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Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Kerry-Ann French – Accounts Assistant
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? My role at Cairn is to process financial transactions, from tenant rent payments to landlord and contractor payments. I support the teams in working towards achieving targets each month and processing all the information that comes with this. How long have you worked at Cairn? I started at Cairn in July 2012 so 10.5 years – more than a third of my life! What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The friendly, dedicated team and the flexibility of home working is great for work life balance, allows me to work around my two young children. The best thing about working in the property industry? Each day is different, they days bring new challenges and an interesting story or two along the way. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? A piece of art I drew is featured in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and has been for many years. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of business, anyone who aspires to work hard and get the job done, a good work ethic is a great quality. My hero outside of business is my mum, she inspires me everyday to be the best version of myself and is always there to listen or help when needed. One piece of advice you could give your younger self ? Do not worry what others think about you, do what makes you happy. Live and let live! What qualities do you most admire in others ? I admire kindness, ambition and a positive attitude in others. Where is your favourite place in Scotland ? Glasgow for sure, such a wonderful city, especially in the summer sun! If someone who like to get in touch with you about a property, how should they get in touch (contact details – kerry-ann@cairnletting.com 01412707878
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Jack Steele, Finance Controller
Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn? My role at Cairn is to deal with financial transactions from tenants paying rent to paying Landlords and everything in between. How long have you worked at Cairn? I’ve been at Cairn for 6 Years now. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The Cairn Team are fantastic and I enjoy the flexibility of part working from home allowing me work life balance. The best thing about working in the property industry? No two days are the same which presents different challenges but enjoy this. Give us an interesting fact about yourself? I used to play the double bass in an orchestra and I am capped for Glasgow Warriors and Scotland Club XV. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? Inside of Business I like Mark Cuban and outside of business it has to be the Gypsy King Tyson Fury. One piece of advice you could give your younger self? I don’t feel the need to try and follow the curve, everybody has their own path to follow. What qualities do you most admire in others? I admire honesty, integrity, and accountability. Where is your favourite place in Scotland? I enjoy spending time in Edinburgh.
Legislation
COST OF LIVING (TENANT PROTECTION) (SCOTLAND) ACT 2022 – RENT INCREASE BAN UPDATE
Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 – Rent increase ban update. A coalition of letting bodies and landlords have submitted a Petition to the Courts against the discriminatory and unreasonable eviction and rent increase ban in Scotland. The Scottish Association of Landlords, Propertymark and Scottish Landlord and Estates have joined forces and are seeking judicial review of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act which was passed in October 2022. Landlords and property professionals have voiced concerns over this rushed and badly planned legislation. Many feel that this is an attack on private landlords, worsened now that the rent increase ban has been removed from the social rented sector as of 1 March 2023. For the private rented sector? As of 1 April 2023, landlords can increase the rent by 3%, or apply to the rent officer for a 6% increase, to cover increases in the ‘prescribed property costs’ which are: The interest payable on any mortgage or standard security over the rented property. Any insurance premium you pay which relates to offering the property for rent. For example, landlords’ insurance. Increases in premiums for building or property insurance are not included. Any service charges related to the rented property that the tenant pays towards as part of their rent if this was agreed between you and the tenant as part of the terms of the tenancy. Not the best deal for private landlords, who are also suffering through the cost of living crisis whilst being expected to carry tenant rent arrears and pay for maintenance and compliance. Not forgetting the eviction ban! So, can I increase my rent from 1 April 2023? Yes, for PRT tenancies, a rent increase notice can be served on the tenant from 1 April 2023. However, the legislation is clear that any notices issued before 1 April 2023, still fall within the 0% cap, even if the notice does not take effect until after 1 April 2023. For Assured and Short Assured Tenancies, rent increases are still permitted and not affected by the ban as long as the tenancy agreement has a rent increase clause. Rents can be increased to the market value per the terms of the clause, unless there is a specific formula stating otherwise. In such difficult times as these, it is now more important than ever to have a knowledgeable and qualified agent managing your rental property and your interests. If you would like to discuss your options of changing agent or letting your property, please contact our friendly team on 0141 270 7878 for Glasgow and 0131 346 4646 for Edinburgh, or by email to enquiries@cairnletting.com We also have a in house Compliance Manager who is more than happy to assist landlords facing difficult letting and eviction issues.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Jennifer McGonigle – Sales & Investment Director
What your job entails? Sourcing and selling investment opportunities for UK and overseas clients. Particular focus on HMO (House of Multiple Occupancy) Investments and portfolio management. Managing the Estate Agency divisions in both Edinburgh and Glasgow and adding value to properties for landlords through developments and refurbishments. How long have you worked at Cairn? Coming up 12 years, the roller coaster of trends and changes in the market through those 12 yrs has helped me gain the experience and knowledge of the property market in both sales and letting. What was it about the property industry that made you want to work in it? The property market in Glasgow and Edinburgh is a fantastic sector to work in. Meeting a wide and varied cross section of buyers, sellers, tenants and helping source and secure the right property for the right people at the right time – it’s challenging but I genuinely love what I do. The best thing about working in the property industry? Every day and every property is different and the diversity of our client base is always interesting meeting people from all walks of life. It’s an ever changing market, being adaptable, resourceful and proactive makes the responsibilities both challenging and rewarding. Being a parent myself, I really enjoy working with parent investors, looking for the right accommodation and investment for their family for the short term Uni days and beyond. What’s the best thing about working at Cairn? The fluidity of the business, and the enthusiasm of the team makes it a dynamic place to be. One piece of advice you’d give your younger self? I think woman (particularly young women) are so critical of themselves – try and not compare yourself and your life to others – hold your head high ! What you like to do in your spare time, interests, hobbies etc? Nutrition and fitness are my main passions, running, challenges, munro bagging, open water swimming, water skiing, anything outdoors and if my little bown mutt can come too it’s a bonus! Not a lot of people know that I… Studied at New York Uni in the 90s which was an “awesome” experience! Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business? I try not to hold anyone up on a pedestal. I try and surround myself with positive, enthusiastic, good people, all trying to be the best version of themselves in both business and personally. Where’s your favourite place in Scotland? Caledonia ! where do I start … I can write a book on the beautiful places and experiences I have been lucky enough to have in Scotland. Mountains… lochs… islands…. Coastlines …. Scotland rarely disappoints me. My home town Portobello is special but if I had to choose my top destination it would be Barra – there is something very magical about the Outer Hebrides.
Estate Agency, Selling
Tips for Selling Your Home in January
New Year, New View: Why January Is the Best Time to Sell Your Home Does “moving home” rank high on your New Year’s resolutions? Don’t wait until spring has sprung to get your home on the market. January can be a great time to sell, and here we explain why. 3 Reasons Why Selling in January Makes Sense 1. Demand outstrips supply For many people, springtime is the time to put their homes up for sale. The weather is getting better, there are more buyers around, and the property market kicks into gear. But just because winter isn’t peak property hunting season doesn’t mean there aren’t buyers searching in January. There’s still demand for new homes, and while it’s not as great as in the spring (or autumn), you could steal a march on other sellers by making your property available sooner. 2. Serious buyers only Continuing on from the first point, the buyers searching in January won’t be kicking tyres. In other words, they’re not coming for a nose around your home with zero intention of making an offer. When viewers are braving the winter weather to look at your property, you can almost guarantee they’ll be serious about buying sooner rather than later. 3. Moving companies have better availability If one of those serious buyers makes you an offer, and you accept it, everything can move relatively quickly during the winter months — including the move itself. As you’re outside the peak season, removal companies should have better availability, and some might even be cheaper. Plus, other important aspects of moving house (such as surveys and conveyancing) can often be done faster as there’s less demand at this time of year. Our Top Tips for Selling Your Home in January Make your home cosy for viewings It’s Scotland. In January. It’s cold outside. Make sure your home is warm and inviting when a potential buyer drops by. Add cosy touches, like throws, cushions, and rugs, to your rooms, light some scented candles, and keep the temperature at an appropriate level. Essentially, you want viewers to feel like your home is an escape from the bitter winter weather. If you can do that, you might just help them picture themselves living there! Tidy up your garden/entrance Gardens in January won’t be in full bloom, but it’s vital that you don’t neglect yours if you have one. Sweep up dead leaves, scrub the patio, and arrange your garden furniture to give any prospective buyers an idea of your outdoor space’s potential when summer (finally) rolls around. And if you don’t have a garden, make sure the entrance to your property is free of any winter debris, like mud or leaves, and that the path is de-iced ahead of time. Let Cairn take the lead Finally, work with an experienced local estate agent, like Cairn. We can take the lead when it comes to staging and marketing your property, and we can also handle viewings on your behalf. And once the bids start rolling in, we can advise on negotiations to help you land the very best deal for your home. Ready to get your home on the market in January? Cairn can help! Contact us today to arrange a free property valuation.
Buy To Let, Edinburgh
Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh: Where to Look?
Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh: Where to Look? Looking for the best areas to buy-to-let in Edinburgh? This post’s for you… Edinburgh is one of the best places to buy-to-let in the UK. With six universities, a thriving commercial centre (boasting over 50,000 businesses), and a growing population projected to reach 586,566 by 2043, it’s the ideal city for expanding your rental portfolio. But if you want to maximise your income on a buy-to-let investment, you must choose the area carefully. Depending on your budget and target market, some parts of the city will make more sense than others. Read on to discover the best locations for buy-to-let investors in Edinburgh. But first… Why Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh? There are several great reasons to consider Edinburgh property investment in 2023. According to a study by commercial property advisor Colliers, the Scottish capital was named the second best city for residential property investment in the UK — Cambridge was first, and London came fourth. The city’s house price growth, high-quality universities, and strong economic performance all combined to help Edinburgh nab the runner-up spot. And with a population that’s been trending upwards since the early 90s, there’s no shortage of demand for rental properties among students, professionals, and families. Read More: 4 Huge Reasons Why You Should Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh Five Buy-to-Let Edinburgh Hotspots: The Best Postcodes in Edinburgh For Property Investment 1. EH16 – Liberton and surrounding areas Average property price: £260,000 EH16 is a consistently popular area for buy-to-let in Edinburgh. Covering Liberton (and the neighbouring suburbs of Craigmillar, Peffermill and Niddrie), EH16 offers various residential properties. Liberton is situated around three miles from the city centre, making it ideal for both professionals and students. Liberton High School, renowned for academic and sporting achievements, makes rental properties in this part of the city particularly sought after by families. Search for properties for sale in EH16 2. EH17 – Gilmerton, Moredun and Mortonhall Average property price: £285,000 Benefiting from good access to the city bypass, homes in EH17 (Gilmerton, Moredun and Mortonhall) appeal to tenants who need to reach other areas of the city or venture further afield. The area is also close to many of the University of Edinburgh’s buildings, making it popular with students. Search for properties for sale in EH17 3. EH11 – Try Dalry or Gorgie for Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh Average property price: £230,000 Southwest of the city centre, EH11 covers Dalry and Gorgie. With excellent transport links, it’s no surprise that properties here are popular with a wide range of tenants. Homes in EH11 also tend to be more competitively priced, making it an ideal area for investment. And since this is an up-and-coming part of Edinburgh, you can expect to make a healthy ROI. Search for properties for sale in EH11 4. EH7 – Broughton, Hillside and Lochend Average property price: £260,000 The area of Broughton is in high demand. Both young professionals and students enjoy its proximity to the city centre — but without the high housing costs associated with other areas. Bars, restaurants, cafes, and delis line Broughton Street, making it a vibrant and highly sought-after area. Property in Broughton, as well as neighbouring Hillside, tends to attract higher selling prices. For more competitively priced property, take a closer look at the area of Lochend. Search for properties for sale in EH7 5. EH8 – Newington and Canongate Average property price: £290,000 EH8 is a fantastic location for students attending the University of Edinburgh, with Newington and Canongate both situated near university buildings and an array of bars, eateries, and shops. And with Holyrood Park and the Meadows right on the doorstep, there are plenty of green spaces to enjoy. If you want to rent to students in Edinburgh, properties in the EH8 district should be your first port of call. Search for properties for sale in EH8 Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh with Cairn Property The best areas for buy-to-let properties in Edinburgh will always come down to the type of property you’re looking for and the person (or people) you’re targeting. Do you want to rent an HMO to students? Or would you prefer to let your property to a young professional or a family? Working with an experienced property investment company, like Cairn, can help you answer all of these questions and more. We’ll help you determine the best business model for your situation and zero in on the location and property type you require. And when you’re ready to rent, we can handle the marketing and ongoing management of your property on your behalf. If you’re interested in buy-to-let opportunities in Edinburgh, get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services.
Buy To Let, Glasgow
Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots: Where to Look?
Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots: Where to Look? An increasing number of investors are choosing to buy-to-let in Glasgow — and with good reason. Not only is it the largest city in Scotland, with a growing population of over 1.6 million, but it also boasts one of the largest economies in the whole of the UK. Industries like financial services, digital technology, health, and green energy employ thousands of people in the city. Plus, with five universities, there’s always a constant supply of students seeking rental properties. So, if you’re attracted by affordable housing and great yields, we’ve pulled together the best buy-to-let hotspots in Glasgow. But first… Why Buy-to-Let in Glasgow? In short, the demand. Recent research by Admiral found that demand for rental properties in Glasgow currently outstrips supply, with 998 prospective renters for every 100 available rental properties. Only Salford (1,076 people for every 100 rental properties) has a higher tenant demand in the UK. This demand has seen the average Glasgow rent climb to £992 PCM, while the average time to let is only 31 days. So, if you’re interested in Glasgow property investment, the good news is you’re bound to find tenants quickly! And Then There’s the Housing Stock Beyond the demand, there’s also variety. Glasgow has distinct areas north, south, east, west, and central, each with its own rich history and architectural style. When you think of Glasgow property, your mind might immediately leap to the classic red stone Glasgow tenement buildings. A product of the industrial revolution, these beautifully spacious flats are highly sought after — particularly in the West End of the city. But there’s more to Glasgow than tenements alone. The city enjoys a mix of new and traditional buildings at various price points, including modern apartments, family homes, and HMOs. So, where you should you look? Here are the top Glasgow postcodes for buy-to-let. Five Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots: The Best Postcodes in Glasgow for Property Investment G51 – Govan, Ibrox, Linthouse Located on the south bank of the River Clyde, G51 is a diverse area, with much of it consisting of industrial estates. However, don’t let this put you off. It’s set to undergo significant regeneration, with a new bridge planned and various digital start-up businesses setting up here. Plus, with the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital complex and several shopping centres in the area, property here is likely to be in high demand. Govan, the main residential area, has great transport links, with the Glasgow Subway line making it easy to access the city centre in under 15 minutes. The G51 area has generally been less popular with buyers, due to its reputation as an ex-heavy industrial area. As a result, prices tend to be lower, so you may just find yourself a bargain! Search for properties for sale in G51 G52 – Cardonald, Mosspark, and Penilee You’ll find a range of competitively priced properties in the G52 postcode. And with an average buy-to-let yield of 8.71%, you can expect to make a significant ROI. This area of southwest Glasgow has a diverse housing stock, while it also benefits from excellent transport links into the city centre and further afield. Tenants can enjoy a variety of amenities too, with supermarkets, shops, and eateries aplenty. Search for properties for sale in G52 G32 – Shettleston, Sandyhills, Carntyne Over the years, the G32 postcode has become increasingly popular with buy-to-let investors in Glasgow. The areas of Shettleston, Sandyhills, and Carntyne in the city’s East End not only benefit from lower house prices compared with other parts of the city, but they also have fantastic transport links. You’ll find a wide range of properties in G32, from one-bed flats to larger family homes. Shettleston is a popular area for buy-to-let due to its excellent amenities, including a health centre, Tesco supermarket, and a train station. Search for properties for sale in G32 G11 – The West End The West End is one of the most desirable residential areas in Glasgow. Popular with young professionals, families, and students due to its proximity to Glasgow University, property here is highly sought after. Whilst it’s more expensive than other areas of the city, the sheer demand for homes here presents fantastic buy-to-let opportunities. Byres Road is the heart and soul of the West End, with many pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Popular residential areas include Hillhead, Kelvinside, Downanhill, Broomland, and Anniesland. For cheaper alternatives, consider the areas fringing the West End, including Garnethill, Patrick, and Yorkhill. Search for properties for sale in G11 G61/G62 – Bearsden, Milngavie Although technically in Greater Glasgow, many families and professionals are drawn to Bearsden (G61) and neighbouring Milngavie (G62) for a number of reasons. With reputable schools and handy transport links, these commuter towns offer a divine slice of Scottish suburbia. You’re only around 30 mins from the city centre. Fair warning: larger houses in these parts tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Glasgow, although several affordable housing developments have been introduced over the past few years. Search for properties for sale in G61 Search for properties for sale in G62 Interested in These Buy-to-Let Glasgow Hotspots? Talk to Cairn With decades of regeneration transforming Glasgow into one of the most modern and sophisticated cities in the UK, it’s no surprise that the demand for rental properties here is so high. Rental prices are rising, and with affordable housing still available in many areas of the city, now is the perfect time for buy-to-let Glasgow. Interested in buy-to-let opportunities in Glasgow? We can help. Get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services. .flex_column.av-av_one_full-53b0b300fb3685750664fb085c5ad19d{ -webkit-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; -moz-border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; border-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px; padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;
Edinburgh, HMO Properties
Cairn: HMO Specialists in Edinburgh
Cairn: HMO Specialists in Edinburgh As HMO specialists in Edinburgh, we regularly write about the benefits and considerations of renting an HMO in Scotland’s capital, whether that’s from the perspective of a landlord or a tenant. In this post, we’ve pulled together the most important links, definitions, and information, all in one place. If you’re thinking about renting an HMO in Edinburgh, make sure you read this first. Firstly: What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) or “house share” is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen). HMOs are a great way for landlords and tenants to spread the risk of renting. However, for a property to qualify as an HMO, it must meet strict licensing requirements. All HMO properties in Edinburgh are licensed by the local council, and the council will typically inspect properties before issuing a licence. The licence means HMO landlords are responsible for the following: Quarterly inspections and fire training Smoke alarm installation on every level Clearing fire escapes of obstruction Keeping communal areas clean and tidy Ensuring waste disposal facilities are in place In addition to this, the rooms in the property must be of adequate size, and any gas and electrical appliances must be certified safe. An approved HMO property must have its licence prominently displayed. When is an HMO Licence Not Needed? There are a few situations where an HMO licence won’t be required. For example, if a tenant is living with their landlord, the landlord doesn’t count as one of the unrelated people. Similarly, by law, a landlord does not require a licence if two of the tenants are a couple. This is defined as “married or civil partners, or living together as husband and wife or, where they are of the same sex, in an equivalent relationship”. You can read more about HMO licensing requirements on this page: HMO Letting with Cairn. What Are the Benefits of HMO Letting in Edinburgh? There are a few benefits to renting an Edinburgh HMO property, for both tenants and landlords: For tenants: You can split the bills between more people, potentially saving you more money than if you were renting alone or with one other person. HMOs in Edinburgh are popular with the city’s college and university students, allowing them to live affordably off-campus and cook together to save money. For landlords: You’ll likely receive a higher rental yield when letting an Edinburgh HMO, while void periods are often reduced due to high demand from students and young professionals alike. HMOs also mean you can collect rent from several tenants, so if one is late, it shouldn’t hurt your cash flow as much as it would with a standard let. Are There Any Disadvantages to Renting an HMO? There are a few minor downsides to renting HMO properties in Edinburgh worth noting: For tenants: If one of your flatmates is late with their share of the rent, the rest of you could be on the hook for it. This can cause tension, particularly if you don’t know one another all that well prior to living together. For landlords: There are far more regulations and responsibilities involved in letting an HMO property compared to a standard let. And success can often hinge on your tenants living together peacefully! Our HMO Specialists Edinburgh Resources: Choosing HMO Letting Agents in Edinburgh – Are you a landlord looking for the best HMO letting agents in Edinburgh? This post tells you everything you need to know. Renting an HMO in Edinburgh: Advice for Landlords & Students – If you’re interested in renting out (or living in) an HMO, there are a few important things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we explain all. 4 Huge Reasons Why You Should Buy-to-Let in Edinburgh – Are you a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO in Scotland’s vibrant capital? Here are a few reasons why it remains a popular and lucrative idea. Getting to Grips with HMO Licencing – Are you a landlord looking to understand HMO licencing better? This post explains everything. Cairn: HMO Specialists (Edinburgh) We’ve been managing fully licensed HMO properties in Edinburgh for several years. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, when you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We meet all licensing requirements, move tenants in safely, and carry out quarterly inspections to make sure the property is secure, clean and comfortable, as per the HMO conditions. Are you interested in renting an HMO property in Edinburgh? Get in touch to learn more.
Meet The Team
Meet the Team – Corinne Mace MARLA – Office Manager, Edinburgh
Meet the Team – Corinne Mace ( Office Branch Manager ) Describe your role in one sentence at Cairn ? My responsibility within the Cairn organisation is to manage the smooth running of our properties and our internal support team in Edinburgh. How has your industry changed in the last decade ? There has been a substantial increase in property prices over the last 10 years both in sales and lettings and more recently an introduction of new legislations which has seemed to have affected our industry. What is your proudest business achievement/moment ? I would say is carving a career in Property that spans over 14 years. and gaining extensive knowledge of the Lettings industry. With regards to Cairn my most recent achievement is taking on the role of Edinburgh Branch Manager. Give us an interesting fact about yourself ? I am bilingual (fluent in French) And I have lived in 3 different countries each for a minimum of 10 years. And a keen Ultra runner ( ultra runner = races that are over a marathon distance) What is the best piece of business advice you have been given ? Be indispensable and find what you are good at and exploit it as much as possible. What advice would you give your 18 year old self? Don’t always judge a book by its cover, sometimes we make quick assumptions about people, circumstances and situations. We judge them, label them and put them into a box not recognising that there is a much bigger picture. Who are your hero’s inside and outside of business ? My Grandmother, she was an amazing entrepreneur during Apartheid and opened 3 successful woman’s garment stores after losing her husband and whilst being a single mom. Outside I would say ultra runner Courtney Dewalter, a 37 year old American who is considered the world’s best female ultramarathon runner. What qualities do you most admire in others ? Someone who is selfless and determined How do you unwind out of work ? I like to hit the trails for a run or catch up with friends over a good coffee Favourite book/CD/DVD’s Favourite book is: The Elephant Whisperer. A true story of a man who takes in a herd of rogue Elephants on his game farm to help them survive. it is the relationship and the bond that he develops with these animals which is just truly beautiful and fascinating. I listen to all kinds of music but the album that I am really enjoying at the moment is Sam Fender – seventeen going under DVD – what’s a DVD !
