Out of Office Hours
Glasgow 0141 270 7878
News & Blog
The latest property news & information from a trusted source.
Explore our property blogs, select a category from below
Dumfries & Galloway, Estate Agency
Sell Your Home: The Leading Estate Agent in Dumfries & Galloway
Partner with Cairn Estate Agency: The Premium Choice for Home Sellers in Dumfries & Galloway Are you considering selling your home in the picturesque region of Dumfries and Galloway? As the property market continues to thrive in southwest Scotland, there has never been a better time to sell. With an overall average house price of £179,968 over the last year and a 4% increase in sold prices compared to the previous year, now is the perfect opportunity to capitalise on your investment. To ensure a seamless and successful selling experience, turn to Cairn Estate Agency, the leading estate agents in Dumfries & Galloway. At Cairn Estate Agency, we understand that selling your home is an important decision. That’s why we focus on providing a personal approach, tailoring our services to meet your specific needs. Our experienced property agents offer honest, realistic valuations based on relevant market data and extensive industry knowledge. This ensures your property is priced correctly from the outset, maximising your chances of a successful sale. Our comprehensive marketing plan is designed to attract potential buyers and showcase your property in the best possible light. We create professional-quality property listings, highlighting your property’s key features with stunning photography. We also provide a detailed floor plan and promote your property on leading online portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as on Cairn’s own website and social media channels. In addition to online marketing, we believe in the power of local promotion. We feature your property in our agency’s window displays and circulate our property list to Cairn’s active purchaser database, ensuring maximum exposure within the local community. We take communication seriously at Cairn Estate Agency. Our sales team is well-versed in your property’s details and unique features, enabling them to effectively promote it to potential purchasers. We maintain an open line of communication with you throughout the entire process, providing regular updates and feedback to ensure you’re always informed and can make the best decisions for your property sale. Cairn’s team of trusted property professionals is also on hand to assist with home reports and legal matters. We offer advice on any suggested repairs or enhancements and can even carry out the work on your behalf. Our skilled agents are experts at presenting your property, highlighting its best features, and providing in-depth knowledge about the property and surrounding area. Partner with Cairn Estate Agency, the premium estate agents in Dumfries & Galloway, and experience a personalised, efficient, and confident home-selling journey in this captivating region. With our exceptional marketing strategies, unparalleled local knowledge, and commitment to your satisfaction, we’ll help you navigate the thriving property market with ease.
Dumfries & Galloway, Letting
Maximise Rental Income: The Top Letting Agent in Dumfries & Galloway
Maximise Your Rental Income with Cairn Letting Agency: The Top Letting Agents in Dumfries & Galloway Unlock the Potential of the Rental Market with Cairn Letting Agency in Dumfries & Galloway Are you considering renting out a property in the scenic region of Dumfries and Galloway? With a thriving rental market and a diverse range of tenants, there’s never been a better time to invest in rental properties. Cairn Letting Agency, the top letting agents in Dumfries & Galloway, is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a stress-free and profitable experience. The Dumfries and Galloway rental market offers promising opportunities for property owners. Currently, there are 21 properties for rent in the region, with an average monthly rent of £626. The majority of these properties are two-bedroom homes, renting for an average of £622 per month. One-bedroom properties command an average rent of £466 pcm, while three-bedroom homes fetch £650 pcm. Larger four-bedroom properties rent for an average of £1,050 pcm. At Cairn Letting Agency, we understand the importance of building strong relationships with tenants. We specialise in HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) properties since 1999 and offer a wealth of expertise in this area. We provide guidance on HMO applications, fire training, property management, and refurbishments, ensuring you meet all obligations as an HMO licensee and landlord. Our experience in the rental market speaks for itself. Our average time to let is just 7 days, compared to the market average of 3 weeks. We consistently achieve the highest rent levels the market will support, thanks to our reputation for high-quality, well-maintained properties. Cairn Letting Agency takes a personalised approach to property management, understanding that each property owner’s needs are unique. We build lasting relationships with tenants, ensuring smooth tenancies and proper care of your property. We keep you informed at all times, whether it’s to update you on a successful property inspection or to advise you on any necessary maintenance work to maintain your investment’s value. As your trusted letting agents in Dumfries & Galloway, we can help you determine the right target market for your property, be it families, young professionals, or students. With our guidance and support, you can maximise your rental income and minimise potential issues throughout the rental process. Partner with Cairn Letting Agency and experience the benefits of working with the leading letting agents in Dumfries & Galloway. Our expert guidance, personalised service, and hassle-free approach will empower you to unlock the full potential of the rental market in this beautiful region.
Edinburgh, Letting
Maximising Rental Return: Cairn Edinburgh’s Premier Letting Agent
Maximising Your Rental Returns with Cairn: Edinburgh’s Premier Letting Agency Navigating the Edinburgh rental market can feel like a roller coaster ride, thrilling yet full of twists and turns. With average rents escalating to £1,372 per month and time-to-let averaging a speedy 18 days, landlords are truly on an exhilarating ascent. As an esteemed Edinburgh Letting Agency, Cairn is here to make sure you not only enjoy the ride but also reap the maximum benefits. The rental market in the Scottish capital is nothing short of a gold mine, especially for those with two-bedroom properties which have seen a staggering 78.5% increase in rental rates over the past decade. A property in Edinburgh is not just a home; it’s a long-term investment that keeps on giving. Whether you are a seasoned property mogul or a new landlord dipping your toes in the rental waters, Cairn’s comprehensive letting services are designed to help you make the most of this thriving market. With an eye-catching “TO LET” board, we announce your property’s availability to the world. Our digital marketing strategy ensures your property is featured on key online residential letting portals, including RightMove and Zoopla, as well as Cairn’s own website and social media channels. Tangible marketing efforts, like our property list and window card, further boost your property’s visibility. Cairn’s services extend beyond marketing. We host open or accompanied viewings to showcase your property to prospective tenants. Our tenant-finding process is meticulous and efficient, cross-referencing our extensive database of active tenants to find the perfect fit for your property. Our diligent vetting process, which includes credit, employment, and income checks, ensures that your tenants are reliable and capable. In a market as vibrant as Edinburgh’s, compliance is key. We assist with landlord registration and organise inspections to ensure your property meets all statutory standards. Rent and deposit collection are seamlessly managed, with the deposit transferred into the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and rent collected in advance. We take care of every aspect of tenancy creation and termination, from preparing the lease and handling the lease signing to transferring utilities and council tax into the tenants’ names. We also issue notices for rent increases and tenancy termination, ensuring that every legal aspect is covered. Our commitment to you doesn’t end once the tenants move in. We carry out regular inspections, manage any property-related queries, and arrange contractors for necessary repairs. Our comprehensive reporting keeps you updated, ensuring your property remains a rewarding investment. In a city where two-bedroom flats in EH12 yield a whopping 6.8% return and three-bedroom properties in EH8 follow closely with 6.5%, it’s clear that the Edinburgh rental market is attractive for landlords. Cairn, your trusted Edinburgh Letting Agency, is here to ensure you play smart and find your winning formula. Let’s embark on a property journey together and make the most of the booming Edinburgh rental market.
Edinburgh, Estate Agency
Edinburgh Estate Agency: Selling Your Home for the Best Value
Edinburgh Estate Agency: Selling Your Home with Cairn for the Best Value In the heart of the beautiful and bustling city of Edinburgh, a subtle shift in the property market is making waves. Recent figures suggest that although prices in the city have seen a 5% increase over the previous year, there has been a slight dip in the early months of 2023. The average property price has gently eased to £277,326, with properties taking a marginally longer time of 22 days to sell. In a market as vibrant and competitive as Edinburgh’s, selecting the right estate agency to represent your interests is more crucial than ever. That’s where Cairn, a reputable Edinburgh Estate Agency with offices in both Edinburgh City and Portobello, steps into the spotlight. Cairn, a leading player in the central Scotland’s property landscape, recognises the nuanced ebb and flow of the Edinburgh property landscape. We provide our clients with an honest, accurate valuation based on comprehensive market data and a wealth of industry experience. Understanding that a decrease of even 2% in property prices can be significant, we ensure our valuations reflect the latest market conditions while maximising the value of your home. Our services extend beyond mere valuations. We guide you through the entire process, from the initial home report to finalising the legal aspects. We can recommend industry professionals for your home report and offer advice on any improvements suggested. Furthermore, our trusted conveyancing partners can provide fixed-fee services, ensuring clarity and certainty throughout the legal process. As we all know, selling a home is not just about numbers—it’s about presentation, too. Cairn’s marketing approach is all-encompassing, utilising both digital and tangible strategies. We design a professional quality listing, highlighting the best features of your home, complete with a floor plan. Your property will feature on our website, key online property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, and across our active social media channels. To tap into our existing network, we circulate a property list to our purchaser database weekly. In a market where properties are in high demand and often subject to bidding wars, presentation is key. We host open or accompanied viewings, offer home staging advice, and provide immediate feedback after each viewing. This, coupled with our prompt follow-ups on queries and regular progress reports, ensures a seamless experience for you as a seller. Cairn’s comprehensive approach to selling properties in Edinburgh is tailored to the unique demands of the market. The dip in property prices and the slight increase in selling time underline the need for a dedicated, experienced estate agency that understands the local market. As a seller, you want an agency that not only maximises your property’s value but also ensures a smooth, hassle-free selling process. Cairn, your trusted Edinburgh Estate Agency, is equipped to do just that. Trust Cairn to navigate the subtleties of the Edinburgh property market and deliver results that exceed expectations.
Estate Agency, Glasgow
Discover the Best Estate Agency Glasgow – Cairn Estate Agents
Discover the Best Estate Agency Glasgow Has to Offer – Cairn Estate Agents Are you considering selling your house in Glasgow? Finding the right estate agent can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful property sale. With a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of the local market, Cairn Estate Agency is your go-to choice for exceptional service and outstanding results. In this article, we’ll explore the comprehensive services offered by Cairn, and why we are the top choice among Glaswegians selling their properties! The Glasgow property market has been on an upward trajectory, with sold prices increasing by 7% in the last year alone. It’s the perfect time to sell your house, and Cairn Estate Agency is here to guide you every step of the way. Valuation: Our expert team offers honest, realistic valuations based on a thorough assessment of relevant market data and industry experience. This ensures your property is priced competitively to attract potential buyers. Home Report and Legal: We recommend a choice of industry professionals with favourable rates and provide advice on any works suggested by the Home Report. Our fixed-fee conveyancing partners offer a seamless, cost-effective legal service. Marketing: Cairn goes above and beyond to promote your property to the widest possible audience. Our marketing strategies include professional photography, engaging property descriptions, floor plans, and digital marketing. Your property will be featured on top online residential portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as Cairn’s own website and social media channels. We also circulate our property list to an active database of potential buyers. Viewing and Presentation: Our experienced agents host open or accompanied viewings, presenting your property to prospective purchasers in the best possible light. We provide home staging advice tailored to your target market and budget, as well as suggestions for viewing and sales techniques. Prompt feedback on all interest and viewings keeps you informed throughout the process. Negotiation: Cairn’s skilled negotiators liaise with purchasers on your behalf, ensuring open communication and the best possible outcome for your property sale. Choosing Cairn as your estate agency in Glasgow guarantees a seamless, professional, and successful experience. Our dedicated team understands the nuances of the local market and remains committed to helping you achieve the best possible result for your property sale. If you’re ready to sell your house in Glasgow, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Cairn Estate Agency today. Our expert team is eager to assist you in navigating the property market and achieving the maximum return on your investment. Contact us now to start your journey towards a successful property sale with Glasgow’s leading estate agents.
Edinburgh, Estate Agency
Unlock Success with Cairn, Edinburgh’s Property Specialists
Unlock Success in Edinburgh’s Property Market with Cairn, Edinburgh’s Property Specialists Are you planning to sell your home in Edinburgh? With the city’s property market thriving, it’s essential to choose the right estate agent to guide you through the process and secure the best possible outcome. Cairn, a leading Edinburgh estate agency, offers unparalleled expertise and tailored services to help you successfully navigate the local market. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of partnering with Cairn and why we stand out among Edinburgh property companies. Over the last year, properties in Edinburgh saw an overall average price of £334,164, with sold prices rising by 6% compared to the previous year . This growth highlights the ideal opportunity to sell your home in Edinburgh and achieve an excellent return on your investment. Operating two Edinburgh branches including our central Edinburgh HQ, Cairn’s experienced property team understands the unique aspects of Edinburgh’s wider property market, including popular neighbourhoods such as Portobello. With its beautiful sandy beach and vibrant community, Portobello is a highly sought-after area, and our team is well-versed in its local property trends with a branch strategically situated here. Our comprehensive services are designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations at every stage of the selling process: Accurate Property Valuation: Our in-depth market knowledge allows us to provide you with a precise, competitive valuation, ensuring your property attracts the right buyers. Expert Marketing Strategies: Cairn employs a mix of traditional and digital marketing techniques to showcase your property to a wide audience. From high-quality photography and bespoke property descriptions to online advertising on top property portals and social media promotion, we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to find the perfect buyer for your home. Personalised Staging and Presentation: We offer tailored advice on home staging, focusing on your target market and budget. Our skilled agents will also host open or accompanied viewings, presenting your property in the best possible light to prospective purchasers. Proactive Communication: At Cairn, we believe in maintaining open lines of communication with our clients. We keep you informed throughout the entire process, providing prompt feedback on viewings and interest, as well as regular progress updates. Skilled Negotiation: Our team of experienced negotiators works diligently on your behalf to secure the best possible terms and price for your property sale. When you choose Cairn as your Edinburgh estate agency, you can trust that our dedicated team will handle every aspect of your property sale with professionalism and care. Our commitment to delivering outstanding results sets us apart from other Edinburgh property companies, making us the ideal partner for your property sale journey. If you’re ready to experience the best in Edinburgh property, contact our Edinburgh branches today. Let us demonstrate our passion for excellence and unmatched expertise in the Edinburgh property market, it’s exactly why we’re already a popular choice.
HMO licensing, HMO Properties
HMO Licensing: A Guide to Compliance and Management
Understanding HMO Licensing – A Comprehensive Guide to Compliance and Management Are you a landlord looking to rent out a property to three or more tenants? If so, you must be familiar with the HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licensing requirements. This crucial regulation ensures that your property is safe and well-maintained for your tenants. In this article, we will discuss the importance of HMO licensing, its legislation, and how Cairn HMO team can guide you through the process. HMO licensing is essential for landlords who rent properties to multiple unrelated occupants. It covers the legal responsibilities of the property owner (the duty holder) and ensures the property is compliant with HMO standards. Licenses must be renewed every three years however this varies regionally, and properties can be inspected at any time by the HMO department or Fire Scotland. Staying up-to-date with HMO legislation is vital for landlords. These regulations encompass various aspects of property management, including safety checks, equipment installation, and tenant training. Non-compliance with HMO legislation can lead to significant fines or even the revocation of your HMO license. Partnering with a professional HMO management company like Cairn can simplify the entire process. Our experienced team will guide you through the HMO application and renewal procedures, ensuring your property meets all the necessary requirements. We will also perform initial inspections to identify any remedial work needed to bring your property up to HMO standards. Cairn HMO team helps landlords obtain essential safety certificates, including: Energy Performance Certificate Landlord Gas Safety Certificate Portable Appliance Test Electrical Installation Condition Report Fire Fighting Equipment Smoke Alarm, Heat, and Carbon Monoxide Test Emergency Light Service Report Fire Risk Assessment We provide a Fire Notice Board with required record sheets and equipment to meet Fire Scotland requirements. These certificates and evidence of compliance are necessary for HMO license applications and renewals. Our HMO management services extend beyond obtaining licenses and certificates. We take a hands-on approach to tenant screening and training, ensuring that your tenants are responsible and well-informed about HMO safety requirements. Our comprehensive tenant training covers essential topics such as fire safety, electrical safety, appliance usage, and neighbour consideration. Throughout the tenancy, Cairn conducts quarterly property inspections and provides landlords with detailed reports. We address any cleaning, repair, or maintenance issues and reinforce fire safety training as needed. At the end of the tenancy, we facilitate a smooth move-out process by inspecting the property for damages, coordinating deposit releases with Safe Deposit Scotland, and closing down tenant utility accounts. HMO properties often experience more wear and tear due to the number of occupants. Cairn’s reliable and affordable maintenance services ensure your property remains in excellent condition. Our team of certified tradesmen is always ready to address any maintenance needs promptly. In conclusion, HMO licensing is a critical aspect of managing rental properties with multiple tenants. By staying compliant with HMO legislation and partnering with a professional HMO management company like Cairn, you can safeguard your investment and provide a safe living environment for your tenants. To learn more about how our HMO team can help you navigate the complexities of HMO licensing, visit our HMO section on our website and contact us today.
Legislation
Landlords, are you ready for the changes to EPC regulations ?
Landlords, are you ready for the changes to EPC regulations? EPC requirements are changing in Scotland as of 2025, where properties in the private rented sector (PRS) will be required to have an EPC rating of C at change of tenancy. Thereafter, all properties will be required to have a minimum rating of C by 2028. What is an EPC? EPC stands for Energy Performance Certificate which provides information on how energy efficient a property is. It is based on a rate scale from A (most efficient) to G (inefficient), it also provides measures towards the end of the report which can improve the energy efficiency of a home with rough costs. The rating of the EPC is a measure of the energy performance of the property itself (fabric) and its services (hot water, heating, and lighting). The higher the cost of running the property, the lower the energy rating will be. When are EPCs needed for rental properties? The EPC is required for advertising purposes and must be less than 10 years old at the point of advertising a rental property. The purpose is to give tenants an indicator on what it will cost to heat, light and maintain their home. What are the changes and how will it affect my rental property? Previously the Scottish Government intended on implementing a requirement to have a rating of D at change of tenancy in 2022. However, this proposal was not taken forward as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, changes to the regulations have now been implemented which require properties in the PRS to have a rating of C at change of tenancy from 2025. Thereafter all PRS properties will be required to have a rating of C by 2028. Exemptions will apply where the landlord can demonstrate that it is not technically feasible or cost effective to reach a rating of C. What can be done to improve the EPC rating? Attention to what is detailed in the report itself is crucial, as this will give you pointers on actions to take to increase the energy efficiency of the property. The recommendations on the report will vary from a small action (changing the type of lightbulbs) to larger works (wall cavity insulation). Some examples of what may be listed in the report are detailed below: Wall cavity insulation (very effective improvement and may also be funded through the Green Deal) Roof / loft insulation (very effective improvement which can lead to savings of up to 20%) Upgrade heating controls (room thermostats will switch the heating off when the room reaches a certain temperature, creating more heat efficiency) Low energy lighting for all fixed outlets (cheapest option, only has a small impact on the rating but every little helps!) Replace boiler with more efficient boiler (old boilers can be less than 70% efficient) Fit modern electric storage heaters (fan heaters are smaller and better insulated) Replace single glazing to double (one of the more costly options but will also improve the comfort of the property and make it more desirable to tenants) Increase hot water cylinder insulation (this could cut heat loss by 75%) Replace / remove any secondary forms of heating (the EPC software will assume that secondary forms of heating are used i.e., old gas fires which will most likely be very inefficient, the removal of these will remove the risk of this form of heating being included with the rating) In most cases, landlords will need to bear the upfront costs of improvements made but many of these will result in great improvements to the energy efficiency of the property over a 5 year period. At Cairn, we are currently working hard for our landlords and investigating any funding that may be available. However, if you have any questions meantime, please do not hesitate to contact your property manager who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. Please contact our friendly team for our range of services on 0141 270 7878 for Glasgow and 0131 346 4646 for Edinburgh, or by email to enquiries@cairnletting.com
Landlords
Landlord FAQs – Landlord Support
Landlord FAQ’s What are the legal compliance issues? In recent years the private rental sector has increasingly been the subject of new regulatory requirements from both the UK and Scottish governments. We have put together a full resource on https://cairn.verticaldev.org/legislation/ How long will it take to rent out my property? Well that depends on the condition and the location of the property our specialist team can advise you of the best way to market your property and we can also offer our development team for any mini refurbishment required. We market your property on our website and various property portals Rightmove, Citylets, Zoopla and we also market through our social media channels which have a large following. How much does the service cost? Depending on the service you require whether that is full management to tenant find only we can deliver a service that suits your budget requirements. Please contact Fiona in Glasgow to discuss our full range of services. Please note we are currently offering three months FREE management to any new landlords till the end of May 2023. How do you go about vetting tenant applicants? Firstly, we pre-qualify tenants before viewings to ensure they meet referencing requirements for the property, this includes ensuring the affordability criteria is met. Once a tenant has applied for a property / paid a deposit we use a well-established referencing agent to conduct all formal reference checks to give the landlords the most cover possible Are you a member of any accredited bodies? All agents legally need to register with the Scottish Government. Our LARN number is LARN2002011. We are also members of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL)and the Property Ombudsman (TPOS). Our senior members of staff are also members with Property Mark. What if my tenant is late with their rent? If a tenant does not pay their rent by the 7th day in the month our accounts team will call/text and email the tenants and the guarantors (if applicable) asking them to pay this immediately. At this stage, we also provide the tenants with the below links for help and advice if they are struggling to pay their rent: * Shelter Scotland – https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/about_us/contact_us * Citizens Advice Scotland – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/ * The Scottish Government – https://www.mygov.scot/rent-arrears If we receive a response to this communication, we will propose a payment plan with the tenants and confirm this with the landlord to make sure you are happy with this. If we do not receive a response, we will contact the tenants again on the 14th day and request an explanation as to why the rent has not been paid. We will notify you by day 14 if we have not received any rent to let you know as our landlords get paid on the 15th of every month. Please find important information attached on the eviction ban and what this means for serving notice. If we do not have rent in by day 21, we will arrange an inspection of the property to ensure the tenant is still residing in the property and we will continue with regular inspections until we receive rent. Once it gets to month 5 of the tenant being in rent arrears, we are obliged to send the tenants ‘pre-action requirements’ which include important information on how they can get help and advice with their arrears, we will continue to send this information until the tenants hit 6 months of arrears, once this happens, we will be in a position to service notice. Please note our process is in line with the Scottish Governments legislation on the current eviction ban Our accounts team process and pay all landlords on the 15th of each month. If the 15th falls on the weekend or a Bank Holiday, this will be processed the following day. I have also attached some information relating to our Rent Guarantee service which is an additional cover but might be something you wish to consider. Can I use my own contractors to carry out work? You can however we have an in-house team that can cover any maintenance work at favourable rates. How often do you carry out inspections on my property? Our SME software system diarises quarterly inspections where an external member of the team will inspect your property. The Property manager will send you photos of any works and transparent communication will begin to resolve any works working to your budget. Why choose Cairn? We are 100% dedicated to managing your property our team will treat it as if it were their own and are highly qualified in doing so. We have been established since 1999 and have built a reputation for quality service in property rentals particularly HMO properties. Our staff are highly trained we invest heavily in staff development our team attend monthly legislative courses and are put through ARLA and Letwell accreditation to ensure you meet your obligations as a landlord. We have an inhouse Compliance & Legislative training manager who not only keep our staff and landlords uptodate but can advise external landlords with our legislative and compliance service. Our OCT Manager has in-depth knowledge on the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) a service we offer to our existing landlords and those who don’t necessary use our management programme. This is a unique service as many agents outsource this externally to a lawyer which can be very costly. Our staff team are dynamic and we retain staff long term so you have continuity of service. We have comprehensive professional indemnity and public liability insurance. We hold comprehensive client money protection in Safe Deposit Scotland Don’t take our word for it read our testimonials.
