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
Landlords, Letting
Landlords – we take referencing seriously!
Landlords – we take referencing seriously! At Cairn we pride ourselves on our strict and comprehensive referencing processes. Protecting our landlords from potential fraud risks or tenants that do not meet our criteria is a top priority at Cairn Letting. As COVID-19 has introduced further complications for landlords, we will make sure you are fully updated with new legislation and facts regarding the changes to Government Legislation. We have a highly experienced Compliance Manager and our Property Managers are all Fully Qualified, holding certificates with Letwell and ARLA who will ensure you are protected and can support you with any difficult situations you find yourself in whilst letting out your property. Please find a list of the referencing documents we ask prospective tenants for in order to fully protect our landlords: Credit check – We feel this is crucial in obtaining the correct tenant for our client and allows us to validate if they are suitable for the tenancy Two Proofs of Address – This is important in order to ensure the potential tenants are who they say they are along with a copy of photographic ID National Insurance Number Check residence status – For overseas tenants we ask to see a copy of their visa or residence permit to ensure that they are entitled to be in the UK. Check for previous First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) eviction and civil proceeding decisions against the tenant on the tribunal’s website here. Cairn always look into the detail of any case as sometimes the tenant will not be at fault. Employer/pension provider/accountant reference – this will detail their job title, contract duration and/or annual income. Last 3 months pay slips – This is a further procedure to check their current job role and salary is correct For students, we ask for a letter from their university confirming their student status. For students funded/paid by an organisation or government, we ask for evidence of paid income or funding for living expenses . Landlord reference – if the tenant has lived in rental accommodation in the past then we will obtain a reference from their former landlord/letting agent. This will state the tenancy dates, monthly rent due, details of any arrears, whether the property was kept clean and tidy, whether deductions were made from their deposit and whether there were any problems with anti-social behaviour or other breaches of the tenancy terms. If a potential tenant does not meet our affordability checks we will ask if they can provide a guarantor. A guarantor is a person who agrees to pay the rent if the tenant fails to do so. You may also choose to ask for a guarantor if the prospective tenant hasn’t rented before, doesn’t have a regular source of income or you have any other concerns about their ability to pay the rent. For student applications we ALWAYS ask for a guarantor.
Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Student Accommodation, West End
HMO Letting Glasgow West End: Advice for Students
HMO Letting Glasgow West End: Advice for Students HMO letting Glasgow opens up a variety of options for students studying in and around the West End. Here we share our top tips. Glasgow’s West End is a lively area popular with students at the city’s many colleges and universities. With beautiful Victorian architecture, a variety of shops, bustling nightlife, and lush green parks, it’s a highly sought after place to live in the city. Many students are attracted to HMOs since they provide affordable – and arguably more sociable – accommodation. If you’re considering renting an HMO in Glasgow, read on to find out everything you need to know. Are There Many HMOs in Glasgow’s West End? Since Glasgow’s West End is where Glasgow Uni’s Gilmorehill Campus is located and where you’ll find the grand main building and many key teaching and research facilities, it’s no surprise that the area is awash with students. In fact, in Hillhead, at the beating heart of the West End, 40% of the population is aged between 16-29. There’s a vast range of student accommodation here, with rooms in HMOs often available for rent during and outside of term time. Licensed HMOs provide safe and affordable accommodation for student tenants. What Should I Consider When Viewing an HMO? When considering HMO letting Glasgow, we recommend using an HMO letting agency. Look for an agency with professional body membership such as The Property Ombudsman and the Scottish Association of Landlords. These agents will have licenced HMOs on their books and can help you find safe and certified accommodation to suit your needs. You can check if a landlord has a valid HMO licence by contacting the local housing department. They will have a list of all licenced HMOs. As well as ensuring that an HMO is licenced, you’re also within your rights to ask to see a gas safety certificate and electrical safety certificate. When viewing an HMO, check that it has working smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers on each level of the property. A good HMO letting agency should provide fire and safety training for new tenants. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions during a viewing. Suggestions include: “What broadband do you have, and who pays for it?” “Is there any shared storage?” “Does a cleaner attend the property?” “Is there parking?” “Is the furniture included?” “How do we report a repair?” “Will my deposit be protected?” Asking as many questions as possible will help you decide if this is the right accommodation for you. Find Out Who You’ll Be Living With Students HMOs tend to be shared houses, where tenants eat and socialise together. Therefore, it’s a good idea to find out who you’ll be living with (if you don’t already know). This is especially important if you’ll be signing a joint tenancy with others living there since you’ll be responsible for any rent payments they miss. Ask a few questions to learn what kind of people live in the house. Asking what they do at weekends can help you establish if it’s a quiet, studious environment or filled with partygoers. Above all, it’s important to trust your instincts when meeting other tenants in an HMO. If you feel uncomfortable around them for whatever reason, it’s probably best not to take the room. HMO Letting Glasgow: Talk to the Specialists HMOs can be ideal for students seeking reasonably priced, friendly accommodation. The West End is a vibrant student community offering a wealth of high-quality shared housing. Contact us today to find an HMO in this thriving part of the city.
Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, HMO Properties, Investment, Landlords, Services
How Can HMO Specialists Help Me Prepare My Property?
How Can HMO Specialists Help Me Prepare My Property? Are you planning on converting a property into an HMO? If so, you’ve made a wise investment decision. Although there may be more work involved in letting HMOs, they tend to offer significantly higher rental yields than single buy-to-lets. This is simply because you’ll be collecting rent from a higher number of tenants. But there are several steps you’ll need to take before you can start reaping the financial rewards of an HMO, from obtaining the necessary licence to making it habitable for multiple tenants. HMO specialists can help you tick every box when preparing your property, making the conversion to an HMO much easier. Why Work with HMO Specialists? 1. HMO Licensing A critical aspect of preparing your HMO property is acquiring the relevant licence. If three or more unrelated people are renting a property, it’s classed as an HMO (a house in multiple occupation). You’ll need to contact your local council to apply for a licence to let your property as an HMO in Scotland. A licence normally lasts for three years, and you’ll need to renew it before it runs out. HMO specialists can help you apply for the necessary licence while also making sure it’s renewed before it expires. Read more about HMO licencing here. 2. Safety Checks and Equipment As well as helping you to acquire a licence, HMO specialists can also assist you with other essential compliance measures. These include carrying out safety checks and ensuring that the property has all the required safety equipment, including smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers. An expert HMO letting agent will send all the relevant certificates to your local authority when required. These include gas safety certificates, portal appliance tests, and electrical installation condition reports. An HMO specialist can also ensure that your tenants have undergone the necessary training to maintain and test the safety equipment. 3. Ensuring “Fitness for Human Habitation” When converting your property into an HMO, you’ll need to consider the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This piece of legislation came into force in 2019 and states that all rented accommodation needs to be suitable for human habitation at the beginning of the tenancy and throughout. The Act gives tenants greater powers to hold landlords to account if the property is below standard. HMO specialists can assist you in ensuring that your property is fit for human habitation by carrying out ongoing maintenance and liaising with tenants. HMO properties tend to require more maintenance than single buy-to-lets due to the higher number of people living in them. As such, it makes sense to work with an HMO specialist who has connections with certified local tradespeople. This will ensure that any necessary repairs are carried out quickly and to high standards, helping you to comply with all of your legal obligations. Cairn: HMO Specialists Since 1999 An HMO can help you to maximise the potential of your rental portfolio. However, you need to make sure you’re complying with all your legal responsibilities as a landlord. As seasoned HMO specialists, we can help guide you every step of the way. Cairn has been assisting HMO landlords since 1999 with everything from licence applications to essential safety checks, tests, and training. Contact us today to learn more about our HMO management services.
Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, HMO Properties, Landlords, Student Accommodation, Tenants
3 Reasons Why You Need an HMO Letting Agency for Your Property
3 Reasons Why You Need an HMO Letting Agency for Your Property Need help choosing the right HMO letting agency for your property? We’ve got you covered. HMOs can make fantastic investments, with rental yields for these properties far higher than standard buy-to-lets. Meanwhile, the demand for shared housing among professionals and students continues to grow due to its affordability and flexibility. So, if you’re a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO property, you might be wondering: do I go it alone, or should I work with an HMO letting agency? Here, we share three reasons why enlisting the help of an HMO letting agency can make all the difference. Why You Need an HMO Letting Agency 1. They Can Help Finding Suitable Tenants When it comes to letting out an HMO and maintaining cash flow, you must find the right tenants. Doing so reduces the turnover of tenants and keeps voids to a minimum. This is where an HMO letting agency really earns their corn. As well as using the most effective advertising techniques, an HMO letting agency will also interview prospective tenants to match them with existing housemates. They’ll also seek references from previous landlords and carry out the usual credit and employment checks on your behalf. 2. They Provide Ongoing Support An HMO letting agency won’t just help you find suitable tenants; they’ll also maintain solid relationships with them (and their neighbours). HMOs often require a more active, hands-on approach to management due to their popularity with student tenants. A good HMO letting agent will treat your investment as their own, ensuring rent is paid on time and issues, such as repairs or complaints by neighbours, are taken seriously and addressed promptly. 3. They Offer Expert HMO Licencing Advice For many landlords, HMO licencing can cause quite a bit of stress and confusion. An HMO letting agent can burden that responsibility and make sure your property is compliant with the necessary rules and regulations from day one. In Scotland, a property that is let to three or more tenants from more than one household is considered an HMO and will need a licence. An expert letting agency can assist you with the application process, providing advice and guidance along the way. And since an HMO property can be inspected at any time, it must be maintained to the highest standards year-round. An HMO letting agency can help with this, too, recommending any remedial works to bring the property up to scratch. The best letting agents have experienced tradespeople in their contacts, who can then be hired to carry out the work as soon as possible — saving you from penalties, fines, and unhappy tenants. The Qualities of a Leading HMO Letting Agency The leading HMO letting agents all have a few things in common: they’re knowledgeable, passionate, and have strong relationships with key stakeholders, from tenants and neighbours all the way to the HMO department of the local council. They should also boast a strong reputation in the local area. We’ve managed HMO properties since 1999 and are the go-to HMO specialists in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Choosing the right HMO letting agent can be the key to achieving maximum rental yields and keeping tenants happy. Contact us to discuss your HMO property with an experienced agent.
Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, Investment, Property Investment
How to Find a Property Portfolio for Sale in Scotland
How to Find a Property Portfolio for Sale in Scotland Read on to discover how to find a property portfolio for sale in Scotland. Some investors choose to buy a single buy-to-let property. Others, meanwhile, opt to build a full-blown property portfolio — and with good reason. There are several potential benefits to building a property portfolio. You can gain access to multiple income streams and achieve longer-term financial security. And if you’re looking for a property portfolio for sale in Scotland, it makes sense to work with a knowledgeable local estate agent. Find a Property Portfolio for Sale with Cairn When buying a property portfolio, working with an expert local estate agent is the best place to start. Estate agents often have multiple property portfolios for sale and can offer you expert advice and guidance to help make sure an investment is right for you. At Cairn, we’ve sold 24 portfolios to investors throughout Scotland in the last six months, making us best-placed to help you acquire successful buy-to-let properties. Here’s how we do it: We help you identify your goals When looking for a property portfolio for sale in Scotland, you first need to think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to benefit from an increase in property prices over time? Or are you eager to boost your earnings through rental income? Chances are, it’s a combination of the two. An experienced estate agent can help you identify your goals and suggest properties that fit your long-term plan. This can reduce the chances of any expensive mistakes further down the line. You can tap into our expert local knowledge One of the biggest reasons to buy a property portfolio with our help is our excellent local area knowledge. We know what has been sold locally (and for how much) and what is due to come to the market in the near future. This means you can quickly snap up profitable properties for your portfolio. We can also provide you with key information about a particular area, such as whether it’s safe and desirable to potential tenants. The end goal: maximise your rental income We’ve worked with many buy-to-let investors to ensure they get the best possible yield for their properties. We can also advise on how to minimise void periods between tenancies. Any good estate agent knows that keeping your property occupied means more rental income for you. Our buy-to-let team makes the process of letting your properties easy and stress-free from the outset. We go above and beyond for our clients, often achieving rents in excess of the regional average. Find Property Portfolios for Sale with Cairn As one of Scotland’s leading local estate agents, you can feel confident we can help you build and expand your property portfolio. We have a proven track record in helping investors to secure profitable buy-to-let investments, with multiple portfolios sold within the last six months alone. Get in touch to learn more.
Hints & Tips, HMO Properties, Landlords
7 HMO Licencing Questions Landlords Need to Ask
7 HMO Licencing Questions Landlords Need to Ask Interested in renting out an HMO property? Ask these HMO licencing questions first! HMOs can be fantastic investments, sometimes offering rental yields up to three times higher than traditional buy-to-let properties. However, despite their appeal to landlords, they come with challenges, not least an array of constantly changing legal requirements, costs, and deadlines. Keep reading to discover the 7 HMO licencing questions landlords need to ask. HMO Licencing FAQs: 1. How long does the HMO licence take to come through? One of the most common questions asked by HMO landlords is how long the licence takes to come through. Although you may be in a rush to find tenants and start generating rental income right away, you could need to wait up to 12 months for the licence to be granted. 2. How much does an HMO licence cost? Your first HMO licence will cost £1906, with further applications costing £953. If you run more than one HMO, you will require a separate licence for each home. If your HMO licence application is turned down, the local authority will refund the fee. 3. How long does an HMO licence last? An HMO licence usually lasts for 3 years. You need to renew it before it runs out. Remember that renewing it could take some time, so it’s important to apply in advance of its expiration. There are penalties for running an unlicensed HMO, and landlords who fail to apply for a licence in time could face steep fines. 4. How do I make my HMO compliant with regulations? Many landlords are concerned about ensuring their HMOs are compliant with the latest regulations. There are rules surrounding HMO licencing, minimum room size, gas and fire safety, furniture and furnishings, and more. You can read about HMO landlord responsibilities here. The good news is that when you hire a reputable letting agency that specialises in HMOs, they can undertake a full survey of your property and arrange for any necessary work to be carried out. 5. How many tenants can my HMO have? The number of tenants you can place in your HMO can vary, making it somewhat confusing for landlords. If the property is licenced, then the licence will determine this. Generally, a property is considered an HMO if it’s shared by three or more people who are members of more than two ‘families’. If the property is unlicensed, you can only put two unrelated people in the property unless the owner is also living there too. 6. What do I need to put in the bedrooms? Landlords are required to furnish bedrooms within an HMO with a minimum of a bed, mattress, wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and curtains. There are specific dimensions for these that need to be adhered to. Keep in mind that the furniture you provide must also meet the fire resistance requirements stated in the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988. 7. Do I need to provide crockery and cutlery as part of the HMO licencing? Since many tenants prefer to use their own crockery and cutlery, you may want to avoid adding these when kitting out the kitchen in your HMO. More often than not, it’s an unnecessary cost and a headache when it comes to providing an inventory to new tenants. Do You Have More HMO Licencing Questions? Cairn’s Got the Answers For further advice on HMO licencing, simply get in touch. We’ve helped many landlords begin profitable HMO businesses in Scotland. We’re here to provide expert advice and guidance.
Hints & Tips, Investment, Tenanted Properties
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Tenanted Properties
5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Tenanted Properties Interested in buying tenanted properties? You’re not alone! A growing number of buy-to-let investors are snapping up properties with tenants in place, attracted by higher net yields and the promise of reliable tenants who’ve shown they can pay on time. So, whether you’re buying to let for the first time or you’re looking to add to your portfolio, here’s why purchasing a tenanted property can be a fantastic investment. Reasons to Buy Tenanted Properties 1. You get an immediate cash flow For many investors, the most significant benefit of buying tenanted flats is that they provide an immediate cash flow. The property won’t sit empty while you look for new tenants. You get rental income from day one. Established tenants are also less likely to request expensive improvements to the property since the previous landlord often deals with them before selling. However, if major repairs or refurbishments are required, you can factor these into your negotiation. These factors mean a property’s net yield is usually higher than with vacant buy-to-let investments. 2. Tenanted properties are a fixed price investment In most cases, estate agents will market tenanted properties at a fixed price. Fixed price properties rarely achieve more than this value, which means you can have a high degree of confidence that it’s the maximum price you’ll need to pay. This can reduce the stress involved in the purchase — you don’t need to worry about a property going to a closing date. 3. You can check the tenant’s history When you buy a property with sitting tenants, you can check their history to make sure they’ve been paying their rent on time and in full. Dealing with non-payment of rent can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful situations for landlords. In some cases, it can mean you fail to meet your monthly buy-to-let mortgage payments or even falls into arrears. Knowing that the tenants are honest and reliable before you invest can help you avoid a lot of unnecessary hassle in the long run. 4. You have confidence it’s a fully compliant property Since your tenants already live in the property, you won’t need to arrange all the mandatory certificates and safety checks. The previous landlord will have already carried these out. When you buy the property, the necessary documentation will simply be transferred to you so you know when the next checks are due. What’s more, if you choose to stay with the existing letting agent, they can arrange them on your behalf to ensure the property remains compliant. 5. It’s audited and sourced by a letting agency A knowledgeable, local letting agent will be able to carry out an in-depth audit on the tenanted property to ensure that it’s a sound financial investment. Here at Cairn, we’ve sourced many quality buy-to-let properties with sitting tenants. Our team can offer expert advice and guidance to both new and experienced investors. Interested in Buying Tenanted Properties? Let’s Talk There are plenty of reasons why buying tenanted properties makes sense. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today to discuss the investment opportunities available to you.
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;
