The Future of Renting in Scotland: Tackling the Supply Crisis Together
Scottish Letting Day 2025 once again brought together the sector’s most passionate voices — landlords, agents, policymakers, and investors to discuss the future of housing in Scotland.
This year, our team at Logan Property had the privilege of contributing to that conversation. Managing Director/CXO, John Logan and Head of Business Development, Natalie Simpson took to the stage to deliver our session: “The Future of Renting in Scotland: Tackling the Supply Crisis Together.”
We were delighted to see such a strong turnout and a lively Q&A afterwards proof, if ever it were needed, that this is a debate that matters deeply to everyone in the room.
And yes, our Stand (No. 1!) was buzzing all day. From the “Wheel of Fortune” to our prize draw, it was fantastic to see so many delegates and exhibitors stop by for conversation, collaboration, and a bit of fun.
A Market Under Pressure
Our message was clear: Scotland’s rental and general property market is at a crossroads.
Demand for homes has surged, yet supply continues to shrink. In key cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, more than 20 people are competing for every available rental property and in our own recent experience, over 60. Not a nice tenant experience.
Rents are climbing, affordability is tightening, and landlords feeling the squeeze of rising costs and regulatory pressures — are increasingly exiting the sector.
This isn’t just a numbers problem; it’s a people problem. Every property lost from the private rented sector represents a home that no longer exists for someone who needs it.
The Role of the Small Landlord
John reminded delegates that independent landlords still provide the majority of Scotland’s rental homes.
These are individuals and families who have invested locally, often managing just one or two properties. Yet, the data tells a worrying story:
- Small landlords (with one property) have fallen from 94% to 72% of registrations since 2019.
- SAL’s 2024 survey suggests that over 52,000 homes have been lost from the sector in just two years.
- The top reasons? Hostility from politicians (79%), rising regulation (70%), and concern over rent controls (62%).
Protecting tenants is crucial but so is protecting the people who provide the homes. As John put it:
“When small landlords succeed, renters benefit.”
Build to Rent – A Modern Solution
Natalie then explored the Build to Rent (BTR) model as a key part of Scotland’s housing future.
BTR developments purpose-built, professionally managed, and designed for community living can deliver scale and quality quickly. However, the sector faces significant barriers:
- Policy uncertainty, especially around rent controls.
- Planning delays leaving 14,000+ homes stuck in the development pipeline.
- Rising build costs, labour shortages, and investor caution.
Despite this, there is optimism. With clearer policy, planning reform, and public-private collaboration, BTR could help reshape Scotland’s rental landscape creating more sustainable, tenant friendly homes.
Collaboration Over Confrontation
Our key message? We cannot solve this crisis by treating landlords, developers, and tenants as opposing sides.
Instead, we need shared responsibility and smart policy that supports affordability and viability.
That means:
- Consulting meaningfully with landlords and tenants.
- Encouraging innovation from tech platforms that improve transparency to local incentives for affordable lets.
- Supporting education and dialogue to build trust across the sector.
Because, as Natalie concluded:
“Housing isn’t just a market it’s the foundation for opportunity. We owe it to every renter in Scotland to get this right.”
Keeping the Conversation Going
Our talk clearly resonated. The BTR and Mid-Market Rent topics carried over into the main policy panel later in the day sparking lively debate among representatives from the major parties (with the exception of the Greens, who were a no show) and highlighting just how urgent these issues have become.
The takeaway? Everyone recognises the problem. Now we must come together to deliver the solution.
So, here’s our question to you and to the wider property community:
How do we build a rental market that truly works for everyone tenants, landlords, and investors alike?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation and help shape the future of renting in Scotland.
