Scottish letting agents give us their views on their local market.
“Demand is continuing to rise across Aberdeen, with well-presented properties seeing multiple applications. Tenants are focusing in on energy efficiency, and the rents are continuing to rise steadily which is a positive welcome for landlords. Demand is rising for two-bed properties, but we are seeing that one-bed properties are slightly more popular in terms of letting speed.”
“Edinburgh has delivered a convincing summer period, as anticipated, with greater tenant activity around various sections of the long-term rental market. The supply of available properties is at the lowest level in a year and rents have moderately increased to the highest levels. Looking ahead, uncertainty around the autumn budget could unsettle the position of many landlords, impacting the supply of available rental properties in this ever growing city. However, with interest rates at the lowest level in 2 ½ years and further cuts on the horizon, the opportunity to invest in the rental sector is an exciting prospect. For savvy investors, Edinburgh offers a rare blend of opportunity and resilience.”
“The Scottish rental market is gradually rebalancing after years of intense pressure experienced post-pandemic. While demand has eased slightly, which has helped slow the pace of rent increase, supply remains 20% below pre-pandemic levels, keeping competition among tenants high. As a result, rental inflation is expected to hold steady through the remainder of 2025. Despite ongoing challenges, the market continues to offer strong long-term potential for landlords and investors.”
“The third quarter has been steady, with rent growth slowing compared to the sharp increases of last summer. Rising living costs are playing a part, and in some areas rents already feel close to their limit. Demand is still strong, particularly where properties are well cared for, and landlords who invest in maintenance usually see longer tenancies as a result. Looking ahead, we expect more modest growth. But with the Housing Bill moving through Parliament, there’s growing concern that some landlords may choose to leave the sector, which could mean fewer homes available to rent.”
“We are experiencing extremely strong demand for one bedroom properties, though affordability is still an issue, particularly for single occupancy. Unfortunately, we are still seeing long standing landlords leaving the industry to sell, and others have expressed concerns about the proposed changes in NIC at the budget, as a factor which might make them consider selling in the next financial year. On the upside, we have experienced a higher than normal level of landlord enquiries with around half of these being first time landlords which is encouraging.”
“Edinburgh’s rental market is showing encouraging signs of stabilisation after several years of rent increases and limited supply. While demand remains strong, tenants now have slightly more choice, making presentation more important than ever. From our perspective at A Flat In Town, we’ve seen particularly high interest in well-designed homes where thoughtful use of colour and warmth creates a real sense of aspirational living. These properties are consistently achieving stronger rents and attracting committed tenants quickly. In a market that’s becoming more balanced, quality, design and atmosphere are proving just as influential as location or price.”
“The last quarter has been exceptionally busy with quality stock renting in record time. The traditional student / doctor rush has seen demand outstrip supply and pushed rents to inflated levels. Many landlords are bracing themselves for a new raft of legislation in the PRS with the introduction of the Housing (Scotland) Bill and with what that will bring with it. We are however noticing that stock levels across the city are down year on year but the quality of stock coming to the market is of a higher calibre than previously and this is making properties more desirable to the market. In short the housing stock seems to be improving as traditional landlords are leaving the market and new investors who understand the basic economics of property investment are improving their stock and keen to get on board.”
“Q3 2025 saw Edinburgh’s rental market continue its upward trajectory, with HMO rents typically achieving £700+ per room.The professional 1–2 bed sector consolidated well, stabilising after robust post-rent control rises. New business remained strong, driven by landlords retaining assets but relocating, alongside a modest return of ex-STL properties. Time-To-Let periods eased slightly, though demand remains resilient. Confidence among landlords is recovering, buoyed by the rollback of restrictive regulation, and relatively workable if not yet detailed rent controls still to come. The PRS continued to demonstrate its value to the housing market and wider economy when left to operate with minimal interference. Overall, Edinburgh’s rental landscape remains competitive, with supply constraints underpinning sustained rental growth.”
“1Let experienced a busy 3rd quarter with the market moving well. Historically, this is the busiest time of year and 2025 continued that trend with lots of interest in available stock and properties letting quickly. In September, we saw a record number of new landlords sign up, signalling continued confidence not only in 1Let but also the private rental sector more generally. This comes despite the anti-landlord rhetoric coming out of Holyrood and Westminster. We move into Q4 and the longer term future with positivity knowing that the PRS will continue to play a vital role in Scotland’s housing mix.”
“The Scottish rental market remains stable, though recent trends highlight some shifts in demand. One-and two-bedroom properties have been taking longer than average to let, which is due to the rising stock levels across Scotland and has given tenants more choice, and contributed to this change in pace and greater tenant selectivity. Interestingly, larger four-bedroom homes which traditionally take longer to move, have seen reduced time on the market suggesting stronger demand. Last quarter we also saw the rise in demand for HMO properties driven by the time of year, highlighting the consistent demand for this type of accommodation.”
“Another summer has whizzed past and what a busy one it has been. Demand has been high for properties across most rental price points. Edinburgh also saw the influx of tourists for the festival period and the additional venue staff who require accommodation too. Few in the industry will be unaware of the challenges currently facing short let landlords. These challenges have peaked with the increase in unlicensed letting which has been prevalent this year. As an agent this is particularly worrying that this practice is on the increase. It now requires to be addressed at a higher level.”
“Q3 saw a drastic reduction in TTL on our portfolio and this has reduced available stock to market, meaning more people are settled into homes. Rents remain strong but have levelled off as we predicted they might. Investment interest from professional investors has been exceptional over the last quarter and portfolio growth has been fantastic, with it far outstripping clients exiting the market. Those who are exiting and selling their investment properties, where the yields are palatable enough, are selling off market to investors and retention of tenants and properties has been positive. We hope for more of the same entering into Q4.”
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