCREASE BAN UPDATE
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 – Rent increase ban update. A coalition of letting bodies and landlords have submitted a Petition to the Courts against the discriminatory and unreasonable eviction and rent increase ban in Scotland. The Scottish Association of Landlords, Propertymark and Scottish Landlord and Estates have joined forces and are seeking judicial review of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act which was passed in October 2022. Landlords and property professionals have voiced concerns over this rushed and badly planned legislation. Many feel that this is an attack on private landlords, worsened now that the rent increase ban has been removed from the social rented sector as of 1 March 2023. For the private rented sector? As of 1 April 2023, landlords can increase the rent by 3%, or apply to the rent officer for a 6% increase, to cover increases in the ‘prescribed property costs’ which are: The interest payable on any mortgage or standard security over the rented property. Any insurance premium you pay which relates to offering the property for rent. For example, landlords’ insurance. Increases in premiums for building or property insurance are not included. Any service charges related to the rented property that the tenant pays towards as part of their rent if this was agreed between you and the tenant as part of the terms of the tenancy. Not the best deal for private landlords, who are also suffering through the cost of living crisis whilst being expected to carry tenant rent arrears and pay for maintenance and compliance. Not forgetting the eviction ban! So, can I increase my rent from 1 April 2023? Yes, for PRT tenancies, a rent increase notice can be served on the tenant from 1 April 2023. However, the legislation is clear that any notices issued before 1 April 2023, still fall within the 0% cap, even if the notice does not take effect until after 1 April 2023. For Assured and Short Assured Tenancies, rent increases are still permitted and not affected by the ban as long as the tenancy agreement has a rent increase clause. Rents can be increased to the market value per the terms of the clause, unless there is a specific formula stating otherwise. In such difficult times as these, it is now more important than ever to have a knowledgeable and qualified agent managing your rental property and your interests. If you would like to discuss your options of changing agent or letting your property, please contact our friendly team on 0141 270 7878 for Glasgow and 0131 346 4646 for Edinburgh, or by email to enquiries@cairnletting.com We also have a in house Compliance Manager who is more than happy to assist landlords facing difficult letting and eviction issues.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director
Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director What your job entails? Sourcing and selling investment opportunities for UK and overseas clients. Particular focus on HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) Investments and portfolio management. Managing the Estate Agency divisions in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and adding value to properties for landlords through developments and refurbishments. How long have you worked at Cairn? Coming up 12 years, the roller coaster of trends and changes in the market through those 12 yrs has helped me gain the experience and knowledge of the property market in both sales and letting. What was it about the property industry that made you want to work in it? The property market in Glasgow and Edinburgh is a fantastic sector to work in. Meeting a wide and varied cross section of buyers, sellers, tenants and helping source and secure the right property for the right people at the right time – it’s challenging but I genuinely love what I do. The best thing about working in the property industry? Every day and every property is different and the diversity of our client base is always interesting meeting people from all walks of life. It’s an ever changing market, being adaptable, resourceful and proactive makes the responsibilities both challenging and rewarding. Being a parent myself, I really enjoy working with parent investors, looking for the right accommodation and investment for their family for the short term Uni days and beyond. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The fluidity of the business, and the enthusiasm of the team makes it a dynamic place to be. One piece of advice you’d give your younger self? I think woman (particularly young women) are so critical of themselves – try and not compare yourself and your life to others – hold your head high ! What you like to do in your spare time, interests, hobbies etc? Nutrition and fitness are my main passions, running, challenges, munro bagging, open water swimming, water skiing, anything outdoors and if my little bown mutt can come too it’s a bonus! Not a lot of people know that I… Studied at New York Uni in the 90s which was an “awesome” experience! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? I try not to hold anyone up on a pedestal. I try and surround myself with positive, enthusiastic, good people, all trying to be the best version of themselves in both business and personally. Where’s your favourite place in Scotland? Caledonia ! where do I start … I can write a book on the beautiful places and experiences I have been lucky enough to have in Scotland. Mountains… lochs… islands…. Coastlines …. Scotland rarely disappoints me. My home town Portobello is special but if I had to choose my top destination it would be Barra – there is something very magical about the Outer Hebrides.
Estate Agency, Selling
Tips for Selling Your Home in January
New Year, New View: Why January Is the Best Time to Sell Your Home Does “moving home” rank high on your New Year’s resolutions? Don’t wait until spring has sprung to get your home on the market. January can be a great time to sell, and here we explain why. 3 Reasons Why Selling in January Makes Sense 1. Demand outstrips supply For many people, springtime is the time to put their homes up for sale. The weather is getting better, there are more buyers around, and the property market kicks into gear. But just because winter isn’t peak property hunting season doesn’t mean there aren’t buyers searching in January. There’s still demand for new homes, and while it’s not as great as in the spring (or autumn), you could steal a march on other sellers by making your property available sooner. 2. Serious buyers only Continuing on from the first point, the buyers searching in January won’t be kicking tyres. In other words, they’re not coming for a nose around your home with zero intention of making an offer. When viewers are braving the winter weather to look at your property, you can almost guarantee they’ll be serious about buying sooner rather than later. 3. Moving companies have better availability If one of those serious buyers makes you an offer, and you accept it, everything can move relatively quickly during the winter months — including the move itself. As you’re outside the peak season, removal companies should have better availability, and some might even be cheaper. Plus, other important aspects of moving house (such as surveys and conveyancing) can often be done faster as there’s less demand at this time of year. Our Top Tips for Selling Your Home in January Make your home cosy for viewings It’s Scotland. In January. It’s cold outside. Make sure your home is warm and inviting when a potential buyer drops by. Add cosy touches, like throws, cushions, and rugs, to your rooms, light some scented candles, and keep the temperature at an appropriate level. Essentially, you want viewers to feel like your home is an escape from the bitter winter weather. If you can do that, you might just help them picture themselves living there! Tidy up your garden/entrance Gardens in January won’t be in full bloom, but it’s vital that you don’t neglect yours if you have one. Sweep up dead leaves, scrub the patio, and arrange your garden furniture to give any prospective buyers an idea of your outdoor space’s potential when summer (finally) rolls around. And if you don’t have a garden, make sure the entrance to your property is free of any winter debris, like mud or leaves, and that the path is de-iced ahead of time. Let Cairn take the lead Finally, work with an experienced local estate agent, like Cairn. We can take the lead when it comes to staging and marketing your property, and we can also handle viewings on your behalf. And once the bids start rolling in, we can advise on negotiations to help you land the very best deal for your home. Ready to get your home on the market in January? Cairn can help! Contact us today to arrange a free property valuation.
Buy To Let, Edinburgh
Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh: Where to Look?
Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh: Where to Look? Looking for the best areas to buy-to-let in Edinburgh? This post’s for you… Edinburgh is one of the best places to buy-to-let in the UK. With six universities, a thriving commercial centre (boasting over 50,000 businesses), and a growing population projected to reach 586,566 by 2043, it’s the ideal city for expanding your rental portfolio. But if you want to maximise your income on a buy-to-let investment, you must choose the area carefully. Depending on your budget and target market, some parts of the city will make more sense than others. Read on to discover the best locations for buy-to-let investors in Edinburgh. But first… Why Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh? There are several great reasons to consider Edinburgh property investment in 2023. According to a study by commercial property advisor Colliers, the Scottish capital was named the second best city for residential property investment in the UK — Cambridge was first, and London came fourth. The city’s house price growth, high-quality universities, and strong economic performance all combined to help Edinburgh nab the runner-up spot. And with a population that’s been trending upwards since the early 90s, there’s no shortage of demand for rental properties among students, professionals, and families. Read More: 4 Huge Reasons Why You Should Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh Five Buy-to-Let Edinburgh Hotspots: The Best Postcodes in Edinburgh For Property Investment 1. EH16 – Liberton and surrounding areas Average property price: £260,000 EH16 is a consistently popular area for buy-to-let in Edinburgh. Covering Liberton (and the neighbouring suburbs of Craigmillar, Peffermill and Niddrie), EH16 offers various residential properties. Liberton is situated around three miles from the city centre, making it ideal for both professionals and students. Liberton High School, renowned for academic and sporting achievements, makes rental properties in this part of the city particularly sought after by families. Search for properties for sale in EH16 2. EH17 – Gilmerton, Moredun and Mortonhall Average property price: £285,000 Benefiting from good access to the city bypass, homes in EH17 (Gilmerton, Moredun and Mortonhall) appeal to tenants who need to reach other areas of the city or venture further afield. The area is also close to many of the University of Edinburgh’s buildings, making it popular with students. Search for properties for sale in EH17 3. EH11 – Try Dalry or Gorgie for Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh Average property price: £230,000 Southwest of the city centre, EH11 covers Dalry and Gorgie. With excellent transport links, it’s no surprise that properties here are popular with a wide range of tenants. Homes in EH11 also tend to be more competitively priced, making it an ideal area for investment. And since this is an up-and-coming part of Edinburgh, you can expect to make a healthy ROI. Search for properties for sale in EH11 4. EH7 – Broughton, Hillside and Lochend Average property price: £260,000 The area of Broughton is in high demand. Both young professionals and students enjoy its proximity to the city centre — but without the high housing costs associated with other areas. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and delis line Broughton Street, making it a vibrant and highly sought-after area. Property in Broughton, as well as neighbouring Hillside, tends to attract higher selling prices. For more competitively priced property, take a closer look at the area of Lochend. Search for properties for sale in EH7 5. EH8 – Newington and Canongate Average property price: £290,000 EH8 is a fantastic location for students attending the University of Edinburgh, with Newington and Canongate both situated near university buildings and an array of bars, eateries, and shops. And with Holyrood Park and the Meadows right on the doorstep, there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy. If you want to rent to students in Edinburgh, properties in the EH8 district should be your first port of call. Search for properties for sale in EH8 Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh with Cairn Property The best areas for buy-to-let properties in Edinburgh will always come down to the type of property you’re looking for and the person (or people) you’re targeting. Do you want to rent an HMO to students? Or would you prefer to let your property to a young professional or a family? Working with an experienced property investment company, like Cairn, can help you answer all of these questions and more. We’ll help you determine the best business model for your situation and zero in on the location and property type you require. And when you’re ready to rent, we can handle the marketing and ongoing management of your property on your behalf. If you’re interested in buy-to-let opportunities in Edinburgh, get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services.
Buy To Let, Glasgow
Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots: Where to Invest in 2026 and 2027
Where to Invest in Glasgow Property: Hotspots and Trends for 2026–2027 Glasgow has been a strong buy-to-let market for years, but what’s shifting now is how investors are approaching it. Demand is still there. In fact, it continues to outstrip supply in many parts of the city, with large numbers of tenants competing for a limited number of properties. What’s changed is the level of detail required. It’s no longer enough to buy in a “good area” and expect consistent performance. The next couple of years will favour investors who understand how different parts of the city are evolving. Glasgow remains demand-led, but more selective The fundamentals are still strong. Glasgow continues to benefit from: a large working population a strong student base a growing and diverse economy These factors keep tenant demand consistent across the city. What’s shifted slightly is tenant behaviour. Tenants are now more selective around: property condition layout and usability overall living experience This means two properties in the same street can perform very differently depending on how they’re presented and managed. Key investment areas to watch into 2027 Rather than focusing purely on postcodes, it’s more useful to think in terms of how areas are performing and evolving. The West End: Consistency at a premium The West End remains one of Glasgow’s most reliable investment areas. Demand is driven by: students professionals long-term renters Properties here tend to: let quickly attract strong tenants hold value over time The trade-off is entry price. It’s not the cheapest part of the city, but it’s one of the most consistent. The Southside: Lifestyle-led demand Areas like Shawlands, Pollokshields, and surrounding neighbourhoods continue to grow in popularity. They appeal to tenants looking for: a strong local feel access to green space good transport links For investors, the Southside offers a balance between: steady demand more accessible entry points than the West End long-term growth potential The East End: Ongoing regeneration and value The East End has moved on significantly in recent years. Areas such as Dennistoun and surrounding postcodes are: attracting younger tenants benefiting from regeneration still offering relatively accessible pricing This creates opportunity, particularly for investors looking for: entry-level buy-to-let gradual growth over time The key here is choosing the right property within the area, not just the area itself. Emerging and regeneration areas: Looking ahead Some of the original hotspot areas, such as parts of G51 and G52, were highlighted due to regeneration potential and lower entry prices. That still applies, but the approach needs to be more considered. These areas can offer: lower purchase prices higher potential yields longer-term upside But they also require: careful tenant targeting realistic expectations a longer-term view What will matter most in 2026 and 2027 The next two years won’t be defined by one standout location. They’ll be defined by how well investors align their property with demand. 1. Property condition over postcode A well-presented property in a secondary area will often outperform a poorly presented one in a prime location. Condition is now one of the first filters tenants apply. 2. Usability and layout Tenants are placing more importance on how a property works day to day. That includes: usable living space room for hybrid working practical layouts This is becoming a key differentiator. 3. Consistent demand over short-term gain Chasing the highest yield doesn’t always lead to the best long-term result. Properties that offer: steady occupancy reliable tenant demand manageable upkeep Properties that offer steady occupancy, reliable tenant demand, and manageable upkeep tend to perform more consistently over time. 4. A more structured investment approach The investors seeing the strongest results are: more selective more informed more focused on long-term positioning The “buy anything in the right postcode” approach is becoming less effective. FAQs Is Glasgow still a good place to invest in buy-to-let? Yes, Glasgow remains one of the strongest rental markets in Scotland due to consistent tenant demand and a large working population. Which areas of Glasgow offer the best investment potential? The West End offers stability, the Southside offers balanced growth, and the East End provides more accessible entry points with ongoing regeneration. Are cheaper areas better for buy-to-let investment? Not always. Lower purchase price doesn’t guarantee better performance without strong tenant demand. What type of property performs best in Glasgow? Well-presented flats in areas with strong transport links and local amenities tend to perform most consistently. Is 2026 a good time to invest in Glasgow property? Yes, but investors need to be more selective and strategic than in previous years. What is the biggest mistake investors make? Relying on location alone without considering condition, layout, and tenant demand. Glasgow continues to offer strong buy-to-let opportunities, but the approach is evolving. If you’re looking to invest and want a clear view of where the real opportunities are in 2026 and 2027, Cairn can help you make informed, well-positioned decisions. .flex_column.av-35lwja-b96e159e08572a0bf67e1a1060fc7be1{ -webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; -moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;
Edinburgh, HMO Properties
Cairn: HMO Specialists in Edinburgh
Cairn: HMO Specialists in Edinburgh As HMO specialists in Edinburgh, we regularly write about the benefits and considerations of renting an HMO in Scotland’s capital, whether that’s from the perspective of a landlord or a tenant. In this post, we’ve pulled together the most important links, definitions, and information, all in one place. If you’re thinking about renting an HMO in Edinburgh, make sure you read this first. Firstly: What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) or “house share” is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen). HMOs are a great way for landlords and tenants to spread the risk of renting. However, for a property to qualify as an HMO, it must meet strict licensing requirements. All HMO properties in Edinburgh are licensed by the local council, and the council will typically inspect properties before issuing a licence. The licence means HMO landlords are responsible for the following: Quarterly inspections and fire training Smoke alarm installation on every level Clearing fire escapes of obstruction Keeping communal areas clean and tidy Ensuring waste disposal facilities are in place In addition to this, the rooms in the property must be of adequate size, and any gas and electrical appliances must be certified safe. An approved HMO property must have its licence prominently displayed. When is an HMO Licence Not Needed? There are a few situations where an HMO licence won’t be required. For example, if a tenant is living with their landlord, the landlord doesn’t count as one of the unrelated people. Similarly, by law, a landlord does not require a licence if two of the tenants are a couple. This is defined as “married or civil partners, or living together as husband and wife or, where they are of the same sex, in an equivalent relationship”. You can read more about HMO licensing requirements on this page: HMO Letting with Cairn. What Are the Benefits of HMO Letting in Edinburgh? There are a few benefits to renting an Edinburgh HMO property, for both tenants and landlords: For tenants: You can split the bills between more people, potentially saving you more money than if you were renting alone or with one other person. HMOs in Edinburgh are popular with the city’s college and university students, allowing them to live affordably off-campus and cook together to save money. For landlords: You’ll likely receive a higher rental yield when letting an Edinburgh HMO, while void periods are often reduced due to high demand from students and young professionals alike. HMOs also mean you can collect rent from several tenants, so if one is late, it shouldn’t hurt your cash flow as much as it would with a standard let. Are There Any Disadvantages to Renting an HMO? There are a few minor downsides to renting HMO properties in Edinburgh worth noting: For tenants: If one of your flatmates is late with their share of the rent, the rest of you could be on the hook for it. This can cause tension, particularly if you don’t know one another all that well prior to living together. For landlords: There are far more regulations and responsibilities involved in letting an HMO property compared to a standard let. And success can often hinge on your tenants living together peacefully! Our HMO Specialists Edinburgh Resources: Choosing HMO Letting Agents in Edinburgh – Are you a landlord looking for the best HMO letting agents in Edinburgh? This post tells you everything you need to know. Renting an HMO in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords & Students – If you’re interested in renting out (or living in) an HMO, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we explain all. 4 Huge Reasons Why You Should Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh – Are you a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO in Scotland’s vibrant capital? Here are a few reasons why it remains a popular and lucrative idea. Getting to Grips with HMO Licencing – Are you a landlord looking to understand HMO licencing better? This post explains everything. Cairn: HMO Specialists (Edinburgh) We’ve been managing fully licensed HMO properties in Edinburgh for several years. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, when you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We meet all licensing requirements, move tenants in safely, and carry out quarterly inspections to make sure the property is secure, clean and comfortable, as per the HMO conditions. Are you interested in renting an HMO property in Edinburgh? Get in touch to learn more.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Sally Turnbull cert CIH – Office Branch Manager
Meet the Team – Sally Turnbull Cert CIH – Office Branch Manager Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? As Branch Manager for the Glasgow Office, I oversee all Glasgow based staff dealing with the daily running of the branch and any complicated issues that may arise. What is your proudest business achievement ? My proudest achievement is going from Property Manager to the Glasgow Branch Manager within 2 years of being with Cairn. I knew at this point that I had found the career and company best suited to my skills and who I am as a person. What do you enjoy most about working for Cairn? I really enjoy working for a family run business, I have worked for more corporate companies in the past that do not have the same personal touch that makes you feel like you are part of the team and extremely valued. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I spent a year living and studying in Spain, I finished my final year of University in the lovely city of Alicante which was one my most treasured memories. What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? Never doubt your own capabilities. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? It will take time to find the right career and spend more time with family. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business ? My hero outside of business is my nephew Louie as he has brought so much joy into my family’s lives. Inside of business, I admire those that can see the bigger picture, lead by example and encourage others to grow. What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire those that are thoughtful, hardworking, organised and positive. How do you unwind out of work ? I love to watch MasterChef with my cats, spend quality time with my partner and eat lots! Favourite book/CD/DVD? I don’t tend to read much, although I really should. My favourite film is Man on Fire or Eat Pray Love. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? My favourite place in Scotland is ‘Mossyard Beach’. I grew up camping here for 2 weeks every year even though it was only 20 minutes away from our house!
Properties
Guest Blog // from Grant Robertson FRICS, Chairman of Allied Surveyors
Guest Blog // from Grant Robertson FRICS, Chairman of Allied Surveyors For some time now there has been an inevitability to a slowdown in the Glasgow Property Market. House price inflation has been running ahead of wage inflation for over two years and this allied to the increase in interest rates which have been brought forward by the Bank of England to tackle inflation has together with the general cost of living increases put the squeeze of household expenditure which has to have a direct effect on affordability. Whilst the new “grownups” at Westminster have steadied the financial ship and it would appear the interest rates will now peak at a level perhaps 1.5 to maybe 2% below the levels which were being intimated in September, the kneejerk reaction by the banks has driven two-year fixed rates in excess of 6% against current base rates of 3%. I expect those rates will continue to soften and allow some affordability back into the housing market. Markets are of course driven by supply and demand and supply has been at historically low levels for over a decade and it is likely that as we witness a slowdown in new house completions, the supply and demand imbalance will continue for many years to come. What we are witnessing just now is concerns over the ‘double deposit’ where purchasers having had to pay 15 or 20% over home report value as well as then finding their deposit between the valuation and their loan to value. The implications of this could be that a flat selling over the home report of the £150,000 and selling for £180,000 means the purchaser has to find £30,000 to bridge that cap and then perhaps on a 75% loan to value to find another £40,000 meaning a deposit of £70,000 for a flat that essentially valued at £150,000. This is making it very difficult to completed purchases. Home report values must reflect the current evidence of sales whether in a growth or recessionary market. Home Report values do of course naturally lag market sales because surveyors are looking at completed sales 3-6 months behind where the market works in real time. I expect the frothy prices over home report value to drop back and that the limited cash available to purchases as they offset the cost of living increases and other financial concerns. Overall, we will therefore see that the strong sales prices of late 2021 and early 2022 softened by perhaps around 10% whilst home report values themselves are unlikely to see any change for any period of time to come. As others have written in this blog, interest rates at 3% remain at half of what historic long-term rates have been and for those of us who remember the early 1990’s buying our properties at 16%, the current rates seem laughably low. Undoubtedly, it is not fun for people who have seen their mortgage payment double and perhaps even head towards triple through the last few months, but rates have to be viewed against a historic level of affordability which remains within perfectly reasonable margins in Scotland. In summary, low levels of supply against more modest levels of demand will maintain the value of properties to within 10% of the stronger values paid through 2022 and we see a freeing up of parts of the market, particularly in terms of downsizers who now can see the point of selling their property, banking some cash and helping out their children or grandchildren where over the last decade with ultra-low interest rates, there has been little or no point to do so. Sales are still happening but all involved in the transaction be that agent, solicitor, lender, surveyor buyer or seller need to be alert to the changing landscape and ensure lines of communication remain open and that trigger points are addressed well before time constraints kick in. The property world is in a state of flux and now is the time to use experienced professionals who can adapt and perform in challenging circumstances. Should you be thinking of selling in the new year for complimentary valuation our experienced team will guide you through the process. Visit Allied Surveyors Scotland online.
Property Finance
Guest Blog // West End Mortgages – Thinking of refinancing ?
Guest Blog // West End Mortgages – Thinking of refinancing ? There are various different ways and many different reasons that you may wish to release equity from an investment property. Most commonly, we see landlords release capital to purchase additional investment properties, or to fund improvements to existing properties. Applying to release additional funds from a property is commonly factored in as part of the remortgage application process. As with any mortgage, approval is subject to each lenders specific criteria. It is also important to ensure that you remain in the correct loan to value bracket, to obtain a competitive mortgage deal. A number of lenders will allow you to organise your new mortgage up to 6 months in advance of your current deal ending, meaning you can lock your new deal in as early as possible. If you are part way through a fixed rate mortgage, your lender may allow you to apply for a further advance (additional borrowing) subject to meeting their specific lending criteria. We have seen a number of lenders drop their interest rates over the last couple of weeks, meaning now could be a good time to review your mortgage options. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-p4k55e-41f33b56717b8a07430b5c93a78d43d0{ height:20px;
