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Published: 01 October 2025

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WHY UNDERSTANDING BOTH SALES AND LETTINGS MAKES A BETTER SCOTTISH AGENT: SPOTLIGHT ON SOUTHSIDE EDINBURGH

In Scotland’s fast-moving property market, whether you’re renting or buying, having the right agent can make all the difference. From bustling Edinburgh flats to family homes across the country, agents who understand both sales and lettings are in the best position to guide clients with confidence.

“In the same morning, I was assisting tenants queueing for one-bedroom flats in Bread Street while also advising buyers competing for nearby properties. Experiencing both sides of the market side by side provides valuable, first-hand insight into what clients truly need—whether they’re renting, buying, or selling.” — Natalie Simpson, Business Development Manager

Why Dual Expertise Matters

Renters and buyers might approach the market differently, but the trends often overlap. Rental demand can point towards where sales interest is heating up, and vice versa. That means an agent with a foot in both worlds can spot shifts early, guide clients on pricing, and help them move at the right time.

Natalie explains:

"Over the past few weeks in the Southside particularly Newington, Marchmont, and Blackford we have noticed two clear trends.  Flats with good outdoor space remain popular and are being snapped up almost immediately, whether for rent or purchase. A two-bedroom flat with even a small garden near good transport routes can attract long rental queues and secure quick sales. At the same time, properties priced just above the Southside average such as slightly larger flats or modest townhouses are taking a little longer but not much to secure offers unless they are impeccably presented (more about that in next week’s blog). Clean finishes, modern kitchens, and strong transport links often make the deciding difference.

What this tells me is that tenants want comfort and convenience within budget, while buyers are prepared to pay a premium for quality and location. For both, value is increasingly about lifestyle rather than just square footage.”

Lessons for Renters and Buyers

For renters in the Southside, preparation is everything. Having references and deposits ready can be the difference between securing a flat or missing out. Buyers, meanwhile, are learning that competition is fierce and timing is crucial but understanding the rental market also helps them judge which properties will hold their value or make sound investments. Recent examples underline this perfectly. Two-bedroom flats in EH9 and EH10 are letting for around £1,800/month, well above the Edinburgh average.

Meanwhile, similar homes put up for sale are going under offer in just 20 days, far quicker than this time last year. Outdoor space, good presentation, and strong transport links are not just nice extras anymore they remain are decisive factors for both groups.

What This Means for Landlords and Sellers

For landlords, it highlights the importance of setting realistic rents and choosing tenants carefully to ensure long-term stability. For sellers, it’s a reminder that showcasing a property’s rental potential can attract investors as well as homebuyers.

As Natalie puts it:

“Helping landlords and sellers understand both markets ensures stability while maximising their opportunities.”

Being a Scottish property agent who works across sales and lettings isn’t just an added benefit it’s essential. It gives us the perspective to anticipate trends, provide better advice, and deliver smoother outcomes for clients whether they are renting, buying, or selling.

Thinking of renting, buying, or selling in Scotland? Follow our LinkedIn page for more expert insights, market updates, and tips straight from the front line.

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Published: 24 September 2025

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FROM QUEUE TO KEYS: SURVIVING EDINBURGH’S COMPETITIVE RENTAL MARKET

Last week, 60 hopeful renters turned up for viewings of a super cute one-bedroom flat in Edinburgh’s City Centre.  Similar scenes unfolded earlier in the month at properties in the Old Town and Leith areas, where our team hosted prospective tenants over the course of two days of viewings.  For many, the experience felt more like competing for concert tickets than finding a home.

For tenants these queues are more than just an inconvenience they’re a story about what’s really happening in Edinburgh’s rental market right now.

A City of Renters in Waiting

One-bedroom flats have become the hottest property in town. With average rents in Edinburgh climbing to around £1,500 a month, smaller properties are often the only option for young professionals, students, and couples starting out.  It’s little wonder that when a one bed comes on the market in Leith or the Old Town, dozens of applicants appear overnight.

But it isn’t just about price.  Edinburgh’s compact city centre, with its cobbled streets like Cockburn Street and city centre location like Bread Street, offers walkability, history, and convenience all things renters are willing to queue for.

Why the Queues Are So Long

• Too Few Homes: New rental developments have slowed, with Scotland seeing fewer build-to-rent projects than in anticipated coming out of the ground.
• Tenants Staying Put: With rent controls limiting increases, many renters are holding onto their leases, meaning fewer properties come back onto the market.
• More Competition: Edinburgh remains a magnet for students, workers, and overseas renters all chasing the same limited supply.

The result? One modest flat in the City Centre can draw 60 applicants, each hoping to be the one who gets the keys.

What It Means for Tenants

For renters, the process can feel daunting. It’s no longer about browsing listings at leisure it’s about being fast, prepared, and decisive.  Having references, guarantors and deposits ready can make the difference between getting the flat or watching someone else sign the lease.

What It Means for Landlords

For landlords, the queues might feel like a positive problem, but there are lessons too. Choosing the right tenant carefully, being fair on pricing, and keeping good tenants long-term are smarter strategies than chasing short-term gains. In a market under constant policy change, stability is valuable.

Looking ahead

The demand on properties shown recently in Leith, Old Town, and City Centre are a snapshot of a deeper imbalance in Edinburgh’s housing market.  Demand keeps rising while supply struggles to keep up.  Until more homes are built and confidence returns to the rental sector, these long lines will continue to be a feature of the city’s rental story.

For now, Edinburgh renters will need patience, preparation, and perhaps a little luck.  And landlords? They’ll need to balance opportunity with responsibility in one of the UK’s most competitive rental markets.

Why the Right Agent Matters

In such a competitive property market, having the right agent by your side isn’t just helpful it’s essential.  The right agent will not only market your property effectively but also manage viewings, screen enquiries, and negotiate on your behalf to secure the best outcome.  With so many moving parts and changing legislation, it’s about more than just getting the deal done, it’s about having someone you trust to guide you through the process smoothly.  That’s exactly what we pride ourselves on: combining deep local knowledge with a hands on approach that makes all the difference.

Have you been caught up in Edinburgh’s rental queues? Share your experience—we’d love to hear your story.

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Published: 17 September 2025

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FAIRWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY: WOMEN, GOLF, AND THE BUSINESS OF NETWORKING

Seventeen years ago, our Business Development Manager, Natalie Simpson picked up a golf club thinking it would just be a hobby. Little did she know it would turn into one of her best business strategies. Yet somehow, no one ever asks, “Do you play?” Natalie has even joked about posting: “Did you know I play golf, just to get invited along to more games, and sometimes I even invite myself to caddy in what has traditionally been a male-oriented networking sport?”

Golf has always been a fantastic way for Natalie to connect with people, build relationships, and enjoy some friendly competition. Fancy a game?

Golf as a Business Connector

What Natalie loves about golf is that it levels the playing field, literally.  On the course, titles or your sex don’t matter.  You could be a CEO or just starting out in your career, and yet you’re both battling the same bunker shot or grimacing over the same three-putt. That shared challenge breaks down barriers faster than any boardroom icebreaker ever could.

She has lost count of the number of times a chat about the best line into a green has naturally flowed into a conversation about property, investments, or business ideas.  Deals aren’t always sealed over contracts, they often start with a well-timed drive down the fairway.  Let’s face it, some of the best ideas come while trying to avoid the sand trap or laughing at someone who just managed a spectacularly creative slice.

Why Golf Works for Everyone

For Natalie, golf has been a way to step into conversations and build connections in a relaxed setting.  You don’t need to play like Rory McIlroy, Charley Hull or Gemma Dryburgh to make golf work for you. Some of the most memorable business conversations she has had have happened after completely duffing a shot. Nothing bonds people quite like laughing over a ball that went in the opposite direction of where you intended. Fancy a game? You’ll soon see what she means.

Where Property Meets the Putting Green

As someone who works in property, Natalie has found the golf course to be one of the most unexpected yet productive “offices.”  She has had some of her most honest chats about Edinburgh’s property market while waiting on the tee box, or shared insights about downsizing trends somewhere between the 12th and 13th hole.

Talking property while walking the course feels more open and candid than sitting across a desk.  Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s the pace, or maybe it’s just the joy of multitasking while trying to avoid the rough! And if anyone challenges you to a friendly wager? Well, that’s just part of the fun.

A Practical Invitation

If you’ve ever thought about golf but felt it wasn’t for you, Natalie says "give it a go".  Start with a driving range, join a relaxed social round, or just borrow some clubs and have fun.  You don’t need to post a dazzling scorecard to open up new connections.  Sometimes it’s the missed putt, the friendly banter, and the shared walk that create the strongest bonds. Fancy a game? You’ll leave with a story, if not a perfect score.

Girls Do Golf Too

Golf isn’t just a sport it’s a stage for conversations, opportunities, and yes, the occasional laugh at a truly shocking shot.  After 17 years of playing, Natalie can say it has given her both a healthier handicap and a healthier network. Fancy a game? The fairway is wide open and it’s about time more of us claimed our spot on it.

Do you play golf or have a funny fairway story that’s led to a business connection? Natalie would love to hear it.

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Published: 27 August 2025

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The Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector—where homes are designed and built specifically for rent—has become an increasingly important part of the UK housing landscape. Offering professionally managed apartments with amenities like concierge services, communal lounges, and gyms, BTR has proved attractive to both residents and investors south of the border. In Scotland, however, the story has been more complex.

Early Growth and Rising Demand

Scotland entered the BTR conversation strongly. By 2021, the pipeline of new homes had more than doubled year on year, with nearly 13,000 units at some stage of development. Momentum carried through to 2022, when institutional investors and developers highlighted Scotland’s growing rental demand, especially in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This early optimism reflected a clear market need. Scotland’s urban centres face persistent housing shortages, particularly for young professionals and families who value secure tenancies but cannot yet access home ownership. BTR, with its emphasis on long-term rental stability, seemed to provide a solution.

A Pipeline Stuck in Neutral

Fast forward to 2024, and the narrative has shifted. Research showed as many as 14,000 homes were “stuck in the pipeline,” caught between planning discussions and stalled projects. The problem was not demand, but delivery. Scotland entered 2024 with a national housing emergency formally declared, yet BTR projects that could help relieve pressure were increasingly delayed or shelved.

By early 2025, the slowdown was stark. Just under 1,900 BTR homes were under construction in Scotland, a drop of more than a quarter compared to the previous year. The retreat has raised alarm across the sector, with many pointing to investor hesitancy and uncertain policy conditions.

Policy Uncertainty and Rent Controls

At the heart of this slowdown lies one contentious issue: rent control. In 2022, Scotland introduced temporary rent freeze measures under the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act. While designed to protect tenants during a period of inflationary pressure, these policies sent shockwaves through the investment community. Developers and institutional investors began to question the viability of committing to large-scale BTR projects without long-term certainty.

The Scottish Government is now working on a permanent rent control framework, scheduled for 2027. Current proposals suggest increases capped at inflation plus 1%. Industry groups are lobbying for BTR schemes to be exempt from these restrictions, arguing that large-scale, purpose-built developments require stable returns to attract investment. Without such clarity, the pipeline risks stalling further.

Bright Spots in the Market

Despite challenges, completed BTR schemes in Scotland have been well received. Edinburgh’s McEwan development, for example, has been praised by residents for its design, amenities, and service, earning top ratings from independent reviews. Similar enthusiasm has been seen at Glasgow’s Candleriggs and Aberdeen’s The Point, showing that when delivered, BTR can create vibrant and desirable communities.

Scotland’s BTR market sits at a crossroads. On one hand, the fundamentals are strong: demand for rental homes is high, and residents value the service-driven approach of BTR living. On the other, delays, planning bottlenecks, and uncertainty over rent control legislation are suppressing growth.

For the sector to flourish, policymakers will need to provide clarity and, ideally, carve out supportive exemptions for BTR projects. Done right, the model could play a critical role in easing Scotland’s housing shortage while delivering secure, high-quality rental options for thousands of households.

The opportunity is there—the question is whether Scotland can unlock it.