The Rettie Blog

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has commissioned research to investigate the effectiveness of Section 75 Agreements in delivering social housing. The research will be undertaken by Rettie & Co. and Third Revolution Projects and will assess whether the current system for developer contributions is working to deliver the social and affordable homes required to meet housing need.

Some property trends come and go, but bungalows have remained quietly in demand for years and for good reason.

Edinburgh City Council has confirmed that the proposed increase to a 300% Council Tax premium for second homes, originally due to take effect from 1 April 2026, has been temporarily suspended. While the change was agreed in February, the Council has advised that further work is required before the higher charge can be implemented.

If you're the owner of a long-term empty home or second home in Scotland, you may have had a recent communication from your council ramping up your Council Tax bill.

In the West End of Glasgow, no two homes are the same, and neither are the journeys of the people who live in them. That’s why choosing an agent with deep local understanding, warmth, and genuine care makes such a difference. At Rettie West End, our priority has always been the people behind the properties.

The Cabinet Secretary for Finance announced the Scottish Budget, including the government spending commitments and tax plans, on Tuesday 13th January. Rettie's Director of Research & Strategy, Dr John Boyle reviews the key announcement for Housing in Scotland in this blog.

Dr John Boyle looks ahead to 2026 and what it may mean for Scotland's Housing Market.

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.

As part of our 31 days of Rettie campaign, Dr John Boyle reflects on the previous year, and gives us his predictions for the market in 2025.

According to an independent research report from Homes for Scotland (HFS) released this week, the proportion of housing delivered by SME home builders has fallen by half since 2017. The proportion of new homes sold by those building between 3 and 49 homes per annum has fallen from around 40 per cent in 2017 to 20 per cent in 2023.

Rettie’s Director of Research, Dr John Boyle, has featured in a set of podcasts in recent weeks in which he gives his latest take on market changes as well as the impact of new legislation and how to address Scotland’s housing problems. Each is summarised here with a link to the podcast itself.

From Spring 2023 through to Autumn, demand for rental properties across Edinburgh and Glasgow far exceeded supply, leading to steep competition between tenants and double digit rent inflation. With the 3% rent cap remaining, combined with the rise in interest rates, landlords with vacant properties increased their rents more than in previous years.