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Investment, Property Investment
Getting into Property Investment? Start Here
Getting into Property Investment? Start Here If you’re just getting into property investment, it’s important to take your time, do your research, and make sure you’re ready. While it can be a lucrative, exciting, and often low-risk investment, there are plenty of pitfalls that can catch first-time investors off guard. In this short post, we’re sharing our top tips for getting into property investment as a first-time investor. Our Top Tips for Getting into Property Investment 1. Start Following Property Trends Before you even think about making your first investment, you should get into the habit of tracking property trends and the health of the housing market, both locally and nationally. That way, you’ll have more confidence that your investment will see a return in the long run. Note: When you work with Cairn, we provide expert analysis of industry data, alongside in-house and subscription data covering property prices and market trends. Find out more about our investment services here. 2. Only Invest What You Can Afford The next step is to review your current and short-term financial situation to get a handle on your budget. It’s often a good idea to hold some money back for any unforeseen expenses, such as repairs or renovations. And you’ll also need to factor in the additional costs and taxes associated with investment properties, including Stamp Duty, Income Tax (if you’re renting the property), and Capital Gains Tax (the tax paid on any profit generated when you sell the property down the line). 3. Make Sure You Understand Your Legal Requirements & Responsibilities Becoming a buy-to-let landlord comes with extra legal responsibilities, so it’s vital that you know what you’re getting yourself into early doors. Landlords must ensure: The property is safe and hazard-free That they are registered to be a Landlord. All gas and electrical equipment is safely installed, maintained, and inspected regularly Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are fitted and tested, and all fire safety regulations are followed to the letter Working with a property management agency (like Cairn) can help you make sure your property adheres to these requirements. 4. Focus on ROI When you’re viewing possible investment opportunities, you need to overlook the aesthetics and focus on the revenue-generating potential of the property. Wallpaper and layout can be changed, so try not to get hung up on the little things. Instead, consider the rental income and the likelihood the property will appreciate in value based on the demand in the area and those property trends you reviewed earlier. 5. Know When to Exit The property market has a habit of fluctuating, and the best investors know when to ride out the lean years and when to sell to make the most profit. Of course, no one’s born with this level of intuition — it takes years of experience to spot those opportunities. Luckily, working with a property investment agency like Cairn lets you tap into that experience as and when required. We’ll keep you up-to-date on current and future trends and help you offload investment properties at the optimum time. Getting Into Property Investment? Work with Cairn Our experienced team are on hand to provide guidance at any stage of the investment process. From supplying valuable insight into current market trends to advising on legal requirements, we’re with you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more.
Investment, Buy To Let, Edinburgh, Property Investment
Why Invest in an Edinburgh Portfolio?
Why Invest in an Edinburgh Portfolio? Want to invest in an Edinburgh portfolio? Discover the reasons why Scotland’s capital is the place to be. With a thriving economy, six universities and a growing population that could reach 600,000 within the next 10 years, it’s no surprise that Edinburgh is considered one of the best places for buy-to-let in the UK. And high demand for properties means higher rental yields, allowing you to receive healthier returns on your investment! Read on to discover the top reasons to invest in a buy-to-let portfolio in Edinburgh. 4 Reasons to Invest in an Edinburgh Portfolio: 1. A Booming Economy Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, is the powerhouse of both the Scottish and wider UK economy. Consistently one of the most prosperous parts of the country, it has the strongest economy of any city outside London. A booming economy means more jobs, resulting in a greater need for housing as more people move to the city. And not only does the city have a healthy employment rate of 76%, but around 40% of the workforce are in high-skilled (well-paid) jobs. 2. Rising Population Another reason to invest in buy-to-let in Edinburgh is the city’s rising population. A new report shows that it grew by 12.3% in the ten years to 2020, up from an estimated 469,930 to 527,620. This figure is expected to rise to over 600,000 by 2035, potentially becoming more populous than Glasgow in the near future. More people means greater demand for housing stock, which is great news for buy-to-let investors. Read more: Edinburgh Property Investment: Is It Worth It? 3. A flourishing student market With six universities and three colleges, Edinburgh has a flourishing student market. The city is home to students from across the UK and around the world. Thousands come not just for its elite educational reputation, but for its rich and fascinating heritage, architecture, and food and drink scene. Since full-time students comprise over 12% of the population of Edinburgh, there’s a huge need for quality rented accommodation. HMO student accommodation is particularly sought after in the city. This is because it’s generally more affordable for students since several people will be splitting the rent, and it also offers a more social experience. Since the universities aren’t going anywhere, investing in a student HMO is usually a sound investment. Some of the key areas for student property investment are Abbeyhill, Marchmont, Balerno, Chesser, Bonnington, Currie, Dalry, Gorgie, Juniper Green, Haymarket, Fountainbridge, Polwarth and Slateford. Read more: Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh: Where to Look? 4. High rental yields With so many reasons for people to live, work, and study in Edinburgh, it’s no surprise that property here is in such high demand. As well as local residents and the huge student letting market, there’s also a flourishing tourist and holiday letting market. This has become particularly attractive for Edinburgh landlords in recent years, resulting in the city boasting some of the highest rental yields in the country. According to Totally Money, Edinburgh buy-to-lets can offer excellent yields of well over 6%. Next Steps: Find an Edinburgh Portfolio We’ve written previously about how to find a property portfolio for sale in Scotland, so you may want to continue reading there. Or, if you’re ready to invest in an Edinburgh portfolio, we’re here to help. We have a proven track record in helping investors secure profitable buy-to-let investments, with multiple portfolios sold within the last six months alone. Get in touch to learn more.
Investment, Edinburgh, Property Investment, Property Partners
Why Use Our Property Development Services in Edinburgh?
Why Use Our Property Development Services in Edinburgh? Are you looking to invest in property in Scotland’s capital? If so, Cairn can help. We offer a range of property development services in Edinburgh, helping our clients maximise their investment. Whether you’re an experienced investor or new to the game, we can provide the guidance, support and assistance you need. Read on to learn more. Cairn’s Property Development Services in Edinburgh: 1. Free guidance, analysis, and recommendations Firstly, our experienced team are on hand to provide guidance at any stage of the development process. From supplying valuable insight into current market trends to advising on legal requirements, we’re with you every step of the way. Our team can also carry out a full assessment of your property in line with market standards, advising on the type of work required to maximise letting potential. And we can even provide estimates and suggest options to help you stay within budget. 2. Complete project management Secondly, when you use our development services in Edinburgh, you’ll benefit from complete project management. We can handle every part of your project, from providing a detailed plan of the required works to receiving quotes from approved contractors (and even negotiating contracts). We can agree on timescales to reflect your needs and negotiate fixed prices to improve budget management. We’ll inspect the work as it’s being carried out and later arrange a snagging inspection to ensure that high standards of workmanship have been maintained throughout. And anything which hasn’t been completed to the specification agreed can be rectified as quickly as possible. 3. Preparation of planning permission and building warrant applications Property development often requires you to get planning permission and a building warrant before you carry out work. This can include converting, altering, extending or demolishing any part of a property. At Cairn, we take care of the paperwork for you. We complete all forms and drawings to a professional standard and with the highest level of accuracy. And that’s not all. We can also help you apply for the Completion Certificate – a key document that confirms work has been carried out in agreement with the approved plans and specifications, as well as Building Regulations. 4. Carrying out design improvement to your property Finally, our work doesn’t always stop once the building work is complete. If required, our development services can also include cosmetic improvements to your property, helping to increase both its value and letting potential. Our in-house team of designers deliver eye-catching, trendy interior design. We’ll provide expert guidance on everything from picking fixtures and fittings to choosing the perfect finishes for your property. And everything we suggest will meet with current regulations and reflect your investment profile and budget. Learn More About Our Property Development Services in Edinburgh Cairn has been delivering property development services in Edinburgh for many years. Whether you’re searching for new investment opportunities or need help maximising your returns, our team of experts can help. Get in touch to learn more.
Investment, Buy To Let, Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Property Investment, Student Accommodation
Why Work With A Glasgow Estate Agent To Buy Property For Your University Bound Child
Why Work With A Glasgow Estate Agent To Buy Property For Your Uni-Bound Child An expert Glasgow estate agent can help you find the best deal for a second property — especially if it’s for your student-aged child. More and more parents are choosing to buy property for their children as they head off to university in Glasgow. And while this might seem like an extravagant move, it can be a wise long-term investment that benefits your family long into the future. Glasgow estate agents can help you find suitable properties at surprisingly affordable prices. Read on to find out why working with an estate agent to buy your child a property to live in may be a better option than renting student accommodation. Why Buy Property for a Student: Glasgow Estate Agent Advice 1. It’s a long-term investment Buying a property in Glasgow remains a fantastic investment. While it’s one of the least expensive cities in the UK to buy property, house prices here are increasing year on year. In fact, the average house price soared by a massive 14% in the last 12 months alone. There’s also a huge rental demand in the city, making it the ideal place to buy to let. With that in mind, you could opt to rent out spare rooms in the property to help pay the mortgage and other costs. A good Glasgow estate agent can help you select the right investment property in the city. 2. Help your child avoid sky-high rents According to Rightmove, the cost of renting in Glasgow has rocketed by 10% since the coronavirus pandemic started, with the average rent in the city now £992 per month. This is well worth considering when deciding whether to buy your child a property while studying at university. Buying a property is likely to be much more cost-effective once the initial costs have been paid, with average mortgage payments often significantly less than average rent payments. Read more: Why We’re the Best Glasgow Letting Agents for Students 3. Help your child onto the property ladder early Helping your child onto the property ladder at an early age will benefit them long into the future. Although property values may drop over the course of the mortgage, they’re still likely to rise overall. Therefore, if you buy your child a property while house prices are lower, the value in the house will increase as the market recovers. And if they get on the property ladder at 18, they stand to have considerable equity in their property by their late 20s and 30s. They are also more likely to be mortgage-free at an early age, giving them greater freedom to retire early if they choose to. Buying Property for the Student in the Family? Use a Reputable Glasgow Estate Agent Knowing where to start when buying a property for your child can be difficult, particularly if you don’t live in the city. That’s why many parents choose to work with Glasgow estate agents with expert knowledge of the different properties currently on the market. A local estate agent can help you find the right property for your child, helping to secure an investment that benefits your family long into the future. To buy your child a property to live in while studying, contact a leading Glasgow estate agent (like Cairn!). We can help you find a suitable home in the city at the right price. Get started here.
Investment, Buy To Let
Cairn, Your Property Investment Specialist in 2025
Cairn, Your Property Investment Specialist in 2025 Cairn has made quite a name for itself in the sales and rental market, but did you know it also has a thriving investment services? For those looking to make an investment in the property market Cairn offers a property matching service where we look at properties on and “off” the market to suit your investment requirements. Whether moving into the area, buying an investment to rent out, adding value through refurbishments for resale, or an HMO student property, Cairn’s combined market knowledge and access to stock can be beneficial. We offer buyers a pro-active search and recommendation service at our discretion. Another component of our investment service is to provide our clients with relevant information relating to the market, such as properties that aren’t yet ‘on the market’. Being a local estate agent there are a variety of ways in which we come across buying opportunities. For example, by using our contacts with reputable surveyors we can sometimes offer investors the chance to buy off market before the general public is informed. Also, because of our presence in the market we are sometimes approached direct by property owners who know we can introduce a buyer. However, even if you find property without our help, our expertise can still be a vital asset. Cairn can help you objectively assess the property relative to your aims and if it matches up, we can help you work out what you are prepared to pay. We can then see that through to any potential development work and project manage this before handing it over to our “letting department” reducing your void periods. Another advantage of our investment service is that we’ll always keep you updated on industry news and potential properties. This is done by sending you a regular update of available properties and providing you with generic advice. Invaluable given the current housing climate. Our investment service offers the perfect balance of our hands on help and advice while still giving you room to breathe and make your own decisions. Our aim is just to help you make informed decisions. If you’d like to learn more about our investment service or any of Cairn’s other services please get in touch and our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Investment, Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, HMO Properties, 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.
Investment, Buy To Let, Hints & Tips, 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.
Investment, Hints & Tips, 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.
Investment, Property Investment
How to Find the Best Property Development Opportunities
How to Find the Best Property Development Opportunities Maybe you’ve been bingeing Homes Under the Hammer and thought “Hey, I could do that!” Or maybe you’ve already renovated one property and now you’ve got a taste for it. No matter the reason why you’re looking for property development opportunities, in this short blog post, we share the two things you need to know when searching for your first (or your next) big project. 1. Property Development Opportunities: It’s All About Location x 3 There’s a well-known phrase when it comes to property development; it’s all about location, location, location. But this isn’t a tired old cliché — you really do need to spot the up-and-coming areas before anyone else. And to do that, you have to scour the internet and pound the pavement. First, look at properties for sale on the likes of Rightmove and OnTheMarket and note their asking prices. Next, read up on new developments (shops, bars, restaurants) and check local newspapers, forums, and social media for insight. Finally, scroll around Google Maps to measure walking and driving distance from important amenities (schools, parks, train stations, etc.). Found an area you like? It’s time to visit in-person and ask yourself: Do any of the properties stand out as having potential? Some property developers like to look for the worst property on the nicest street as this means there’s room for improvement. Is there a variety of property types, or are they all the same? If it’s the latter, this could mean that each house on the street has the same maximum sales potential, so it could be a challenge to add enough value to achieve a healthy profit. Are there any skips or signs of development? This could mean fellow property developers are in the area, or it could mean the owners see enough value in their property to do some renovation work themselves. Either way, you could be onto a winner. Are there new-builds nearby? Whether it’s a shiny new flat complex, student housing, or a new-build estate, these sorts of developments are usually followed by new or improved local amenities. Buying and renovating a nearby property could mean selling while demand is high for the area. 2. Finding the Best Property: Estate Agents Are Your Friends Once you’ve identified your development area, reach out to the local estate agents. Whether it’s a call or an email, introduce yourself and outline what it is you’re looking for in a property. Discuss timelines, financials, and your end goal (place tenants in the property or sell for profit). With the right “profile” of property, the agents can start sending property development opportunities directly to your inbox. This will save you precious time, and they might even send you a hot tip for a property that’s yet to be posted online. The best estate agents know their local market, so if you’re looking for a buy-to-let in Glasgow, a buy-to-let in Edinburgh, or HMO development opportunities, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction. Looking for property development opportunities in Scotland? Make Cairn your new best friend. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll be happy to help. Contact us here.
