Why Propertymark’s Scottish lettings membership figures have increased by 18% since 2023
Across Scotland, Propertymark has witnessed an 18 per cent increase in membership numbers of its ‘Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)’ division since January 2023, and an overall 10 per cent increase in membership across the nation in the same timeframe.
A key driver behind this growth is the sheer amount of legislation that the Scottish Government has enacted for the private rental sector since the end of 2022. For example, the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act was enacted on 28 October 2022 after receiving Royal Assent the day before. This law capped mid-tenancy rent increases at 6 per cent from 1 April 2023.
Following the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act’s end on 31 March 2024, the Housing (Scotland) Act then passed in 2025 which provides a framework for Scottish Ministers and local councils to designate ‘Rent Control Areas’ that limit how much landlords can increase rents by.
Although letting agents have been legally obligated to hold a minimum Level 6 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) qualification that ensures they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle rental properties since 2014, many letting professionals feel the benefits of Propertymark representing and engaging with different governments throughout the UK regarding housing by providing a key bridge between agency and those responsible for legislation.
In addition, Propertymark membership includes access to their lettings helpline, which can help resolve queries and manage difficult situations during a time when substantial changes are sweeping through Scotland’s private rental sector.
Thanks to a dedicated policy team that has an outstanding reputation for highlighting and directly responding to ever growing complexity within the private rental sector, membership brings a formidable access to essential information based on the topics members find fundamental.
Furthermore, Propertymark membership provides property agents, not just in Scotland, but throughout the UK with professional credibility that consumers appreciate and trust. Propertymark’s qualifications can provide agents with industry-specific skills and at the same time demonstrate an agent’s dedication to training and ongoing career development.
As well as qualifications, there is a comprehensive regional conferences schedule across the entire UK, special webinars, training courses, and membership packages tailored to suit an individual’s needs such as Company Advantage.
Company Advantage has been designed to enhance efficiency and promote stronger sector wide collaboration. In addition, Company Advantage membership also brings complementary access to Propertymark One, the UK’s biggest property event, bringing an exclusive opportunity to witness industry innovation, connect with expert-led insight, and an unmissable chance to network with property professionals.
Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, said:
“There has been vast evolution across the housing sector in Scotland over the last few years, with fundamental challenges requiring a clear and collaborative approach from all involved.
“The housing landscape has changed at a great pace over recent years, meaning we need now more than ever a property sector that has a strong voice, a clear thinking approach regarding future policy, and compelling and robust professional representation in terms of clear communication, training and support to help all property professionals deliver the transformation necessary to succeed.”
To learn more about Propertymark’s membership benefits and to join, use this link here: Become a member | Propertymark.
