The Rettie Blog

When Alan Cumming recently wrote in The Scotsman about the rising number of US residents eyeing a move to Scotland, it struck a chord. Alan noted in the article, “Scotland has replaced London as the most popular region for potential US movers to enquire about, with Edinburgh the most popular area…”

With interest rates expected to fall slightly over the next year or so, many buyers are asking the same question: is it better to wait or buy now?

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Caroline Brown and Rachel Buxton from Halifax to talk about green incentives, and on the back of this meeting, I wanted to write a small blog about what we did, how we did it, the pitfalls, and the outcome of our own experiences.

Triple Win for Rettie at Scotland’s Top Industry Awards. We are thrilled to announce that Rettie has achieved an incredible hat-trick of wins at two of Scotland’s most prestigious industry events, held on Thursday, 19th June 2025.

There’s a renewed sense of opportunity in the housing market and this time, it’s backed up by data. If you’re thinking about buying your first home or making a move this year, now is a smart time to pause and take stock. With the release of Skipton Building Society’s latest Affordability Index and the insights from the Rettie Spring Briefing 2025, we’re seeing a welcome shift: buying is becoming more affordable again - and in many areas, it's once again cheaper than renting.

When it comes to the Southside of Edinburgh, the Rettie team know it well. From charming cafés to hidden boutiques, this vibrant part of the city is home to some of our favourite local gems. Whether you're a long-time resident or just visiting, the Southside offers a unique blend of culture, and character, wrapped up in its welcoming neighbourhoods.

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s a great time to reflect on what's been a turbulent yet transformative year in the UK mortgage market. The past 12 months have been shaped by many of the same forces that have dominated recent years - economic uncertainty, fluctuating interest rates, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical tensions.

No Matter Your EPC Rating, Claim Up to £2,000 for Green Home Improvements with Halifax.

So, you’re looking to buy your own home but finances are a bit tight. Luckily, you can always count on a little help from your friends, so you agree to invest in a property with a mate, spreading the costs between the two of you. Although this seems simple enough in principle, there are still legal considerations to bear in mind and documents you should have in place.

Interest rates have risen 14 times in short order from 0.10% in March 2020 to 5.25% in August 2023 where they have remained. Higher interest rates mean different things for different people. An increase in mortgage cost for borrowers versus investment return opportunities for those with savings. In this piece, we partner Rettie Financial Services and Hamilton Financial to look at the interest rate outlook, the impact of interest rates on personal finances and consider several scenarios and what it could mean for both savers and borrowers.

Are you a first time buyer who's been struggling to save up for a deposit on your dream home? Skipton Building Society may have the solution for you. They've launched a new mortgage product designed specifically for first time buyers who are currently renting. With this product, eligible applicants can borrow up to 100% LTV without needing a deposit, as long as they can demonstrate a track record of paying rent and household bills consistently for at least 12 months within the last 18 months.

After significant unpredictability and extensive media speculation, the Bank of England's decision to maintain the base interest rate at 5.25% came as a surprise. So, what are the implications for those considering their first home purchase or planning to relocate?