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Edinburgh, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Letting

A Short Guide to Letting in Edinburgh

A Short Guide to Letting in Edinburgh Interested in letting in Edinburgh? Here’s what you need to know. With Edinburgh property as sought after as ever, buy-to-let opportunities haven’t lost their appeal. Average rents are up 39% in the past ten years according to ESPC, demonstrating the fantastic long-term investment potential the rental market offers.  If you’re a first-time landlord, read our short guide to letting Edinburgh properties.  4 Things You Need to Do When Letting in Edinburgh 1. Register your rental property Before you can let out your property, you’ll need to register with the City of Edinburgh Council. Since this is a legal requirement, failing to do so could land you in hot water. You could even face a £50,000 fine in some cases. To register as a landlord, visit the Scottish Landlord Register website or contact your local housing department. 2. Understand your responsibilities  Letting out your rental property isn’t a simple case of finding tenants and pocketing the rent each month. As a landlord, you have a wide array of responsibilities you’ll need to carry out to ensure you comply with the law. This includes creating tenancy agreements, securing deposits in a tenancy deposit scheme, and arranging Energy Performance Certificates (EPC). You must also take steps to ensure your tenants are safe while living in your property, such as annual fire safety, electrical safety, and gas safety checks.  3. Market your property  Don’t underestimate the importance of marketing your rental property when letting in Edinburgh. There are many properties available for rent in the capital, and yours must stand out from the crowd to stand a chance.  Although it can be tempting to skip the marketing process to save money, it’s essential when it comes to finding quality tenants who can be relied upon to pay rent on time each month.  A local letting agent can market your property using various methods, making sure it’s visible and appealing to as many prospective tenants as possible.  4. Carry out repairs quickly When letting in Edinburgh, you may have to carry out repairs in your rental property. You need to ensure the property meets two sets of standards: the Repairing Standard and the Tolerable Standard.  Always carry out repairs in a reasonable amount of time. What is considered “reasonable” depends on the type of repair. If the problem makes the property unsafe, you’ll need to get it fixed as quickly as possible.  However, many landlords either don’t have time or live too far away to make or manage repairs to their properties. Fortunately, if you choose a fully managed letting service, your agent can arrange the repairs on your behalf. Letting in Edinburgh with Cairn Property Edinburgh remains one of the best cities in the UK for buy-to-lets. Not only does it have a growing population and a thriving economy with over 50,000 businesses, but it also has six universities, making it ideal if you want to let out your property to students.  Work with a reputable Edinburgh letting agent (like Cairn) to maximise the potential of your buy-to-let investment in the Scottish capital.  Contact us to learn more about our letting services. .flex_column.av-8egpo-b95516b53cac3006319c6f701afd6499{ -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;

Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Letting

A Short Guide to Letting in Glasgow

A Short Guide to Letting in Glasgow Interested in letting in Glasgow? Here’s what you need to know. Buy to let in Glasgow is booming, with demand for rented homes soaring in recent years. Scotland’s biggest city remains an attractive option for students and young professionals, and properties are being built in prime locations targeted at these demographics.  According to ECA International, this has driven up rental prices, with Glasgow seeing the highest increase in the UK over the last year.  So, if you’re a first-time landlord interested in letting property in Glasgow, read on for Cairn’s most important info, tips, and advice.  4 Things You Need to Do When Letting in Glasgow 1. Register with the local council When renting out properties in Glasgow, you have to register with the local council. Registering your property before letting it ensures it meets the minimum legal requirements.  Keep in mind that if you rent out a property before registering with Glasgow City Council, you could face a hefty fine (up to £50,000). To apply for landlord registration, contact the local housing department or visit the Scottish Landlord Register website. 2. Find suitable tenants  Finding reliable tenants who will pay rent on time and respect your property is one of the most important aspects of a successful buy-to-let in Glasgow. However, you won’t secure good tenants by accident. Marketing your property will make it more attractive, with appealing visuals giving it the edge over others in the area.  A local letting agency in Glasgow can help you market your rental property effectively, helping you find and secure suitable tenants quickly.  3. Understand your responsibilities As a landlord in Glasgow, you have a wide range of responsibilities. As well as drawing up a tenancy agreement and securing the deposit in an approved tenancy deposit scheme, you’ll need to:  Arrange an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC); for advertising.  Ensure your property meets the Repairing and Tolerable Standards at the start and throughout the tenancy. Meet safety requirements such as installing smoke alarms and carry out a gas, electrical and water system checks.  Pay overseas landlord tax (if applicable). And maintain the property’s structure and exterior. You’ll also need to carry out common repairs within the property. Although your responsibilities as a landlord can seem overwhelming, a letting agency can carry out many of these duties on your behalf, making life so much easier for you! 4. Deal with disputes promptly When letting out properties, disagreements happen. For example, perhaps a tenant wants you to repair or replace something, and you don’t think it’s your responsibility.  Whatever the reason for the dispute, you’ll need to find a way to deal with it quickly. If you can’t resolve the issue by talking to your tenant, you may consider getting advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), the Legal Services Agency, or your solicitor.  Many people find dealing with tenants disputes one of the toughest parts of being a landlord. This is why many choose to work with a local letting agency. Having the support of an experienced and qualified property manager with a vast knowledge in the Repairing and Tolerable Standards, as well as a landlords responsibilities will take the stress and worry away from dealing with any difficult disputes. At Cairn, all our staff are fully qualified to ensure they can handle and resolve any disputes quickly and efficiently to the landlords and the tenants satisfaction. Letting in Glasgow with Cairn Property Buying and letting out Glasgow properties can be a fantastic investment, with increasing demand for homes and rising rental prices making it an attractive prospect. However, there’s a lot to consider when renting out a property in the city, with many responsibilities placed squarely on a landlord’s shoulders.  Fortunately, a local letting agency (like Cairn) can handle many of these duties, from finding the right tenants to making sure you’re complying with your legal obligations.  Contact us to learn more about our letting services. .flex_column.av-qp6g3d-694ba03245f5f999b6d55385abe07316{ -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;

Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Letting

How to Choose Letting Agents in Glasgow

How to choose letting agents in Glasgow Looking for letting agents in Glasgow to help rent your properties? Here are our top tips. With the demand for rental properties in Glasgow greater than ever, there’s never been a better time to buy-to-let here. However, rather than letting out your property yourself and running into problems down the line, it makes sense to work with a reputable local letting agency. Read on to find out how to choose letting agents in Glasgow. 6 Tips For Choosing Letting Agents In Glasgow  1. Assess their local property knowledge  There may be hundreds of letting agents advertising their services in Glasgow, but how many of them have expert local property knowledge?  When you choose a letting agent with experience in renting similar properties in your area, you can expect them to deliver the expert advice you need to make your investment a success. Focus on finding agents who know the area well.  Not only can they be relied upon to value your property accurately, but they’ll also be on hand to carry out viewings in person. 2. Evaluate their marketing methods  Marketing is crucial for finding the right tenants for your rental property — it’s essential to find letting agents in Glasgow who place significant focus on it.  Find out what methods they use to market properties, taking a close look at how well they’re listed online. Have they used enticing visuals and video that gives them the edge over other properties? Do their properties stand out from the crowd? If so, there’s a good chance that particular letting agency can do the same for your property. 3. Consider your requirements When choosing letting agents in Glasgow, you’ll need to consider your requirements carefully. Do you need a fully managed service or will a let-only service do?  If you’re an inexperienced or time-short landlord, a fully managed service could be the best option. This means your agent will handle everything on your behalf, from finding tenants to dealing with repairs and disputes. However, if you’re prepared to manage the tenancy yourself and only want your agent to find tenants for you, a let-only service may be more appropriate. Take some time to think about how much time and expertise you have to commit to your buy-to-let investment in Glasgow.  4. Check reviews and testimonials  Online reviews are worth their weight in gold when it comes to choosing a letting agency in Glasgow. They let you read honest and impartial feedback from people who’ve already used the company’s services.  Scouring the internet for reviews and testimonials can help you to find a reputable letting agent with a proven track record for managing rental properties in the city.  5. Credentials & LARN Always ensure a Letting agency is registered, each professional agency has a LARN number and that should be on display and available on request. By law, all agencies must use a tenant deposit scheme ie Safe Deposit Scotland, look out for how your chosen letting agent deals with disputes, ideally disputes are settled through third tier tribunal processes. Investing in agency staff is also an important tell tale sign, look for an agency that demonstrate qualified, fully trained staff – these can often be recognised through the credibility of having a SAL or ARLA accreditation. 6. Knowledge is key It is important to ask questions to ensure the letting agent appointed is knowledgeable with current legislation and procedures. Consider asking questions like ‘how do you reference tenants?’, ‘how do you check that my property is being looked after throughout a tenancy?’, ‘how to you handle tenant arrears?’, ‘how do you manage maintenance?’, ‘how do you handle tenant evictions?’, ‘do you have any experience with the First-tier Tribunal?’, ‘Can you help me with my HMO license?’. Having an experienced and knowledgeable letting agent will ensure that you have the best support possible when difficult situations arise in your rental property. At Cairn, we have fully qualified property managers with a wealth of experience in handling difficult letting situations. We have specialists in our office on hand to help you with HMO applications, tenant arrears, evictions and Tribunal applications if necessary. Looking For Letting Agents In Glasgow? Choose Cairn With the vast majority of landlords in Glasgow hiring letting agents to manage their rental properties, their importance is clear. They can help you to find and retain reliable tenants, helping you maximise the profitability of your buy-to-let investment.  Finding the right letting agent can make life so much easier for you, taking away much of the stress that comes with being a landlord. Take your time to choose a local letting agent who you can rely on to manage your property to a high standard. A letting agent like Cairn. Contact us to learn more about our letting services. 


Edinburgh, Landlords

How to Choose Letting Agents in Edinburgh

How to Choose Letting Agents in Edinburgh Need help choosing letting agents in Edinburgh? Read on for our top tips. From marketing and finding the right tenants to collecting rent and carrying out maintenance, there’s a lot to consider when letting out a property.  Even if you’re an experienced landlord, the process never seems to get any easier. For this reason, many people choose to use a letting agent to manage their rental property.  But how do you pick the right one? Here we share some advice to help you choose the best letting agents in Edinburgh.  4 Tips for Choosing Letting Agents in Edinburgh  1. Seek out local property experts  Many letting agents are now moving online, but you shouldn’t underestimate the value of finding local property experts who know the area inside out.  Look for an agent who’s already let similar properties near your own. This will ensure that they have in-depth knowledge of the local lettings market and give you the best advice. Letting agents in Edinburgh can provide an accurate valuation for your rental property and also carry out in-person viewings if required.  2. Decide on the service you require  There are hundreds of letting agents in Edinburgh. However, not all offer the same level of service. While some offer a fully managed service, others will provide a let-only service.  The one you choose will largely depend on how much time and knowledge you have to dedicate to being a landlord. If you want your agent to handle everything for you, from marketing the property to dealing with tenants, you’ll need a fully managed service.  If you’re happy to manage the tenancy yourself, but need an agent to find tenants and deal with the paperwork, a let-only service could be more suitable.  Decide what level of service you require and look for letting agents in Edinburgh that can assist. 3. Assess their marketing techniques  Marketing is crucial when letting out a property. After all, successful marketing is the best route to finding and retaining reliable tenants.  So, when looking for letting agents in Edinburgh, be sure to assess their marketing prowess.  Where and how well are their properties listed online?  Do their photographs/videos showcase a property effectively?  How do they make it stand out from the crowd?  Do they describe the property with engaging detail? Are they active on social media? The marketing of your property will shape people’s perceptions and ultimately determine if they arrange a viewing or not. It must be up to scratch.  4. Read online reviews  When looking for letting agents in Edinburgh, don’t underestimate the importance of reading online reviews. According to GlobalWebIndex, almost half (47%) of all internet users worldwide say that they post reviews about a product, company, or service every month. Reading these reviews allows you to gain insight into a letting agency and helps you establish what level of service you’re likely to receive.  Genuine feedback from real customers helps you separate the wheat from the chaff and ensures you choose an agent that will make letting out your property a breeze. Looking for Letting Agents in Edinburgh? Choose Cairn In 2015, HomeLet surveyed 2,000 landlords and discovered that the vast majority (87%) used letting agents to manage their properties. This goes to show how important they are for marketing and managing rental properties.  And with so many letting agents in Edinburgh, it makes sense to take your time and choose a company you can rely on. A company that provides a first-class service tailored to your needs. A company like Cairn.  Contact us to learn more about our letting services.

Hints & Tips, Landlords

Case Study: Is Your Letting Agent Performing For You?

Case Study: Is Your Letting Agent Performing For You? A mismanaged property isn’t always obvious. Small things, like patchy communication and substandard repairs, can sometimes fly under the radar, while late rent payments and expensive maintenance charges can be explained away as the cost of doing business.  This leads to many landlords remaining loyal to their current agent, even if the agent isn’t delivering as promised. Besides, changing agents is too much hassle, right?  Well, we’re here to tell you that moving letting agents is actually easier than you might think — and it could save you lots of money.  Here’s how one of our clients benefited by making the switch to Cairn: How We Saved Our Client Over £500 per Month Our client had a lovely property in the city centre of Glasgow, managed by a local agent. Unfortunately, the property had sat vacant for a little over a year, which resulted in the dreaded 200% council tax charges.  The COVID-19 pandemic was offered up as an obvious excuse for the lack of movement, but when they started receiving bills for over £500 a month, they decided it was time to switch.  This led them to Cairn, and within a week, we had their property looking great and on the market.  Before moving to Cairn, our client had been told time and again that the rental market was “slow” over the past year. We were delighted to prove this claim wrong. Within a fortnight, we had an application for the property, and in under a month, we had a new tenant in place.  What we did to help To make the switch a smooth one, we did the following: Liaised with the current agent, requesting and receiving the necessary documentation for the property. We then reviewed this internally and made a plan of action.  Arranged a thorough property inspection to determine the current condition. We then provided quotes for any necessary repairs. Advised the owner of what was required and arranged to undertake certificates/works to bring the property back up to standard.  Marketed the property across our website, social media, and the leading property portals.  Conducted all viewings, handled the paperwork, and placed a tenant within 4 weeks. What our (very happy) client said: Once those bills for over £500 a month started coming in, enough was enough. We approached Cairn and the switching process was straightforward. They handled almost everything. The only job I had was to arrange key collection.  Even though their team appreciated the urgency to get our property back on the market and rented out, I was shocked at how quickly they managed it. I can’t thank the team at Cairn enough for their efforts. They are professional, dedicated, and efficient and I would have no hesitation recommending them in the future. Interested in moving letting agents? Read our simple six-step process. With another letting agent? Get a FREE property audit from Cairn and make sure your obligations as a landlord are being met. Contact us today.

Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Landlords, Property Investment, Property Partners

Looking for Portfolios for Sale? 4 Things You Need to Consider

Looking for Portfolios for Sale? 4 Things You Need to Consider Interested in portfolios for sale? Read this short blog post for advice. Building a property portfolio can take time, money, and know-how. The best property investors and buy-to-let landlords have built their mini-empires with patience and hard work. But there is a faster way: you could simply purchase a ready-made property portfolio. However, finding portfolios for sale requires careful planning, and in this post, we share 4 important questions you need to ask before you start moving money around.  Portfolios for Sale: 4 Questions to Ask 1. Have you done your due diligence?  No matter the size of the property portfolio in question, the biggest mistake you can make is rushing in. Prior to investing, you must evaluate the portfolio to understand its true commercial value and potential, and also uncover any risks involved in the purchase.  When you work with Cairn, we carry out a review of the cost/benefit opportunities against the investment profile to make sure you’re making the right financial decision. 2. Are the properties tenanted?  Buying a portfolio with tenants in situ means you can start making rental income without skipping a beat. It also saves you from the hassle (and expense) of having to market several properties at once, vetting and placing new tenants.  Here at Cairn, we specialise in the sale of tenanted properties, so we know how to handle the ins and outs of this process, keeping everyone happy and informed.  3. What developments are planned nearby? Another key consideration when purchasing a property portfolio is to understand the wider landscape in and around your investment. Will new developments (housing, bars, restaurants, schools, transport links, etc.) affect the value of your property in the short and long term?  On the one hand, more amenities could make your new portfolio more desirable to potential tenants. However, new housing popping up right next door introduces more competition and could make it difficult to place and retain tenants in the future.  In short, make sure you have all the facts before pushing ahead.  4. Do you require HMO licenses?  Finally, will your new portfolio allow you to rent one property to more than 3 unrelated people? If so, you’ll need an HMO (House of Multiple Occupation) licence. HMOs are an increasingly attractive property investment idea, boosting yields and spreading risk across multiple tenants. We offer a number of HMO development services, helping you assess your properties for compliance with HMO regulations.   Find Portfolios for Sale with Cairn Our property investment services are second-to-none. We can help you assess your objectives for any property investment or development, taking budget, yield, and capital growth expectation into consideration. And once you’ve secured your new portfolio, we’re on hand with a range of property management services to ensure your properties are compliant and maintained to the highest standards. Get in touch to learn more.


Glasgow, HMO Properties

Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow

Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow As HMO specialists in Glasgow, we regularly write about the benefits and considerations of renting an HMO in the city, whether that’s from the perspective of a landlord or a tenant.  In this post, we’ve collected the most important links, definitions, and information, all in one place. If you’re thinking about renting an HMO in Glasgow, read this first.  Reminder: What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen). It’s sometimes referred to as a “house share”. For a property to qualify as an HMO, it must meet strict licensing requirements. You can read more about these requirements on this page: HMO Letting with Cairn. Our HMO Specialists Glasgow Resources: Getting to Grips with HMO Licencing – Are you a landlord looking to understand HMO licencing better? This post explains everything. Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know? – Are you a student thinking of renting an HMO property in Glasgow during term-time? We’ve got the answers to some frequently asked questions. Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why Should Do It – Are you a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO in Scotland’s biggest city? Here are a few reasons why it’s a no-brainer. Handy Third-Party Links Beyond our own blog posts and articles, check out these important links: Houses in Multiple Occupation – Glasgow City Council How to Apply for an HMO Licence with Glasgow City Council HMO Information from Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council Cairn: HMO Specialists (Glasgow) We’ve been managing fully licensed HMO properties in Glasgow for a number of years. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, when you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We ensure all licensing requirements are met, tenants are moved in safely, and regulations are adhered to.  We also 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 Glasgow? Get in touch to learn more.

Edinburgh, HMO Properties

Choosing HMO Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords

Choosing HMO Letting Agents in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords Need help choosing the right HMO letting agents in Edinburgh? Look no further! There are plenty of reasons why you should invest in property in Edinburgh. In fact, we’ve taken a closer look at a few of them in this blog post.  In short, the growing population, opportunities for young people, and the biggest arts festival in the world all rank high. But it’s the thriving student market that makes HMO development in Edinburgh such an attractive prospect.  And if you’re interested in letting your property as a House in Multiple Occupation, it’s a good idea to put the day-to-day management of it in the hands of experts.  So, here’s what you need to look out for if you’re choosing HMO letting agents in Edinburgh. How to choose HMO letting agents in Edinburgh 1. Choose a local agent HMOs have lots of benefits, from higher rental yields to lower risk (as you spread the risk of non-payment across several tenants). However, they can also be time-intensive to manage, and with the strict conditions set out by the HMO licence, it makes sense to use an agent local to the area.  2. Choose an HMO-savvy agent Speaking of the licence, certain rules and responsibilities go hand-in-hand with letting an HMO property. It’s vital that your chosen agent is up-to-speed with the legislation and that they keep you compliant throughout your agreement.  3. Choose an agent familiar with the student market If you want to target the burgeoning student market in Scotland’s capital, make sure your chosen agent has experience in dealing with student tenants. This can be quite different to renting to families or young professionals, and can often require a different skill set to ensure the property is maintained to a high standard and rents are paid on time.  4. Choose Cairn – HMO letting agents in Edinburgh Interested in letting an HMO property in Edinburgh? Choose Cairn. We offer a variety of HMO Development and HMO Property Management services, specialising in student lets.  We can refurbish the property to comply with all legislation, working quickly, efficiently, and on budget. And our expertise in building warrants, planning permission, and HMO properties, in general, will deliver a property worthy of an HMO licence.  Ready to get started? Contact us to learn more. .flex_column.av-2jhnc2-cc1f3e362b4a96ec9c81c881fa66be73{ -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;

Glasgow, HMO Properties, Student Accommodation

Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know?

Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know? Are you a student thinking of renting a Glasgow HMO property during term-time? Make sure you know the answers to these frequently asked questions. 1. What is an HMO?  An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen). It’s also known as a “house share”. HMO properties are subject to strict licensing conditions.  However, there are a few exceptions where an HMO licence isn’t required. For example, if you live with your landlord, they don’t count as one of the unrelated people.  Similarly, by law, a landlord does not require a licence if 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”. 2. What are the licensing conditions? All HMO properties need to be licensed with the local council before they can be rented out. The council will typically inspect properties before issuing a licence. The licence means your landlord is 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. A certified HMO property must have an HMO licence prominently displayed. If you can’t see one, ask the landlord to share a copy.  3. What are the risks of unlicensed Glasgow HMO properties?  Unlicensed house share properties can sometimes be cheaper and therefore more attractive to students on a budget. However, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Not only are they illegal, but if your landlord is unwilling to licence the property correctly, where else might they be cutting corners? And will they respect your rights as a tenant?   4. How do I know if the property is licensed and certified safe?  If you’re unsure that the property you’re looking at is licensed (and your landlord is evasive and won’t show you a copy of an up-to-date licence), don’t sign anything until you’ve checked for yourself. To do this, contact the Glasgow City Council Private Landlord Unit via email (privatelandlordregistrationunit@glasgow.gov.uk) or by phone (0300 343 0414). They’ll be able to tell you if an application for a licence has been lodged or refused.   Rent a Glasgow HMO with Cairn We’ve been managing fully licensed Glasgow HMO properties for years. When you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We conduct thorough tenant move-in training, taking you through health & safety regulations, smoke alarm testing, and how to use appliances. And we also carry out quarterly inspections to ensure the property remains safe, clean and comfortable, as per the HMO conditions.  Are you interested in renting an HMO property in Glasgow? Get in touch to learn more.


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