The Rettie Blog

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.

The East Renfrewshire property market continues to demonstrate impressive resilience and underlying strength, with sustained buyer demand, competitive closing dates, and strong pricing levels evident across key areas. Well-presented homes are consistently attracting multiple interested parties, with many achieving results above, Home Report valuation.

The Glasgow property market continues to demonstrate exceptional strength, with high levels of buyer demand, rapid sales, and competitive prices driving well above Home Report valuation. For homeowners considering selling, recent performance across the West End provides clear evidence that now is an advantageous moment to bring your property to market.

Solar for Summer? Groundbreaking. For over a decade, there has been a rising tension emerging among property purchasers, with the age-old desire for a “property with character” increasingly pitted against a pragmatic requirement for a home which is economical to run. Of course, ‘compromise’ is nothing new-age in the residential housing market.

Last Sunday, our Director in St Andrews, George Lorimer, laced up his running shoes for one of his biggest challenges yet, the Edinburgh Marathon, all in support of our charity partner, Rock Trust.