The Rettie Blog

As we approach Scottish Housing Day on Thursday 18th September, the focus this year is on "Homes for Life." It's a perfect opportunity to reflect on how the housing sector in Scotland can better support people in later life, especially as needs and priorities evolve.

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.

Earlier this week, Rettie released a report on the existing housing need in Scotland.

Welcome to Rettie Research Property Consultancy, where we approach the evolving world of property consultancy in a fresh light. Recently recognized as Associate Member of the Year at the Homes for Scotland Awards, our team invites you to join us and become part of a team that helps to set new standards and shape the property industry.

Demand for rental properties across most levels in the market has been strong from the start of Q1 2023 and increased through Q2 & Q3. During the summer months, demand for affordable accommodation (£1000pcm - £1500pcm in Edinburgh & £800 - £1,200 in Glasgow), rose to almost unmanageable levels.

The Build to Rent (BTR) sector is growing in Scotland, providing professional managed private rented accommodation funded by institutional investors. There are now close to 17,000 homes operating or in the pipeline across the country. Rettie have produced individual reports, providing the latest updates on BTR delivery in each of Scotland’s main cities.

The results are now in from Registers of Scotland on how the Scottish Housing Market has performed in January to March 2023, and give us an initial temperature check on the year. It may not be the most precise or nuanced term but 'not bad' is the way that many in the industry seem to be summarising progress to date.

Glasgow's leafy Southside has experienced the rising tide of the Glasgow market in the recent years.

Glasgow West End is a unique and diverse market place. Click to read our latest market updates.

Bearsden is one of the most sought-after areas of Glasgow and has long been a leafy, secluded haven just a stone throw from the Glasgow metropolitan area.