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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 Look?
Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots: Where to Look? An increasing number of investors are choosing to buy-to-let in Glasgow — and with good reason. Not only is it the largest city in Scotland, with a growing population of over 1.6 million, but it also boasts one of the largest economies in the whole of the UK. Industries like financial services, digital technology, health, and green energy employ thousands of people in the city. Plus, with five universities, there’s always a constant supply of students seeking rental properties. So, if you’re attracted by affordable housing and great yields, we’ve pulled together the best buy-to-let hotspots in Glasgow. But first… Why Buy-to-Let in Glasgow? In short, the demand. Recent research by Admiral found that demand for rental properties in Glasgow currently outstrips supply, with 998 prospective renters for every 100 available rental properties. Only Salford (1,076 people for every 100 rental properties) has a higher tenant demand in the UK. This demand has seen the average Glasgow rent climb to £992 PCM, while the average time to let is only 31 days. So, if you’re interested in Glasgow property investment, the good news is you’re bound to find tenants quickly! And Then There’s the Housing Stock Beyond the demand, there’s also variety. Glasgow has distinct areas north, south, east, west, and central, each with its own rich history and architectural style. When you think of Glasgow property, your mind might immediately leap to the classic red stone Glasgow tenement buildings. A product of the industrial revolution, these beautifully spacious flats are highly sought after — particularly in the West End of the city. But there’s more to Glasgow than tenements alone. The city enjoys a mix of new and traditional buildings at various price points, including modern apartments, family homes, and HMOs. So, where you should you look? Here are the top Glasgow postcodes for buy-to-let. Five Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots: The Best Postcodes in Glasgow for Property Investment G51 – Govan, Ibrox, Linthouse Located on the south bank of the River Clyde, G51 is a diverse area, with much of it consisting of industrial estates. However, don’t let this put you off. It’s set to undergo significant regeneration, with a new bridge planned and various digital start-up businesses setting up here. Plus, with the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital complex and several shopping centres in the area, property here is likely to be in high demand. Govan, the main residential area, has great transport links, with the Glasgow Subway line making it easy to access the city centre in under 15 minutes. The G51 area has generally been less popular with buyers, due to its reputation as an ex-heavy industrial area. As a result, prices tend to be lower, so you may just find yourself a bargain! Search for properties for sale in G51 G52 – Cardonald, Mosspark, and Penilee You’ll find a range of competitively priced properties in the G52 postcode. And with an average buy-to-let yield of 8.71%, you can expect to make a significant ROI. This area of southwest Glasgow has a diverse housing stock, while it also benefits from excellent transport links into the city centre and further afield. Tenants can enjoy a variety of amenities too, with supermarkets, shops, and eateries aplenty. Search for properties for sale in G52 G32 – Shettleston, Sandyhills, Carntyne Over the years, the G32 postcode has become increasingly popular with buy-to-let investors in Glasgow. The areas of Shettleston, Sandyhills, and Carntyne in the city’s East End not only benefit from lower house prices compared with other parts of the city, but they also have fantastic transport links. You’ll find a wide range of properties in G32, from one-bed flats to larger family homes. Shettleston is a popular area for buy-to-let due to its excellent amenities, including a health centre, Tesco supermarket, and a train station. Search for properties for sale in G32 G11 – The West End The West End is one of the most desirable residential areas in Glasgow. Popular with young professionals, families, and students due to its proximity to Glasgow University, property here is highly sought after. Whilst it’s more expensive than other areas of the city, the sheer demand for homes here presents fantastic buy-to-let opportunities. Byres Road is the heart and soul of the West End, with many pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Popular residential areas include Hillhead, Kelvinside, Downanhill, Broomland, and Anniesland. For cheaper alternatives, consider the areas fringing the West End, including Garnethill, Patrick, and Yorkhill. Search for properties for sale in G11 G61/G62 – Bearsden, Milngavie Although technically in Greater Glasgow, many families and professionals are drawn to Bearsden (G61) and neighbouring Milngavie (G62) for a number of reasons. With reputable schools and handy transport links, these commuter towns offer a divine slice of Scottish suburbia. You’re only around 30 mins from the city centre. Fair warning: larger houses in these parts tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Glasgow, although several affordable housing developments have been introduced over the past few years. Search for properties for sale in G61 Search for properties for sale in G62 Interested in These Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots? Talk to Cairn With decades of regeneration transforming Glasgow into one of the most modern and sophisticated cities in the UK, it’s no surprise that the demand for rental properties here is so high. Rental prices are rising, and with affordable housing still available in many areas of the city, now is the perfect time for buy-to-let Glasgow. Interested in buy-to-let opportunities in Glasgow? We can help. Get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services. .flex_column.av-av_one_full-53b0b300fb3685750664fb085c5ad19d{ -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;
Property Finance
Guest Blog // Specialist Property Finance – Open for Business ?
Guest Blog // Specialist Property Finance – Open for Business? The last few months have been challenging for landlords and property investors. With new legislation and packages introduced to protect tenants and the environment, landlords have had much to digest. Add to this the economic turmoil created by global factors and exacerbated by the mini budget, investors could be forgiven for thinking that specialist lenders are no longer keen to support this sector. Prior to setting up my specialist finance brokerage last year, I spent several years immersed in the specialist finance sector working with challenger banks and specialist funders. I have been monitoring the situation closely for the last few weeks and in my opinion, the Specialist Property Finance market is very much open for business. Yes, there was a slight pause in the wake of ex- PM Truss’s disastrous mini budget. The shock of the uncosted budget spooked the markets and this had a potentially devastating impact on the British economy. Many Banks and specialist lenders chose to temporarily withdraw their products and took a short period of reflection to understand the market impact and the knock on effect to interest rates. Almost all specialist Buy to Let lenders quickly returned to market with revised products, albeit interest rates have increased for all lenders (Ave 2.5% increase on 5 year fixed rate money). Some lenders have also tightened up their criteria to reflect the changes, whilst others have introduced new ‘tracker’ products. We have lived in a world where the Fixed Rate, at such historically low levels was an obvious choice for many, however we now see a shift in this space to some of the more competitive tracker rates available. An advantage of some tracker loans is they often do not have the high Early Repayment Charges that apply to most Fixed Rate products. Specialist Buy to Let lenders have been quick to recognise this change and have recently introduced a range of new trackers products to the market. Lenders and investors alike recognise that where there are challenges for some, there are opportunities for others. Bridging finance lenders in particular are well placed to support property investors and help them take advantage these opportunities via a range of specialist products. The following products are available to most experienced property investors. Bridge to Let A bridge to let loan provides a means for investors to buy a property quickly and then ability to refinance to a term loan. This can be used in situations where a property is unmortgageable for example where there may be a lack of kitchen or bathroom. It may also be used for auction purchases or ‘off market’ transactions where a fast turn around is important. This also works well where investors want to retain their cash reserves or do not have the cash available to buy the assets. It is especially prominent now that there is a greater focus to improve the EPC rating for each tenanted property. If investors can leverage more against the purchase price and reduce the amount they need for a deposit, they free up their reserves for property upgrades. Buy to let investors are being rewarded with better rates for more energy efficient properties. Portfolio Bridge Bridging can be useful for investors when they have an opportunity to buy a portfolio of properties. During difficult times like these, some investors decide to go in another direction and put their portfolios up for sale, and investors can often buy these ‘off market’ at a discount for buying in bulk. The investors position is enhanced if they can expedite the sale as a cash buyer or do not need a traditional mortgage, which can take time, to fund the purchase. Specialist Bridging companies are able to support experienced clients and can offer up to 90% funding against the purchase price as (if this does not exceed 70-75% of the open market value). A client contacted me recently with the opportunity to buy 6 Buy to Let units as part of a larger portfolio to be sold. Due to the volume of properties he was due to purchase, he was able to negotiate a 20% discount. I was able to provide indicative offers from two lenders on the same day, offering to fund up to 90% of the purchase price. This investor then only had to input 10% of the purchase price to secure the small portfolio. With plans to review the stock and make improvements to the energy efficiency of the properties, they will then re value and transfer the assets to a BTL term loan. By improving the condition and energy efficiency of the units the landlord may be eligible for more attractive rates on the BTL loan. The specialist lender providing this bridge is also able to refinance onto a term loan within 6 months. It is clear that there are still uncertain and perhaps challenging times ahead, however, it is encouraging to see that there is still a strong desire to support property investors with the doors to specialist property finance still very much open. If you would like to discuss any Buy to Let, Bridging or Development Finance proposal, please do get in touch directly with Peter McDermid Logic Property Finance Peter@logicpropertyfinance.co.uk Telephone: 07816497234
Buy To Let, Edinburgh, Investment, Property Investment
Edinburgh Property Investment: Is It Still Worth It in 2025?
Edinburgh Property Investment: Is It Still Worth It in 2025? Interested in Edinburgh property investment? Here, we explain why it’s still a great idea. Investing in buy-to-let in Edinburgh is a no-brainer. Scotland’s cosmopolitan capital boasts stunning properties, a thriving economy, a growing student population, and huge rental demand. In short, it’s the ideal mix for property investors. But why should you spend your money here in 2023? Let’s explore the attraction of Edinburgh in a little more detail. Edinburgh Property Investment — Why Invest in the Capital? Edinburgh Fast Facts Population: 558,627 (2024) House Price Avg: £339,000 (2024) Monthly Rent Avg: £1,376 (2024) Typical Rental Yield: 4% – 6% (the UK average is 4%) Auld Reekie: A City On the Rise It might seem odd to describe a city first founded before the 7th century AD as one “on the rise,” but in property investment terms, that’s Edinburgh in a nutshell. The (Second) Best UK City for Property Investment According to a major study by commercial property advisor Colliers, the Scottish capital came second as the best city for residential property investment in the UK — pipped to the post by Cambridge (London came fourth). The city’s house price growth, high-quality universities, and strong economic performance helped Edinburgh take silver in this particular contest. But there were a variety of other impressive points worth noting where Edinburgh property investment is concerned, including: 1. Historically Low Unemployment Rates Edinburgh’s unemployment has been historically much lower than in most other UK cities, with students and young professionals drawn to the area thanks to higher education and employment opportunities. With more people working, demand for rental properties remains high, while rental rates stay competitive. 2. A Beacon for Major Employers More and more employers are setting up shop in Edinburgh due to its large population, diverse economy, and highly skilled workforce. A powerhouse of the Scottish economy, key sectors include financial services, software and technology, tourism, and retail. 3. A Commuter’s Dream Edinburgh City is incredibly well-connected to its surrounding areas, with several major roads, train lines, and other public transport links converging on the capital. If your property investment budget doesn’t stretch to the city centre, you could still take advantage of Edinburgh’s magnetic draw by looking to the outskirts. 4. A Thriving Student Market Edinburgh is home to 6 universities and 3 colleges. The city attracts students from across Scotland, the UK, and the rest of the world — and these students need to live somewhere! Consider investing in high-quality HMO student accommodation in Edinburgh to meet the demand from student tenants and earn greater yields than standard buy-to-let properties. 5. A Population That Could Soon Rival Glasgow Edinburgh’s population has been on an upward trend since the 1990s, and it shows no signs of slowing. As of 2024, it sits at a whopping 558,627, and this is projected to grow to over 603,000 by 2035. This means it could rival — and even overtake — Glasgow at some point in the near future. And a growing population means a greater demand for housing stock. Worth keeping in mind if you’re trying to choose between the two cities! Read more: Property Investment In Glasgow: Where To Spend Your Money in 2025 So, Where to Buy? Edinburgh Buy-to-Let Hotspots We dig a bit deeper into the postcodes and places to buy in Edinburgh in this post: Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh: Where to Look? But if you want the headlines, here goes… The southwest is an up-and-coming part of the city, with competitively priced properties and fantastic transport links. Check out EH11 and Dalry and Gorgie in particular. EH16 (Liberton and surrounding areas) is consistently popular for buy-to-lets. Situated a mere three miles from the city centre, it’s ideal for students and professionals alike. The neighbouring areas of Broughton, Hillside, and Lochend also offer close proximity to the centre, but without the high costs associated with other parts of the city. Trendy bars, cafes, and restaurants make this a vibrant and sought-after locale. Ready to invest in Edinburgh? Start your property search here. Cairn: Edinburgh Property Investment Experts So, is purchasing a buy-to-let property in Edinburgh worth it in 2025? Absolutely — so long as you know where to look. That’s where we come in. Our property investment experts are ready to help you find your next buy-to-let opportunity in the capital. Get in touch to learn more.
Legislation
Scottish Property – Cairn Legislation Update ( 9th November 2022 )
Scottish Property – Cairn Legislation Update ( 9th November 2022 ) Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 Following our series of blogs on the rent increase and eviction ban, we can confirm that the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act came into force on 28 October 2022. The legislation will be in force until at least 31 March 2023 and can be extended (with parliament agreement) to 30 September 2023 and again to March 2024. Rent increase ban Under the current legislation, any rent increase notices served on or after 6 September 2022 fall under the permitted rate cap of 0%. Meaning a landlord cannot increase a tenants rent on or after this date until the rate cap is either increased or removed. The permitted rate cap does not affect increase notices issued to tenants before 6 September 2022, these are still enforceable under the legislation. There are some options still available to landlords: Landlords can increase the rent between tenancies. Landlords can still increase the rent for Short Assured / Assured tenancies which have a rent increase clause within the lease. The cap does not affect rent increases for these tenancies, regardless of the date the increase was served if there is a rent increase clause within the contract. Landlords can apply to the Rent Service Scotland for an increase up to 3% to cover increases in the ‘prescribed property costs’. Prescribed property costs Prescribed property costs per the legislation 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. Landlords can apply to Rent Service Scotland to increase the tenants rent to recover up to 50% of the increase to the prescribed property costs above. This application can only be for prescribed costs in the last 6 months prior to the application being made. If Rent Service Scotland is assured that the landlord’s prescribed property costs have increased within the last 6 months and that the increase proposed by the landlord represents no more than 50% of those costs, the rent officer must order a rent increase. The maximum increase in rent permitted through this process is 3%. To apply to increase the rent landlords must complete the government application form, which can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/rent-cap-private-landlord-guidance/documents/ Landlords are required to notify the tenant of their intention to increase the rent before the landlord form is submitted to Rent Service Scotland. The government has also provided wording for this notification which can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/rent-cap-private-landlord-guidance/documents/ The rent increase comes into force 3 months and a day after the landlord issued notice to the tenants of the proposed increase. This legislation has also been written into the Private Residential Tenancy agreement (PRT). Eviction ban Under the legislation, the issuing of notices to end the tenancy is not banned. Landlords are still free to serve notice to end the tenancy if they wish to do so. In most cases, tenants vacate the property during the notice period, it is only when the tenant does not vacate the property that the restrictions may come into effect. If the tenant doesn’t leave at the end of the notice period, the landlord can still apply to the Housing and Property Chamber, First-tier Tribunal for Scotland for a formal eviction order. If and when the eviction order is granted, the legislation places restrictions on Sheriff Officers from enforcing this order and recovering the property for the landlord. The legislation states that evictions cannot be enforced until restrictions are lifted, or the order has been in force for 6 months, whichever is sooner. There are some exceptions to this restriction, which are detailed below. Exempt eviction grounds: The tenant is not occupying the Let Property as his or her only or principal home The tenant has a relevant criminal conviction The tenant has engaged in relevant antisocial behaviour The tenant has associated with a person who has a relevant conviction or has engaged in antisocial behaviour Let Property to be sold by the mortgage lender. The tenancy was granted to an employee and the Tenant is no longer an employee. New grounds have also been included in the PRT under the legislation which are exempt: The Landlord intends to sell the Let Property to alleviate financial hardship. The Landlord intends to live in the Let Property to alleviate financial hardship. The Tenant is in substantial rent arrears (equivalent to 6 months’ worth of rent). The above grounds also apply to Short Assured and Assured tenancy agreements, however the notice periods differ slightly per the terms of the lease. Landlords need to provide evidence to the Tribunal of the eviction ground being used / demonstrate their financial hardship. These could include: a letter of advice from an approved money advisor, local authority debt advice service, independent financial advisor or from a chartered accountant. an ‘affidavit’ stating that you are intending to sell the let property or to live in the let property. This is a particular type of statement which is sworn under oath There are other types of evidence which landlords can provide to the Tribunal to demonstrate financial hardship, such as: Information detailing your income Details of the things you are responsible for paying Any outstanding debts or payments which you need to make Information to show that you are not able to cover the essential things you have to pay for because you do not have enough money coming in Information to show that you are often unable to make any essential payments or repayments which you are required to make Information to show that you are having to borrow money in order to pay your bills Information to show that you are only able to make essential payments by selling things you own Information to show that you are on a formal debt management plan Information to show that you are bankrupt Information to show that you are unable to meet the costs of maintaining or repairing the let property to meet the standards you are required by law to meet as a landlord The Tribunal will consider all relevant information in the case, including any evidence or information provided to them, and decide whether it is reasonable to evict the tenant. For any eviction applications submitted to the Tribunal before 28 October 2022, these should still be heard as normal, and the eviction should be enforceable under the legislation as long as notice was served on the tenant prior to 6 September 2022. Our qualified and knowledgeable staff at Cairn are always on hand to support landlords with any queries they may have regarding rent increases or evictions during this ban. With the ever changing legislation being implemented on private residential landlords, it is imperative that landlords employ reputable and qualified agents to manage their properties in Scotland. This will ensure legislation is being followed and that the most recent and correct advice on how to manage tenancies is being received. At Cairn, we have fully qualified and friendly staff waiting to assist landlords with management of their properties, we also have an in-house Compliance Manager who is both ARLA and LETWELL qualified to assist landlords with more difficult tenancy issues. Please do not hesitate to contact us to obtain further information on our management services.
