Scottish letting agents give us their views on their local market.
“Q3 in Aberdeen saw record levels of activity for Grouse Lettings. As ever, July and August were particularly busy and we have seen demand normalising as September progressed. Well presented and maintained stock is still moving quickly despite cooler market conditions at this time of year, and we anticipate the usual last minute flurry of new tenancies as those who intend to relocate in 2026 make their move.”
“Edinburgh’s rental market remained exceptionally competitive throughout Q3 with demand during this busy period outpacing supply. Many properties attracted strong levels of interest and were frequently let following the first viewing. At the same time, increasing regulatory requirements and continued tax pressures are prompting some landlords to reassess their investment, with a number choosing to exit the sector and sell. Looking ahead, the industry is preparing for the introduction of Awaab’s Law. Although it introduces further compliance requirements, the legislation is a welcome development that will help protect tenants and improve housing standards. For landlords who stay on top of property maintenance and address reported issues promptly, the changes should align closely with existing best practice.”
“Market conditions remained broadly positive but more balanced than the exceptionally competitive periods seen in recent years. Demand for well presented properties continued to outstrip supply in most Edinburgh areas, particularly for one and two bedroom flats popular with young professionals. Especially given the supply side of these homes being squeezed by UK/Scot Govt policies in recent years, hampering investment. We experienced strong occupancy levels and generally stable rental growth, although affordability pressures meant tenants were increasingly price sensitive and more selective when choosing properties. Refurbished, high quality homes attracted the strongest interest and achieved the best rental outcomes, whilst tired properties requiring investment took longer to let and required greater pricing realism, particularly in the affluent Student HMO market.”
“Q3 was another strong quarter. Almost every property let at the asking rent with just a few exceptions in outlying areas. The City Centre and West End led the way, and City Centre re-lets achieved bigger uplifts on the previous rent. Void periods shortened with many homes let agreed before the existing tenants had vacated. Student demand held up well, despite new purpose-built accommodation, with a late rush in the final fortnight. Landlords are acting early on the new damp and mould rules from 6 October. Landlord sales have steadied and first-time landlords are enquiring in encouraging numbers.”
“The Aberdeen rental market remains steady and affordable compared to other major Scottish cities. Following a very active summer season, demand for high-quality, energy-efficient properties continues to drive quick lets. As winter approaches, there is a notable increase in landlords who previously withdrew from the market to sell now returning to lettings, prompted by rising energy costs and impending council tax hikes. While the supply of higher end properties remains limited, this scarcity ensures that well-presented homes in this bracket continue to lease quickly.”
“Q3 is always a busy time in the PRS and this year followed a similar pattern. The market has been stable, but we did see a peak over the summer with shortening in time to let. As we see existing tenants staying in rental properties for longer the PRS needs more investors bringing new properties to the market. There is strong demand for well-priced one and two-bedroom properties across the city centre.”
“The Edinburgh rental market seems to have settled into a more balanced pattern following exceptional growth of recent years. Demand remains healthy, particularly for well presented one and two bedroom properties. Tenants are increasingly value-conscious with energy efficiency, presentation and overall quality influencing decisions along with the rental price. Supply has improved giving tenants’ greater choice, although good properties attract strong interest and let quickly. We continue to see an increase in landlords leaving the market and those that remain appear more considerate in their approach to anticipated rent, recognising that realistic rents are key to securing good tenants and minimising void periods in today’s more sustainable market.”
“The Glasgow rental market remains active, although tenants are increasingly expecting good value for money and are less willing to compromise on the condition and presentation of a property. Affordability is influencing where people are looking, with more tenants willing to consider areas further from the city centre to find more affordable options. We have seen softer demand for some larger HMOs, particularly within the student market, potentially reflecting the continued growth of purpose-built student accommodation. Well-priced, well-maintained properties continue to attract strong interest, but tenants are increasingly expecting the quality of a property to reflect the rent being asked.”
“The PRS continued to demonstrate resilience during Q3 2026 with demand remaining robust across the lettings markets despite ongoing affordability pressures. Activity broadly followed established seasonal patterns with strong summer demand balanced by a gradual improvement in available stock. Rental growth remained modest compared to the rapid increases witnessed in recent years, reflecting a more mature and stable market environment. While regional variations persisted, particularly between cities and surrounding commuter locations, market conditions generally favoured steady occupancy levels and healthy tenant demand. There was definitely a greater equilibrium between supply and demand, supporting sustainable market performance.”
“Edinburgh’s rental market remained resilient through Q3, with strong demand for well-presented one- to three-bedroom homes and good-quality student accommodation. However, tenants are increasingly price-conscious and properties pitched above the market are taking noticeably longer to let. Larger five-bedroom HMOs have proved more challenging with greater choice allowing groups to be selective on price, condition and location. The Edinburgh Festival and corporate market again provided landlords with a valuable bridge across the summer, helping reduce voids between student tenancies and increase yield for landlords. Overall, the market remains healthy but realistic pricing and high presentation standards are now essential to achieving a prompt let.”
“The Edinburgh lettings market continues to demonstrate resilience, underpinned by strong tenant demand and a healthy supply of available properties. While demand remains robust, tenants have more choice than in recent year making accurate pricing crucial to achieving a swift let. Properties that are priced above market expectations are likely to experience longer void periods and may ultimately require a reduction to secure interest. Tenant priorities remain consistent, with location and presentation playing a significant role in decision making. Homes that are well presented and offer convenient access to local amenities, schools, employment hubs and transport links continue to perform particularly well.”
“The Edinburgh rental market has stabilised returning to a more normal, balanced and sustainable position. Ongoing uncertainty around mortgage rates is likely to encourage more people to remain in the rental sector while they wait for greater clarity on borrowing costs and the wider inflation outlook. The result is we expect tenant demand to remain strong which in turn should continue to support rental values although it is unlikely to generate the inflationary pressures seen in recent years so rental growth is likely to remain fairly static.”
“After a very busy 3rd quarter at GPL, we are getting ready for the autumn period and the run up to winter. With much of the focus on the new legislation from the Scottish Government and the newly introduced Awaabs Law, we at GPL are prepared and ready for any potential issues arising as a result of the weather turning. We have noticed that the traditional student intake has been slightly less manic this year, with less overseas students coming into Glasgow due in no small part to the Middle East and Ukraine conflicts affecting financial stability in popular student markets. Year on year we have had encouraging financial results, even with some traditional landlords exiting the market, while a new generation of landlords are entering the market.”
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