The Rettie Blog

It's a common misconception among landlords that changing letting agents is difficult, time-consuming, and only possible between tenancies. Switching agents is often much simpler than people expect and can be completed with very little involvement from the landlord.

Scotland’s private rented sector has changed dramatically in recent years. New regulations, evolving compliance requirements and increased scrutiny have created a landscape that is becoming ever more difficult for self-managing landlords to navigate. Research from the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust highlights a growing challenge:

East Lothian is in the midst of a rental renaissance, with sought-after locations like North Berwick, Gullane, Longniddry, and East Linton commanding unprecedented demand and a critical shortage of properties.

How do you create a home that feels calm, considered and effortless? For Jo Heaney, founder of Grace & Tiggy, it begins with intention. Known for her understated, design-led approach to interiors, Jo creates spaces that feel as good as they look, layered, timeless and quietly cohesive.

At Rettie, people have always been at the heart of the business, and that remains firmly true as we look ahead to our next chapter. We’re pleased to share an important leadership transition that reflects both the strength of our team and our long-term ambitions for growth. Founding Director Simon Rettie will move into the role of Chair, with current Chief Operating Officer Becky Lindsay stepping into the position of Chief Executive Officer, with effect from January 2027.

The rural property market in Scotland’s West and North remains active in 2026, with demand driven by lifestyle buyers seeking space, efficiency, and connectivity. Pricing has become more sensitive, with well-presented homes performing best, while prime and rural lifestyle markets continue to show resilience.

Property transactions don’t always follow a straightforward path, particularly when multiple parties are involved in a chain. What matters most is how quickly and effectively any challenges are handled when they arise.

Edinburgh’s property market is one of the most competitive in the UK, making property sourcing and relocation increasingly important for tenants, landlords, and investors.

Each summer, the rental market enters a particularly busy period, driven not only by students preparing for the new academic year but also by a distinct and growing source of demand: medical professionals. In Glasgow, we consistently see a marked increase in enquiries from doctors beginning their new hospital rotations in early August.

Since October 2023, when Scotland’s short-term lets (STL) regime moved into full enforcement in Edinburgh, the city has become the clearest example of how licensing reform and planning control can pull in opposite directions.

Over the past few months, we’ve seen just how quickly the mortgage market can react to world events. Periods of uncertainty can create concern, but they also create opportunity.

Recent media coverage about reforms to tenant rights are causing undue concern among Scottish landlords, many of whom are wondering if tenants in Scotland are being granted even more rights and protection. In reality, the proposals being introduced affect England only and are already well established within Scotland’s private rented sector.