The Rettie Blog

For many landlords, switching letting agents feels like something to deal with only once a tenancy ends. It seems simpler and less disruptive. In reality, waiting can create unnecessary delays, lost rental income, and added pressure at the very point when efficiency matters most.

If you’re self-employed, run a business, or receive income from property, you may have heard murmurings about Making Tax Digital (MTD). It’s one of the biggest changes to the UK tax system in decades and, from April 2026, it will begin to affect a significant number of landlords and business owners.

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.

Moving away for work is rarely a simple decision. Whether it’s elsewhere in the UK or on the other side of the world, it often comes with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and no small amount of anxiety. A new role, a new culture, and a new routine can be daunting enough on their own.

Welcome to the Spring/Summer 2026 edition of Prestige Scotland, where we share with you our latest collection of some of the best luxury living Scotland has to offer. As ever we're delighted to showcase a number of beautiful properties, across Scotland, from our Sales, Lettings and New Homes teams.

The Housing Bill brings important changes to the private rented sector that will affect how landlords manage and plan their properties. For Rettie landlords, understanding what these changes mean in practice is essential.

Recent research from surveyor firm Rebuild Cost Assessment underlined a concerning issue in the UK's property insurance landscape. It highlighted that a significant number of property insurance policyholders (approximately 68% for residential properties) may be at risk of ‘underinsurance’.

The Housing Bill brings important changes to the private rented sector that will affect how landlords manage and plan their properties. For Rettie landlords, understanding what these changes mean in practice is essential.

Although I’m from Newton Mearns and still call it home, the West End has always pulled me in with its energy, charm, and streets full of character.

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.