What was the Scottish rental market like in Q1 2026?
Key Takeaways
- Scotland’s rental market has stabilised, with minimal changes in rents and letting times across major cities, signalling a cooling after years of rapid growth.
- National rental growth has turned slightly negative at -0.4%, the first annual decline in eight years, reflecting affordability pressures and a more balanced market.
- In Edinburgh, rents have plateaued and time to let remains steady, with strongest demand in smaller and mid-sized properties rather than larger homes.
- Glasgow continues to show modest growth overall, with strong demand still present, although price increases are more controlled and vary by property size.
- Economic pressures, including higher borrowing costs and reduced disposable income, are expected to sustain rental demand while limiting how much rents can increase in the near term.
The latest Citylets report is now available, highlighting how the Private Rental Sector (PRS) performed in Scotland during the first quarter of 2026.
The rental market has continued along the stable path as seen in recent quarters, with very little movement in rent levels or time to let (TTL) across the major cities. Both Edinburgh and Glasgow both recorded virtually no year-on-year change in these key measures.
Renewed conflict in the Middle East has triggered wider economic consequences that are expected to increase financial pressure on households across the country. Higher borrowing costs may keep more people in rented accommodation for longer, supporting rental demand, but reduced disposable income could limit how far rents can rise. At the same time, landlords facing higher mortgage costs may seek rent increases where the market can support them.
Overall, annual rental growth across Scotland turned negative at -0.4%, marking the first national decline in eight years and signalling that the previously overheated market may now be naturally cooling.
The rental market in Edinburgh
Average rents in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s average rent remained stable compared with the same quarter last year, holding at £1,506 with no year-on-year change. This plateau suggests the market has cooled further following the slower growth seen throughout 2025, offering tenants more predictable pricing conditions.
Two-bedroom properties recorded the strongest growth, with rents edging up 0.6% to an average of £1,411, indicating steady demand for mid-sized homes.
In contrast, four-bedroom properties saw a notable decline, with average rents falling 2.7% year-on-year to £2,517, pointing to a softening in demand for larger, higher-cost homes.
Time to let in Edinburgh
On average, rental listings in Edinburgh took 33 days to secure a tenant, unchanged from the same period last year. This was two days faster than the Scotland-wide average of 35 days, suggesting the capital remains more competitive despite a broadly stable market.
One-bedroom homes were the quickest to be let, averaging 27 days on the market. Of these, 14% found tenants within a week, and 63% were let within a month.
Across all property types, 12% were let within a week and 55% secured tenants within a month, indicating a more measured pace compared with previous periods.
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The rental market in Glasgow
Average rents in Glasgow
Glasgow’s rental market saw modest overall growth in the latest quarter. Average monthly rent stood at £1,155, representing a 0.4% increase year-on-year, indicating a broadly steady market with controlled upward pressure on prices.
Four-bedroom properties recorded the most significant movement, rising sharply by 17.9% year-on-year to an average of £2,524. In contrast, three-bedroom homes saw a notable decline, falling 8.8% to £1,525, suggesting some rebalancing in mid-to-larger property demand.
Overall, the market remains buoyant, with demand still outpacing supply. Popular areas continue to see rent growth, although increases are now far more moderate than in previous cycles, particularly across central parts of the city where affordability pressures are beginning to temper price acceleration.
Time to let in Glasgow
On average, rental properties in Glasgow took 34 days to secure a tenant, one day slower than the same period last year. Despite this slight slowdown, the city still remains more efficient than both Edinburgh and the Scotland-wide average.
One-bedroom homes were the quickest to let, averaging 29 days on the market, although this was two days slower year-on-year. Of these, 17% were let within a week, and 63% secured tenants within a month.
Across all property types, 14% were let within a week and 57% within a month, reflecting a relatively active rental market.
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The rental market in West Lothian
Average rents in West Lothian
In West Lothian, average monthly rents showed mixed movement in Q1 2026, with overall pricing trends varying significantly by property size.
Three-bedroom homes saw a slight decline, with rents falling 2.3% year-on-year to an average of £1,080 per month. In contrast, two-bedroom properties continued to grow steadily, rising 6.3% to £905, reflecting consistent demand for mid-sized family homes.
One-bedroom properties recorded the strongest growth, increasing sharply by 16.9% to £760, indicating sustained pressure in the lower end of the market where affordability remains a key driver of demand.
Time to let in West Lothian
On average, properties in West Lothian were let within 26 days, broadly in line with market expectations and reflecting a relatively active rental environment.
One-bedroom homes were the quickest to let, averaging 24 days on the market, which was one day faster than the same period last year. However, none were let within a week, while 71% secured tenants within a month. Two-bedroom properties took slightly longer, averaging 31 days to let, one day slower year-on-year. Of these, 15% were let within a week, and 52% within a month.
Three-bedroom homes were let more quickly than last year, averaging 24 days on the market - a strong improvement of nine days year-on-year. Of these, 7% were let within a week, and 60% were secured within a month.
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ESPC Lettings
If you’re interested in entering the buy-to-let market or are a landlord looking for advice, ESPC Lettings can help. As a letting agent based in Edinburgh, we can assist with all stages of renting out a home, from finding the right property to sourcing tenants to property maintenance.
Get in touch with the team today on landlord@espc.com or 0131 253 2847.