Lets Talk With Citylets

In episode 106, Scottish Conservative MSP, Meghan Gallacher discusses the current state of Scotland’s Private Rented Sector from an opposition perspective. The podcast covers cumulative reform, compliance pressures, Rent Control Areas and the long-term signals housing policy is sending to investors and landlords.

Rory Cowan partner with BKF & Co, returns to the podcast to discuss the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. We discuss Rent Control Areas, CPI-linked rent increases, new tribunal powers, eviction rules, tenant rights and the areas of uncertainty still dependent on future regulations.

In episode 104, Gillian is joined by Peter McDermid, Owner and Director of Logic Property Finance, to discuss how lending for Scottish landlords is evolving. The conversation explores specialist lending, the impact of higher ADS, portfolio purchases, refurbishment strategies, and what landlords should consider when financing future investments.

In episode 103, Gillian speaks with Frankie Bishop, Client Relations Manager at SafeDeposits Scotland. They discuss the fundamentals of deposit protection, current affordability pressures, and the emerging trends SafeDeposits is seeing across the sector. They explore some of the more complex deposit situations facing landlords, letting agents, and tenants today, including long-running tenancies where household members change, shared-tenancy complications, and disputes involving historical damage or missing inventories. A must-listen for anyone navigating Scotland’s rental market.

Episode 105 features Lyndsay Yuill, host of Edinburgh’s Property Investors Network (PIN) meetings and Sales Director at Rent Locally. She discusses the power of networking, what makes PIN unique, the rise of Property Pals and Pub Grub, and how community shapes success in today’s professionalised property landscape.

Lar Housing Trust is expanding its mission beyond delivering affordable homes. Operations Manager Nicole Maxwell joins Gillian Semmler to discuss Lar’s new property management and factoring service, designed to support landlords - from tenant-find to ongoing maintenance, all while reinvesting profits back into housing.

In episode 103, James Edwards, Co-Founder and Tax Director at Anderson and Edwards Ltd, shares his expertise on tax for landlords and property investors. We explore Making Tax Digital, common mistakes to avoid, preparation tips, and insights for overseas and incorporated landlords. He also talks about his love for rugby, their sponsorship of Watsonian’s and what it means for Anderson & Edwards.

Mark Lawrie, founder of Erskine Property, joins Lets Talk to discuss the launch of his new agency. He talks about the motivations behind starting his own business, the early days of running Erskine Property, and his approach to Scotland’s property market and future

Charlie Inness, Head of Business Development at Glenham Property, returns to the podcast for episode 101, to share his expert insights on the Edinburgh rental market. From shifting tenant demand and EPC uncertainty to investment strategy and regulatory pressures, we cover what landlords and investors need to know now, and what’s on the horizon.

To mark the 100th Lets Talk episode, Gillian Semmler questions Citylets MD, Thomas Ashdown, about the validity of the Scottish Government using figures from the rent control era and explores what life could look like for landlords if distortion-led policymaking becomes the new normal. Thomas also discusses the Citylets leading market reports and takes a trip down memory lane.

In episode 99, Gillian speaks with Kevin Watson, Operations and Commercial Director at Platform_, a leader in both Build to Rent (BTR) and Mid-Market Rent properties. Kevin talks through Platform_’s integrated model, combining asset management, property management, and landlord responsibilities, which sets them apart in the Scottish rental market. We look into the growing demand for their Mid-Market Rent properties in Scotland, how they’re addressing the gap between affordable housing and the open market, and the challenges of catering to different tenant needs across Edinburgh and Glasgow. Kevin also shares insights on their BTR developments, including high-spec design, sustainability efforts, and how they communicate value to tenants despite price differences. With discussions on location choices, rent controls, and the future of sustainability, this episode explores how Platform_ is reshaping the rental landscape in Scotland.

In episode 98, we’re joined by Chris Cockburn of Let It, who shares his journey from studying music to working in property and even competing in Mini Cooper racing! We explore the latest trends in West Scotland’s rental market, the importance of great property photography, and key challenges facing landlords and letting agents today. Chris also takes us behind the scenes of motorsport, discussing what it takes to compete and how his passion for racing has shaped his career.

In episode 97, Wendy Gallagher, Managing Director of One Stop Properties, shares advice on navigating the evolving rental market in Glasgow, as well as valuable tips on property investment. Wendy discusses her career journey, common landlord-tenant issues, and insights on neighbourhood demand shifts. She also covers energy efficiency upgrades, recent legislative changes, and strategies for long-term investment success.

Scotland’s Housing Bill and Market Trends: Expert Advice from Laura Chapman of Chapmans by Lets Talk

In episode 95, we meet Nicky McConnachie, often referred to as the "Mary Poppins of the Property Industry" and the founder of 29Twelve, a boutique consultancy specialising in property sourcing and vacant home management. Nicky shares her journey across industries and countries, and the inspiration behind 29Twelve, as well as how her tailored approach sets the company apart. Nicky explains how 29Twelve sources on-and off-market properties and how they achieve an exceptional level of care when managing their vacant homes portfolio.

In episode 94, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, joins us to explore key challenges facing Scotland’s private rented sector ahead of the Scottish Budget. We discuss how recent legislation, such as the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act and the increased Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, is impacting landlord investment and market stability. Timothy shares insights into Propertymark’s recommendations for encouraging PRS investment over rent control, supporting affordable housing and addressing broader economic implications, such as workforce mobility and housing affordability. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in Scotland’s housing policy and rental market trends.

Whether you're new to renting in Scotland, moving here for the first time, or just stepping out on your own, episode 93 of Lets Talk covers some of the most frequently asked questions from tenants. We’ll also discuss the Scottish lettings market, with a special focus on Edinburgh; exploring the most affordable areas to rent in the capital…and who better to discuss this with than Nicky Lloyd, Head of Lettings at ESPC.

Episode 93 features Jacqueline Omoniyi, a seasoned property expert and Education and Training Officer at Under One Roof Scotland. Jacqueline shares her career journey across various roles in the Scottish housing sector, and talks about the mission and services of Under One Roof. She discusses the significance of owners’ associations, including key proposals from the Scottish Law Commission, and practical advice for setting up and managing these associations. Jacqueline also touches on the legal obligations of ‘Duty to Maintain’ enforced under the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, and offers her personal reflections on the property industry during her maternity leave.

In episode 92, Ann Leslie, CEO of Lar Housing Trust, discusses the completion of the St Kentigern’s Rope Walk development in Edinburgh, including the challenges of working with a historical building and Lar’s commitment to sustainability. We explore Lar’s group structure, its partnership with RSBi to support social enterprises, and how they balance affordability with financial sustainability. Ann also shares insights into Lar’s recent and upcoming developments, her views on the mid-market rent landscape in Scotland, and advice for women balancing career and family life.

In episode 91, Louise Amos, Director of Lismore Asset Management, shares insights from her extensive career in the property industry, focusing on Lismore's specialised services, including Build to Rent (BTR) consultancy. Louise discusses the challenges facing BTR development in Scotland, the impact of recent legislative changes, and strategies to attract investment back into the sector. She also highlights Lismore's unique approach to property management, consultancy, and collaboration with companies like Urban Bubble.