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Rents in Scotland have increased 1.6% compared to last April, marking a step up in annual rent growth after a period of cooler price rises, according to the latest index. This is the fastest year on year increase in rents for five months, according to the Scotland buy to let index from Your Move, one of Scotland’s largest lettings agent networks. Coming back from a winter dip, the pace of rent growth has increased solidly from a 1.3% annual rise in March 2015, and 1.1% in February. As of April 2015, the average residential rent across Scotland stands at a record £539 per month, matching the peak set in November 2014. While rent growth is quickening on an annual basis, in the month to April, average Scottish rents rose just 0.1%, the data also shows. ‘Scottish rents have peaked at a new apex, as lethargic supply of rental homes fails to match up to towering demand for homes to let. After rental prices plateaued over the winter months, we’re seeing annual rent rises start to ascend again,’ said Brian Moran, area lettings director at Your Move. ‘Affordability in the private rented sector now rests on new housing becoming available to let, and more choice for tenants, to keep rents competitive and rent rises in check. Solid rent rises offer clear encouragement for those contemplating buy to let investment, but fears of prohibitive rent controls and additional tenancy legislation in Scotland may be off putting, which could choke off new supply of rented homes, and drive up prices for tenants,’ he explained. Compared to last year, rents are now higher in three of five regions of Scotland. Rents in Glasgow and Clyde have experienced the greatest year on year increase, with typical rents up 5% since April 2014. The East saw the second biggest annual rise in rental prices at 1.7%, setting a new record for the area in April 2015, with the average monthly rent now £531. In the South of Scotland, rents have climbed a more modest 0.7% in the past 12 months. In two regions of Scotland, rents are now cheaper than they were a year previously. Edinburgh and the Lothians has witnessed the biggest fall in rent prices year on year, down 0.8% in the 12 months to April 2015. In the Highlands and Islands, rents are now 0.6% lower than in April 2014. On a monthly basis, rents have risen across three of five regions in Scotland. In Glasgow and Clyde, the average rent has climbed 0.8% in the past month, to £563. In both the East and the Highlands and Islands, rents have risen 0.3% since March. Rents in the South of Scotland have remained static month on month, staying at £498, the lowest average rent price across the whole of Scotland while Edinburgh and the Lothians is only region in Scotland to witness… Continue reading →

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