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Glasgow, HMO Properties
Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow
Cairn: HMO Specialists in Glasgow As HMO specialists in Glasgow, we regularly write about the benefits and considerations of renting an HMO in the city, whether that’s from the perspective of a landlord or a tenant. In this post, we’ve collected the most important links, definitions, and information, all in one place. If you’re thinking about renting an HMO in Glasgow, read this first. Reminder: What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a bathroom, toilet, and kitchen). It’s sometimes referred to as a “house share”. For a property to qualify as an HMO, it must meet strict licensing requirements. You can read more about these requirements on this page: HMO Letting with Cairn. Our HMO Specialists Glasgow Resources: Getting to Grips with HMO Licencing – Are you a landlord looking to understand HMO licencing better? This post explains everything. Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know? – Are you a student thinking of renting an HMO property in Glasgow during term-time? We’ve got the answers to some frequently asked questions. Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why Should Do It – Are you a landlord thinking about investing in an HMO in Scotland’s biggest city? Here are a few reasons why it’s a no-brainer. Handy Third-Party Links Beyond our own blog posts and articles, check out these important links: Houses in Multiple Occupation – Glasgow City Council How to Apply for an HMO Licence with Glasgow City Council HMO Information from Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council Cairn: HMO Specialists (Glasgow) We’ve been managing fully licensed HMO properties in Glasgow for a number of years. Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, when you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We ensure all licensing requirements are met, tenants are moved in safely, and regulations are adhered to. We also 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 Glasgow? Get in touch to learn more.
Glasgow, HMO Properties, Student Accommodation
Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know?
Glasgow HMO Properties: What Do Students Need to Know? Are you a student thinking of renting a Glasgow HMO property during term-time? Make sure you know the answers to these frequently asked questions. 1. What is an HMO? An HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a residential property where three or more unrelated people rent and share facilities (such as a toilet, bathroom, and kitchen). It’s also known as a “house share”. HMO properties are subject to strict licensing conditions. However, there are a few exceptions where an HMO licence isn’t required. For example, if you live with your landlord, they don’t count as one of the unrelated people. Similarly, by law, a landlord does not require a licence if 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”. 2. What are the licensing conditions? All HMO properties need to be licensed with the local council before they can be rented out. The council will typically inspect properties before issuing a licence. The licence means your landlord is 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. A certified HMO property must have an HMO licence prominently displayed. If you can’t see one, ask the landlord to share a copy. 3. What are the risks of unlicensed Glasgow HMO properties? Unlicensed house share properties can sometimes be cheaper and therefore more attractive to students on a budget. However, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Not only are they illegal, but if your landlord is unwilling to licence the property correctly, where else might they be cutting corners? And will they respect your rights as a tenant? 4. How do I know if the property is licensed and certified safe? If you’re unsure that the property you’re looking at is licensed (and your landlord is evasive and won’t show you a copy of an up-to-date licence), don’t sign anything until you’ve checked for yourself. To do this, contact the Glasgow City Council Private Landlord Unit via email (privatelandlordregistrationunit@glasgow.gov.uk) or by phone (0300 343 0414). They’ll be able to tell you if an application for a licence has been lodged or refused. Rent a Glasgow HMO with Cairn We’ve been managing fully licensed Glasgow HMO properties for years. When you rent with Cairn, you’re in good hands. We conduct thorough tenant move-in training, taking you through health & safety regulations, smoke alarm testing, and how to use appliances. And we also carry out quarterly inspections to ensure the property remains safe, clean and comfortable, as per the HMO conditions. Are you interested in renting an HMO property in Glasgow? Get in touch to learn more.
Glasgow, Buy To Let, Property Investment, West End
Property Investment in Glasgow: Where to Spend Your Money
Property Investment in Glasgow: Where to Spend Your Money Interested in property investment in Glasgow? Here Cairn profiles the most popular areas of the city. Investing in buy-to-let in Glasgow is a no-brainer. A bustling, modern European city with a vibrant student population, a thriving economy, vital transport links, and huge rental demand, Scotland’s largest city represents a golden opportunity for property investors. But where should you spend your money? Let’s explore Glasgow in a little more detail. Property Investment in Glasgow — Area by Area Glasgow Fast Facts Population: 633,120 (2019) House Price Avg: £193,000 (2020) Monthly Rent Avg: £636 (2020) Rental Yield Avg: 7.8% (the UK average is 4%) 1. The City Centre Home to both traditional properties and modern new-builds, Glasgow’s city centre boasts plenty of choices, no matter your target market. Although many people working in the centre prefer to live outside of its boundaries, many more call it home. This is especially true of Glasgow’s student population. The fashionable Merchant City is worth exploring if you’re looking to rent to young professionals, while areas like Townhead, Charing Cross, and Cowcaddens are all within walking and public transport distance of the city’s universities. 2. The West End The best West End estate agents rarely have trouble letting properties in this stunning part of the city. Popular with young families thanks to its green space, young professionals thanks to its transport links, and students, thanks to its bars, cafes, and proximity to Glasgow University, demand for rental properties here is through the roof. Of course, this level of demand has a knock-on effect, with many of the properties in the West End among the most expensive in Glasgow. But if you find something that works for your budget, you could be onto a winner. Consider areas like Hillhead, Kelvinside, Dowanhill, Yorkhill, and Partick for any of the target markets mentioned above. 3. The East End Home to Dennistoun, recently named the 8th coolest neighbourhood in the world (the WORLD!), the East End of Glasgow is chock-full of character. From the iconic red sandstone tenements to thriving independent businesses, the East of the city is particularly popular with students and young families. Thanks to regeneration activities brought about by the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the East End is beginning to catch up with other parts of the city after years of neglect. Yet it remains cheaper than the city centre and the West End, so you could nab yourself a buy-to-let bargain. 4. The Southside When you venture south of the River Clyde, you’ll find a mixed bag of property investment opportunities. A traditionally industrial area of the city, riverside regeneration has brought a modern feel to many areas, while others remain affected by social problems. Areas like Govan, Ibrox, and the Gorbals offer a variety of affordable property types boosted by vital transport links. Meanwhile, the likes of Shawlands, Newlands, Queens Park, and Langside have a trendy vibe popular with young families and professionals. These properties are pricier, but always in demand. Cairn: Property Investment in Glasgow Whether you’re looking east, west, south, or central, you’ll have plenty of choice in Glasgow Do you want to learn more about investing in buy-to-let properties in the city? Get in touch with our property investment experts today. We’re here to help!
Glasgow, Hints & Tips, Properties For Sale
Find Homes For Sale in Glasgow (Before They Go Online)
Find Homes For Sale in Glasgow (Before They Go Online) Looking for property for sale in Glasgow? Follow these tips and find them before they go online. You might think every property sale follows the same old process: a “for sale” sign goes up outside > it’s posted online > there are countless viewings > and, eventually, it’s sold. Simple. But some of the nicest homes for sale in Glasgow won’t make it as far as step one. They’re often snapped up long before they make it to the market, let alone the property websites. So, why does this happen? And how do you get in on the act? Here we share a few tips for finding homes for sale before they go online. How to Find Property for Sale in Glasgow Before It Goes Online 1. Your Glasgow Estate Agent Is Your Best Friend The best estate agents keep a close eye on the local market, with many working closely with sellers to achieve quick, profitable sales. As a prospective buyer, you can do something similar. If you’re clear, friendly, and responsive, outlining exactly the type of Glasgow property you’re looking for (and the budget you’ve got in mind), your local agents might just point you in the right direction. Remember, people do business with people they like, and that works both ways! 2. Get Your Friends & Family Involved Unless you’re keeping your move on the down-low for a reason, it’s a good idea to involve your friends and family in the search. You could even widen the scope to include social media connections and work colleagues. That way, you’ve got ears on the ground. If everyone knows that you’re looking to buy, you might just hear about an opportunity before it goes on the market. 3. Hunting for Flats for Sale in Glasgow: Be Prepared to Pound the Pavement If you know which part (or parts) of Glasgow you’d like to move to, you could be bold and start posting letters or chapping doors. Whether it’s in writing or face-to-face, simply explain who you are, your situation, and ask if they’re interested in selling. There’s no guarantee of success, of course, but you could strike gold. All it takes is one person who’s been thinking of selling and has put it off — until now. You could be the nudge they need. Pro Tip: Make Sure You’re Ready to Buy You’ll always move quicker when you’re ready to move. So if you hear through the grapevine that your dream property is close to the market, you’ll need to have your finances in order to nab it early. Having the cash ready (or a mortgage in principle) makes you seem less risky to the seller. And the idea of a fast sale could convince them to skip the open market and deal with you exclusively. Interested in homes for sale in Glasgow? Make Cairn your new best friend. Tell us what you’re looking for and where — we’re always happy to help. Contact us here. Did you know our Glasgow & Edinburgh branches specialise in Off-Market properties? Learn more about our approach to Tenanted Flats.
Glasgow, Landlords, Letting, Services, Tenants
Switching Letting Agents in Glasgow: Advice for Landlords
Switching Letting Agents in Glasgow: Advice for Landlords Are you a landlord thinking of switching letting agents in Glasgow? Read on for some advice from Cairn. Expensive maintenance charges. Substandard repairs. Poor communication. Late rent payments. And every time you call, it’s someone different on the other end of the line — and they don’t know you or your property. As a landlord, the last thing you need is a letting agent mismanaging your property. If the above sounds familiar, it could be time for a change. And despite some common misconceptions, switching letting agents is easier than you think. Moving Letting Agents in Glasgow: Common Misconceptions Many landlords see changing letting agents as a hassle they can live without, so they stay loyal to an agency, even if they’re not meeting expectations. Others think they need to wait until the property is empty before switching, while some simply don’t see the point in moving. After all, a letting agent is a letting agent, right? Wrong. Let’s deal with these misconceptions, one by one: 1. “I have to wait until the end of the tenancy before changing agents.” This isn’t true. The Tenancy Agreement is between you (the landlord) and your tenant. The agency has been hired to manage your property — switching agents won’t impact the agreement. In fact, it’s often easier to change agents with a tenant in place, as it means the new agent can take over the management of the property without the additional need to advertise and place a new tenant. 2. “Every Glasgow letting agent is the same; there’s no point in switching.” Most letting agents provide similar services. However, the way in which these services are delivered can vary from one agent to the next. Think of it like having a favourite coffee shop, even though you can get a coffee almost anywhere. There’s more to it than simply getting what you asked for. Likewise, the very best letting agents in Glasgow are doing more than making sure rent is collected on time. They’re fully regulated, understand the legislation involved, prioritise quality customer service, and offer professional and reliable communication at all times. 3. “Moving to a new letting agent is more fuss than it’s worth.” Switching from an underperforming agent to one who values a strong working relationship and cares for your property and its tenants is absolutely worth the fuss — if it can even be considered “fuss” in the first place! In reality, there’s little you need to do in order to switch. Beyond giving your current agent written notice that you plan to leave, your new agent will handle everything on your behalf. Case in point… Switching Letting Agents in Glasgow (It’s Easier Than You Think) At Cairn, we make switching simple. From liaising with your current agent to communicating with your tenant(s), we take care of every last detail, including: The acquisition of a detailed handover from your current agent. This will include information related to rent arrears, payment plans, planned maintenance, and outstanding tenant requests; The transfer and recording of the latest safety certificates; The transfer of all keys, up-to-date inventory, and the current lease agreement (if applicable); And the provision of a new point of contact and updated bank details for rent payments to your tenant(s). You are appointed a property manager so you are dealing with one point of contact. Our qualified and experienced property managers conduct audits on documents sent to us to ensure that all legal responsibilities are met and the landlords interests are protected. If you’re interested in changing letting agents in Glasgow, visit our Getting Started page or contact our friendly team for more information.
Glasgow, Buy To Let, Investment, Student Accommodation
Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why You Should Do It
Buy-to-Let in Glasgow: 4 Reasons Why You Should Do It Learn why buy-to-let in Glasgow is a no-brainer in this post from Cairn Estate & Letting Agency. Once an industrial powerhouse, home to factories and shipyards, Glasgow is today every inch a modern European city. Full of culture, diversity, and a growing population, it’s little wonder that Dear Green Place has resonated with property investors. And in this brief post, we share 4 reasons why you might buy-to-let in Glasgow. Why Buy-to-Let in Glasgow? 1. A thriving economy With the largest economy in Scotland (and the 4th largest in the UK), Glasgow is home to a range of established and emerging sectors. The likes of health, education, retail, and finance — alongside digital, biotech, and low carbon industries — are attracting talent from far and wide, providing ample opportunities and competitive salaries. And with all these talented, well-paid individuals needing places to live, demand for properties is massive (more on that below). 2. A vibrant student population If you’re interested in investing in student accommodation, then look no further than Glasgow. With three top universities and eleven colleges in and around the city, it’s home to around 185,000 students. That makes it, by far, the biggest student city in Scotland, and the second-biggest in the UK. What’s more, Glasgow was recently named as the best UK city for millennials owing to an abundance of graduate job prospects, entertainment options, and overall quality of life. 3. Vital transport links Glasgow is incredibly easy to navigate, with plenty of reliable transport links dotted around the city. But the best part is, it looks like there could be significant improvements in the pipeline. For instance, the Subway (the third-oldest underground system in the world) is often the subject of audacious expansion plans, while a modern tram or light rail network has also been proposed. If these plans become reality, it could result in certain areas of the city becoming more desirable to commuters. And this could mean a greater return on investment for investors. This phenomenon isn’t anything new in Glasgow, either. As it stands, the proximity to a Subway station can actually push up rents due to demand. 4. Huge rental demand Finally, speaking of demand, Glasgow (alongside Edinburgh) is one of the best cities in the UK in which to purchase a buy-to-let property. According to these stats, the average rent in the city is currently £840 PCM, while the average time-to-let for a one-bedroom property is around 27 days. So, if you do invest in buy-to-let in Glasgow, you’ll enjoy terrific yields — and it’s unlikely that it’ll sit empty for very long! Cairn: Buy-to-Let Glasgow Experts Interested in exploring buy-to-let property in Glasgow? Get in touch with our property investment experts to learn more about our approach and services.
Glasgow, West End
How to Find the Best West End Estate Agents
For many, the West End of Glasgow is the jewel in the city’s crown. A vibrant, sought after location, it’s home to beautiful properties, a buzzing nightlife, and idyllic green space. So, if you’re looking to call it home (or you want to sell your West End property at the highest price), it pays to work with the best West End estate agents. But how do you sort the best from the rest? In this short post, we share a few pointers. Introducing Glasgow’s West End The West End plays host to some of the city’s most stunning and unique architecture. Edwardian and Victorian buildings are set side-by-side with their modern counterparts, as old-style Glasgow tenements and glass facade new-builds weave seamlessly across the skyline. Byres Road is the area’s main artery, lined with busy bars, restaurants, shops and cafes. Take a wander down its cobblestone lanes to discover some of the West End’s hidden gems, including quirky boutiques, indoor markets, and independent galleries. And if the hustle and bustle gets to be too much, you can escape to the sprawling Kelvingrove Park or the leafy Botanic Gardens for a spot of quiet contemplation. All in all, it’s easy to see why Glasgow’s well-connected West End remains so popular. So, What Should You Look For in a West End Estate Agent? In our experience, there are three key questions you should ask yourself when shortlisting your West End estate agents. Let’s explore in more detail: 1. Are they local to the area? The best West End estate agents are part of the furniture. Their offices are located in the area, and their staff have real-world experience of the local amenities and transport links. Cairn, for example, is situated on Gibson Street, smack dab in the middle of the busy Kelvinbridge area. We’re a stone’s throw from Kelvingrove Park and 5 minutes from the University of Glasgow. While other estate agents might keep an eye on the West End, our staff know it inside out. 2. Do they have their finger on the pulse? To answer this, check their website and social media. Do they regularly post about events and activities in the area? Do they tweet about local news and available properties? And when quizzed on the hottest bars or the trendiest restaurants, do their staff answer without hesitation? That’s when you know you’re speaking with the real deal. 3. Are they part of the community? Finally, you’ll want to see that the West End isn’t simply a place of work for the agency. Instead, they’re a proud member of the community, actively involved and contributing to the spirit and togetherness. For instance, Cairn is regularly involved in local charitable initiatives and we’ve built up relationships with a number of West End-based partners over the years. The West End isn’t just a place of business; it’s our home. Cairn: Proudly Serving the West End of Glasgow Since 1999 Thinking of buying or selling in the West End? Let’s talk. Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly (local) property experts.
Glasgow, Selling
5 Tips for Choosing an Estate Agent in Glasgow
5 Tips for Choosing an Estate Agent in Glasgow Discover how to choose an estate agent in Glasgow with this handy guide from Cairn Estate & Letting Agency. There’s no shortage of estate agents in Glasgow, but they’re not all created equal. Some, like Cairn, have been part of the furniture for decades, and know every square inch of the city, inside and out. Others, meanwhile, are still finding their bearings and don’t know their Newlands from their Shawlands. So, if you’re selling your property in Glasgow, how do you choose the right estate agent to handle the sale? Here we share 5 simple tips to help you decide. 1. Always Ask for Recommendations + Look for Signs The quickest way to find a great Glasgow estate agency is to ask family, friends, or co-workers who’ve moved recently who they used and if they’d recommend them. Being referred to an estate agent by someone you trust is often a good sign when it comes to customer service. And speaking of signs… Keep your eyes peeled for “For Sale” and “Sold” signs in and around your area. This is a strong indication that the company understands the local market and can achieve sales consistently. 2. Make a List, Check It Twice From your recommendations, sign spotting, and internet searches, start to build a shortlist of around 6 to 8 estate agents. Done? Well, next, you need to whittle that list down to the final 3 you want to talk to. To do this, check each of their websites and social media for the following: Customer testimonials and independent reviews; Company info — How long have they been operating in your area?; Staff bios — How big is their team and what do they specialise in?; Current property listings — How are they presented? Are they well written? Do they include floor plans? Quality photography? Video tours? Leading property portals — Are they on the likes of Zoopla, OnTheMarket.com, and Rightmove? Social media activity — Are they active and responsive on social media? Are they sharing properties there too? 3. Visit Them Undercover (If You Can) Armed with your shortlist, it’s time to go undercover. Visit each estate agent posing as a potential buyer looking for a property just like your own (i.e., the same number of bedrooms, same size, local amenities, etc.). Listen carefully to how the suggested properties are pitched to you. Would you be satisfied if this was actually your property? Would you be left with more questions than answers? Would you buy (or at least like to view) the property? This will give you an insight into how each agency conducts its business. 4. Crunch Time: The Property Valuation Now it’s time to invite your shortlisted Glasgow estate agents to visit your property for a valuation. There are a few things you need to look out for here: Punctuality and professionalism — Have they arrived when they said they would? Are they polite, organised, and presentable? Local knowledge — Can they speak with authority on the local area? Do they know what’s selling well, and can they back that up with stats? The valuation — Don’t be hypnotised by suggestions of a big number, as this is often a tactic to win your business. Instead, listen out for a consistent price range between the 3 agents, and ask them to justify their opinions. Here at Cairn, we always provide an honest, realistic valuation based on our assessment of market data and industry experience. 5. Finally, Quiz Them On Your Property Sale Now’s your chance to ask the agents how they plan to market and sell your property. First, do they have a “hot buyer’s list”? This is a list of ready-to-move prospective buyers who get first dibs on new properties. If your property ticks all their boxes, you could be in for a quick sale. What sort of marketing resources do they provide (online and off)? Will they be conducting the viewings, or is that left to you? Do they offer home staging advice? I.e., layout and design tips to appeal to a certain market. How often will they check-in with you on progress? Will this be a phone call, email, or both? Choose Your Glasgow Estate Agent Once you’ve met the agents, spent time in their company, listened to their sales and marketing ideas, and had their fees and services explained, it’s time to choose. Our last piece of advice is to remember that people buy people. You’ll want to put your sale in the hands of the agent who’s personable, knowledgeable, motivated and easy to deal with (because remember, you’ll be working closely with them to achieve the best sale price possible). Thinking of selling your Glasgow property? Get in touch today to have a chat or arrange a valuation.
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Estate Agency, Letting
Check out our new responsive, faster to use Website !
Check out our new responsive, faster and easier to use Website ! We listened to our Landlords & Tenants and are very excited to announce the launch of our new state of the art website. The new site features improved navigation and clean, fresh design as well as introducing you to our four key defined business areas, Investors, Tenants, Landlords & Estate Agency. We wanted to make the new website faster, easier to navigate, and more user-friendly and Its integral for us to make our tenant facing information easily accessible and informative for our tenancies. As well as still marketing properties on all the leading property engines, Cairn have invested in a our new website to help deliver our unrivalled service even more efficiently online. www.CairnEstateAgency.com
