On the 1st of March 2024, the government introduced several new measures to the Repairing Standard in Scotland, which landlords legally must comply with throughout the duration of a tenancy. Private rented homes are legally required to follow these standards of repair and so landlords and letting agents will need to ensure that their property adheres to the newly updated standards. Common spaces The standards include safe access and usage of any common parts that pertain to the property. This includes any common closes, common stairways and shared gardens to name just a few areas. All reside ..read more

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, renting can present its fair share of challenges. Though it’s also a financially rewarding venture and provides more freedom in living choices, there are pain points in the process to watch out for. For a smoother rental process, it’s smart to prepare yourself for potential hurdles. To help you out, we’ve put together some advice on challenges for small property rentals in Scotland. Get started on the right foot with these expert insights. Image source: unsplash.com Rental regulations Before putting a property on the rental market, there are legal steps ..read more

If you have been considering beginning a property portfolio and launching a career in property investment, there are few better places to do so than in Edinburgh. World-famous and increasingly popular with residents at all ages and stages of life, Scotland’s capital has long been a prime choice for investors as there is always huge demand to call this exciting, vibrant city home. Whether you’re hoping to attract families, young professionals or get involved in the energetic student lets market, investing in Edinburgh can be a great option for those looking to build a secure property portfoli ..read more

Source: Unsplash The Scottish rental market landscape is undergoing a significant shift. Many landlords are currently scratching their heads over their buy-to-let investments. Recent reports have highlighted trends such as a fall in available rental properties. Challenges also loom for tenants. They must ensure landlords keep their side of the bargain with property maintenance. New data from the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) is now available. It says the rental market in Scotland has seen a decline in the properties available for rent. This is due to various factors, including  ..read more

As explained in previous blogs, the temporary changes introduced by the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 on 31 October 2022 ended on 31 March 2024. So, whilst new rules come into play for adjudicating rent disputes, the end of the 2022 Act also means the expiry of the provisions that relate to eviction and possession actions and some other changes. What does this mean for evictions? The delay in enforcement of an order for eviction or possession will no longer apply. From 31 March 2024, a landlord will no longer require to wait until the earlier of 1) 6 months from the ..read more

In episode 85 of Let’s Talk, we’re excited to welcome back Harry Crombie, Lettings and New Business Manager at Edinburgh-based ‘Burgh Property. Harry, a familiar face in Edinburgh’s property market, takes us through his journey and background in the industry, leading up to his current role at ‘Burgh. We delve into the backstory of ‘Burgh, exploring its establishment timeline and company ethos. Harry sheds light on the recent merger with Clyde Property, along with unveiling a new dual-branded office location. The conversation then shifts to the broader landscape of Scottish letting agents, wi ..read more

Source: Adam Wilson Scotland’s real estate market has suffered since 2020, yet, as 2023 showed us, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Mortgage interest rates have hit shockingly high numbers, affecting the housing and rental markets badly. With steadily growing demand for housing and a slow increase in post-COVID tourism, the market is becoming more stable. Whether you’re a buyer, landlord, renter, or seller, will 2024 be the year to make your next big move? So, for today’s article, we’ll make some real estate market predictions for 2024. Let’s dive right in… Property ..read more

The Repairing Standard is in place to ensure that the property or properties of private landlords meet the minimum physical standard of repair. The recent updates, enforceable since 1st March 2024, introduced changes concerning the common areas of tenement buildings, requiring collaboration and consent amongst owners to implement. This includes ensuring safe access to common parts, safe and secure common doors, and a minimum level of lead in the water supply. Safe access and secure common doors © shisuka via Canva.com Landlords of tenement flats must guarantee tenants’ safe access to and use ..read more

At a recent Share conference, an expert from one of the country’s leading property management companies highlighted their concerns of the time and costs implications to all of those involved in the remediation of the health and safety issues in buildings. It was evident from the presentation that all building owners and landlords, whether they be social or private, who are expected to ensure their properties are fire safe and meet with energy efficient measures  that are to be introduced imminently, are faced with the same issues of exorbitant bills and a lack of financial or any suppor ..read more

If you run a real estate business in Scotland, you know the importance of being online nowadays. Many people will purchase their homes from a listing on social media. By knowing which sites work best for social media marketing and how to reach your audience, your business can thrive. How is Social Media Used in Real Estate? Before we go into the five sites, let’s briefly examine how agents use social media. Interacting With Your Audience. Besides using social media marketing for property management, you should consider using it to talk with your fans. Forming a closer bond will increase your ..read more