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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.
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.
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.
Glasgow, Buy To Let, Property Investment, West End
Property Investment in Glasgow: Where to Spend Your Money
Property Investment in Glasgow: Where to Spend Your Money Interested in property investment in Glasgow? Here Cairn profiles the most popular areas of the city. Investing in buy-to-let in Glasgow is a no-brainer. A bustling, modern European city with a vibrant student population, a thriving economy, vital transport links, and huge rental demand, Scotland’s largest city represents a golden opportunity for property investors. But where should you spend your money? Let’s explore Glasgow in a little more detail. Property Investment in Glasgow — Area by Area Glasgow Fast Facts Population: 633,120 (2019) House Price Avg: £193,000 (2020) Monthly Rent Avg: £636 (2020) Rental Yield Avg: 7.8% (the UK average is 4%) 1. The City Centre Home to both traditional properties and modern new-builds, Glasgow’s city centre boasts plenty of choices, no matter your target market. Although many people working in the centre prefer to live outside of its boundaries, many more call it home. This is especially true of Glasgow’s student population. The fashionable Merchant City is worth exploring if you’re looking to rent to young professionals, while areas like Townhead, Charing Cross, and Cowcaddens are all within walking and public transport distance of the city’s universities. 2. The West End The best West End estate agents rarely have trouble letting properties in this stunning part of the city. Popular with young families thanks to its green space, young professionals thanks to its transport links, and students, thanks to its bars, cafes, and proximity to Glasgow University, demand for rental properties here is through the roof. Of course, this level of demand has a knock-on effect, with many of the properties in the West End among the most expensive in Glasgow. But if you find something that works for your budget, you could be onto a winner. Consider areas like Hillhead, Kelvinside, Dowanhill, Yorkhill, and Partick for any of the target markets mentioned above. 3. The East End Home to Dennistoun, recently named the 8th coolest neighbourhood in the world (the WORLD!), the East End of Glasgow is chock-full of character. From the iconic red sandstone tenements to thriving independent businesses, the East of the city is particularly popular with students and young families. Thanks to regeneration activities brought about by the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the East End is beginning to catch up with other parts of the city after years of neglect. Yet it remains cheaper than the city centre and the West End, so you could nab yourself a buy-to-let bargain. 4. The Southside When you venture south of the River Clyde, you’ll find a mixed bag of property investment opportunities. A traditionally industrial area of the city, riverside regeneration has brought a modern feel to many areas, while others remain affected by social problems. Areas like Govan, Ibrox, and the Gorbals offer a variety of affordable property types boosted by vital transport links. Meanwhile, the likes of Shawlands, Newlands, Queens Park, and Langside have a trendy vibe popular with young families and professionals. These properties are pricier, but always in demand. Cairn: Property Investment in Glasgow Whether you’re looking east, west, south, or central, you’ll have plenty of choice in Glasgow Do you want to learn more about investing in buy-to-let properties in the city? Get in touch with our property investment experts today. We’re here to help!
Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Properties For Sale
Find Homes For Sale in Glasgow (Before They Go Online)
Find Homes For Sale in Glasgow (Before They Go Online) Looking for property for sale in Glasgow? Follow these tips and find them before they go online. You might think every property sale follows the same old process: a “for sale” sign goes up outside > it’s posted online > there are countless viewings > and, eventually, it’s sold. Simple. But some of the nicest homes for sale in Glasgow won’t make it as far as step one. They’re often snapped up long before they make it to the market, let alone the property websites. So, why does this happen? And how do you get in on the act? Here we share a few tips for finding homes for sale before they go online. How to Find Property for Sale in Glasgow Before It Goes Online 1. Your Glasgow Estate Agent Is Your Best Friend The best estate agents keep a close eye on the local market, with many working closely with sellers to achieve quick, profitable sales. As a prospective buyer, you can do something similar. If you’re clear, friendly, and responsive, outlining exactly the type of Glasgow property you’re looking for (and the budget you’ve got in mind), your local agents might just point you in the right direction. Remember, people do business with people they like, and that works both ways! 2. Get Your Friends & Family Involved Unless you’re keeping your move on the down-low for a reason, it’s a good idea to involve your friends and family in the search. You could even widen the scope to include social media connections and work colleagues. That way, you’ve got ears on the ground. If everyone knows that you’re looking to buy, you might just hear about an opportunity before it goes on the market. 3. Hunting for Flats for Sale in Glasgow: Be Prepared to Pound the Pavement If you know which part (or parts) of Glasgow you’d like to move to, you could be bold and start posting letters or chapping doors. Whether it’s in writing or face-to-face, simply explain who you are, your situation, and ask if they’re interested in selling. There’s no guarantee of success, of course, but you could strike gold. All it takes is one person who’s been thinking of selling and has put it off — until now. You could be the nudge they need. Pro Tip: Make Sure You’re Ready to Buy You’ll always move quicker when you’re ready to move. So if you hear through the grapevine that your dream property is close to the market, you’ll need to have your finances in order to nab it early. Having the cash ready (or a mortgage in principle) makes you seem less risky to the seller. And the idea of a fast sale could convince them to skip the open market and deal with you exclusively. Interested in homes for sale in Glasgow? Make Cairn your new best friend. Tell us what you’re looking for and where — we’re always happy to help. Contact us here. Did you know our Glasgow & Edinburgh branches specialise in Off-Market properties? Learn more about our approach to Tenanted Flats.
Glasgow, Landlords, Letting, Services, Tenants
Switching Letting Agents in Glasgow: Advice for Landlords
Switching Letting Agents in Glasgow: Advice for Landlords Are you a landlord thinking of switching letting agents in Glasgow? Read on for some advice from Cairn. Expensive maintenance charges. Substandard repairs. Poor communication. Late rent payments. And every time you call, it’s someone different on the other end of the line — and they don’t know you or your property. As a landlord, the last thing you need is a letting agent mismanaging your property. If the above sounds familiar, it could be time for a change. And despite some common misconceptions, switching letting agents is easier than you think. Moving Letting Agents in Glasgow: Common Misconceptions Many landlords see changing letting agents as a hassle they can live without, so they stay loyal to an agency, even if they’re not meeting expectations. Others think they need to wait until the property is empty before switching, while some simply don’t see the point in moving. After all, a letting agent is a letting agent, right? Wrong. Let’s deal with these misconceptions, one by one: 1. “I have to wait until the end of the tenancy before changing agents.” This isn’t true. The Tenancy Agreement is between you (the landlord) and your tenant. The agency has been hired to manage your property — switching agents won’t impact the agreement. In fact, it’s often easier to change agents with a tenant in place, as it means the new agent can take over the management of the property without the additional need to advertise and place a new tenant. 2. “Every Glasgow letting agent is the same; there’s no point in switching.” Most letting agents provide similar services. However, the way in which these services are delivered can vary from one agent to the next. Think of it like having a favourite coffee shop, even though you can get a coffee almost anywhere. There’s more to it than simply getting what you asked for. Likewise, the very best letting agents in Glasgow are doing more than making sure rent is collected on time. They’re fully regulated, understand the legislation involved, prioritise quality customer service, and offer professional and reliable communication at all times. 3. “Moving to a new letting agent is more fuss than it’s worth.” Switching from an underperforming agent to one who values a strong working relationship and cares for your property and its tenants is absolutely worth the fuss — if it can even be considered “fuss” in the first place! In reality, there’s little you need to do in order to switch. Beyond giving your current agent written notice that you plan to leave, your new agent will handle everything on your behalf. Case in point… Switching Letting Agents in Glasgow (It’s Easier Than You Think) At Cairn, we make switching simple. From liaising with your current agent to communicating with your tenant(s), we take care of every last detail, including: The acquisition of a detailed handover from your current agent. This will include information related to rent arrears, payment plans, planned maintenance, and outstanding tenant requests; The transfer and recording of the latest safety certificates; The transfer of all keys, up-to-date inventory, and the current lease agreement (if applicable); And the provision of a new point of contact and updated bank details for rent payments to your tenant(s). You are appointed a property manager so you are dealing with one point of contact. Our qualified and experienced property managers conduct audits on documents sent to us to ensure that all legal responsibilities are met and the landlords interests are protected. If you’re interested in changing letting agents in Glasgow, visit our Getting Started page or contact our friendly team for more information.
Glasgow, Buy To Let, Investment, Student Accommodation
Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why You Should Do It
Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why You Should Do It Learn why buy-to-let in Glasgow is a no-brainer in this post from Cairn Estate & Letting Agency. Once an industrial powerhouse, home to factories and shipyards, Glasgow is today every inch a modern European city. Full of culture, diversity, and a growing population, it’s little wonder that Dear Green Place has resonated with property investors. And in this brief post, we share 4 reasons why you might buy-to-let in Glasgow. Why Buy-to-Let in Glasgow? 1. A thriving economy With the largest economy in Scotland (and the 4th largest in the UK), Glasgow is home to a range of established and emerging sectors. The likes of health, education, retail, and finance — alongside digital, biotech, and low carbon industries — are attracting talent from far and wide, providing ample opportunities and competitive salaries. And with all these talented, well-paid individuals needing places to live, demand for properties is massive (more on that below). 2. A vibrant student population If you’re interested in investing in student accommodation, then look no further than Glasgow. With three top universities and eleven colleges in and around the city, it’s home to around 185,000 students. That makes it, by far, the biggest student city in Scotland, and the second-biggest in the UK. What’s more, Glasgow was recently named as the best UK city for millennials owing to an abundance of graduate job prospects, entertainment options, and overall quality of life. 3. Vital transport links Glasgow is incredibly easy to navigate, with plenty of reliable transport links dotted around the city. But the best part is, it looks like there could be significant improvements in the pipeline. For instance, the Subway (the third-oldest underground system in the world) is often the subject of audacious expansion plans, while a modern tram or light rail network has also been proposed. If these plans become reality, it could result in certain areas of the city becoming more desirable to commuters. And this could mean a greater return on investment for investors. This phenomenon isn’t anything new in Glasgow, either. As it stands, the proximity to a Subway station can actually push up rents due to demand. 4. Huge rental demand Finally, speaking of demand, Glasgow (alongside Edinburgh) is one of the best cities in the UK in which to purchase a buy-to-let property. According to these stats, the average rent in the city is currently £840 PCM, while the average time-to-let for a one-bedroom property is around 27 days. So, if you do invest in buy-to-let in Glasgow, you’ll enjoy terrific yields — and it’s unlikely that it’ll sit empty for very long! Cairn: Buy-to-Let Glasgow Experts Interested in exploring buy-to-let property in Glasgow? Get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services.
Glasgow, West End
How to Find the Best West End Estate Agents
How to Find the Best West End Estate Agents For many, the West End of Glasgow is the jewel in the city’s crown. A vibrant, sought after location, it’s home to beautiful properties, a buzzing nightlife, and idyllic green space. So, if you’re looking to call it home (or you want to sell your West End property at the highest price), it pays to work with the best West End estate agents. But how do you sort the best from the rest? In this short post, we share a few pointers. Introducing Glasgow’s West End The West End plays host to some of the city’s most stunning and unique architecture. Edwardian and Victorian buildings are set side-by-side with their modern counterparts, as old-style Glasgow tenements and glass facade new-builds weave seamlessly across the skyline. Byres Road is the area’s main artery, lined with busy bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. Take a wander down its cobblestone lanes to discover some of the West End’s hidden gems, including quirky boutiques, indoor markets, and independent galleries. And if the hustle and bustle gets to be too much, you can escape to the sprawling Kelvingrove Park or the leafy Botanic Gardens for a spot of quiet contemplation. All in all, it’s easy to see why Glasgow’s well-connected West End remains so popular. So, What Should You Look For in a West End Estate Agent? In our experience, there are three key questions you should ask yourself when shortlisting your West End estate agents. Let’s explore in more detail: 1. Are they local to the area? The best West End estate agents are part of the furniture. Their offices are located in the area, and their staff have real-world experience of the local amenities and transport links. Cairn, for example, is situated on Gibson Street, smack dab in the middle of the busy Kelvinbridge area. We’re a stone’s throw from Kelvingrove Park and 5 minutes from the University of Glasgow. While other estate agents might keep an eye on the West End, our staff know it inside out. 2. Do they have their finger on the pulse? To answer this, check their website and social media. Do they regularly post about events and activities in the area? Do they tweet about local news and available properties? And when quizzed on the hottest bars or the trendiest restaurants, do their staff answer without hesitation? That’s when you know you’re speaking with the real deal. 3. Are they part of the community? Finally, you’ll want to see that the West End isn’t simply a place of work for the agency. Instead, they’re a proud member of the community, actively involved and contributing to the spirit and togetherness. For instance, Cairn is regularly involved in local charitable initiatives and we’ve built up relationships with a number of West End-based partners over the years. The West End isn’t just a place of business; it’s our home. Cairn: Proudly Serving the West End of Glasgow Since 1999 Thinking of buying or selling in the West End? Let’s talk. Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly (local) property experts.
