The Rettie Blog

As 2025 draws to a close, we're taking a moment to look back on what has been an exceptional year for Rettie Lettings. From major milestones to standout properties and an ever-growing client community, this year has been one of progress, recognition, and continued commitment to delivering industry-leading service across Scotland.

“If you are always pressing the envelope, you will suffer many paper cuts.” (Scott Fahlman) This article is the latest in a series of short summaries contributed by Duncan Reoch, Private Tax Partner at EY Scotland, and his team, to provide insight into lesser-known tax provisions for residential property owners.

After too many weeks of fevered speculation (and leaks and counter leaks), the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced her Budget to the House of Commons last week, setting out the UK Government’s tax and spending plans over the next few years. We decided to wait a week to digest the measures introduced and assess likely impacts on the Scottish housing market.

Edinburgh’s short term let (STL) market has undergone dramatic changes over the past two years, with new licencing rules reshaping how landlords operate and tightening safety standards across the sector.

The future is approaching - and it's digital. Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax will start rolling out from April next year. It’s likely to change how you keep records and submit your tax returns.

In the midst of ongoing debates about rental reform in England, there’s a strong argument for looking north to Scotland for inspiration. Since 2018, Scotland has operated under a fully regulated rental sector that offers not just clarity for landlords and agents, but peace of mind for tenants.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s move to modernise the UK’s tax system. Already in place for VAT-registered businesses, it’s now being rolled out to Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA). This will directly affect landlords with rental income. Even though Scotland has devolved income tax bands and rates, the MTD rules apply UK-wide.

“The hardest thing in the World to understand is the income tax.” (Albert Einstein) This article is the latest in a series of short summaries contributed by Duncan Reoch, Private Tax Partner at EY Scotland, and team, to provide insight on lesser-known tax provisions for residential property owners.

If you own a family house in Edinburgh or Glasgow and are considering a move away (whether for career reasons, family changes, or a temporary relocation), you may be wondering what to do with your property while you’re gone. Should you sell? Should you leave it vacant? Or could you rent it out? Renting it out is now a clear option.

“Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” (Benjamin Franklin – 1789) This article is the first in a series of short summaries contributed by Duncan Reoch, Private Tax Partner at EY Scotland, and team to provide insight on lesser-known tax provisions for residential property owners.

As I head into my third year with Rettie, I’m thrilled to be representing our fantastic Lettings team here in the heart of South Edinburgh at our Morningside branch. This area holds a unique character and it’s a privilege to support property owners and tenants across such a diverse and dynamic rental market.

When comparing letting agents, it’s tempting to go straight to the price list. On paper, low fees may appear to offer better value. In reality, what landlords save can be lost many times over in the long run - through missed issues, poor communication, untrained staff, or legal oversights.