What was the Scottish rental market like in Q2 2026?
Key Takeaways
- Scotland’s rental market remained stable in Q2 2026, with average rents largely unchanged, annual growth slipping by just 0.2% and properties taking an average of 29 days to let.
- Edinburgh rents increased by 1.0% to £1,596 per month, with four-bedroom homes seeing the strongest growth and also letting the fastest at an average of 21 days.
- Glasgow’s average rent rose by 1.0% to £1,211, although tenants are becoming more price-sensitive and well-presented properties are increasingly important in attracting enquiries.
- West Lothian recorded the strongest overall rental growth of the three areas, with average rents rising 1.5% to £1,058, driven largely by a 7.6% increase for three-bedroom homes.
- Across all three markets, well-maintained and realistically priced properties continued to attract healthy tenant demand, while the overall picture suggests a calmer, more balanced and predictable rental market.
The latest Citylets report is now available, highlighting how the Private Rental Sector (PRS) performed in Scotland during the second quarter of 2026.
In Q2 2026, Scotland’s private rental market remained relatively stable, following several turbulent years earlier in the decade. Rental prices showed very little movement across the country, with demand and supply largely balanced across most areas. This calmer market is expected to continue, with no major signs of rents rising sharply in the near future.
Across Scotland’s three largest cities, there was almost no change in average rents, contributing to annual rental decline of just -0.2% nationally. The average monthly rent stood at £1,248, while properties took an average of 29 days to let... almost exactly the same as this time last year. This suggests that the market has settled into a more predictable pattern.
Wider economic conditions continue to influence the rental market. Interest rates have remained unchanged during 2026 so far, although there is a possibility of an increase if inflation rises again. Higher borrowing costs could put additional pressure on landlords, while the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze is making it increasingly difficult for tenants to save for a deposit and buy their own home. As a result, more people may remain in rented accommodation for longer.
Well-maintained properties at sensible rental prices continue to attract strong tenant interest. However, demand has softened for higher-priced non-HMO properties, particularly those renting for more than £2,500 - £3,000 per month. The student rental market, meanwhile, appears healthier than last year following concerns about excess supply in 2025.
Overall, Q2 2026 paints a picture of a stable and predictable Scottish rental market, offering some welcome reassurance for both landlords and tenants during uncertain economic times.
The rental market in Edinburgh
Average rents in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s rental market remained resilient in Q2 2026, with average monthly rents rising 1.0% year-on-year to £1,596. The rapid rental growth seen in recent years has now clearly stabilised, pointing towards a more sustainable market rather than a weakening in tenant demand. The strongest growth was seen among four-bedroom homes, where average rents increased 2.4% to £3,003 per month. Three-bedroom properties also performed well, rising 1.5% to £2,121, while two-bedroom rents increased by 1.3% to £1,449. One-bedroom homes remained largely unchanged, dipping just 0.2% to £1,095. Summer traditionally brings stronger tenant demand to Edinburgh as available rental stock falls, and the best-quality homes continue to perform particularly well. However, with the market now more settled, there may be a slower pace towards the end of the year.
Time to let in Edinburgh
On average, rental properties in Edinburgh took 27 days to secure a tenant, unchanged from the same period last year. Four-bedroom homes were the quickest to let, averaging just 21 days, five days faster year-on-year. Of these, 24% found tenants within a week and 78% were let within a month. Across all property types, 17% were let within a week and 66% within a month, highlighting continued healthy demand despite a less urgent market overall.
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The rental market in Glasgow
Average rents in Glasgow
Glasgow’s rental market remained in good shape in Q2 2026, with average monthly rents rising by a modest 1.0% year-on-year to £1,211. After several years of exceptional growth, the market is becoming more balanced, although demand remains healthy for properties that are well priced and presented. One-bedroom homes saw the strongest rental growth, rising 3.6% to £912 per month. Three-bedroom properties also performed strongly, with rents increasing 1.8% to £1,840. Two-bedroom rents rose by 1.1%, while four-bedroom homes remained largely unchanged, increasing just 0.3% to £2,763. Tenant demand has become increasingly sensitive to price, with even relatively small differences in monthly rent having an impact on enquiry levels. Presentation is also playing a bigger role, with high-quality photography and video helping properties stand out.
Time to let in Glasgow
On average, properties in Glasgow took 28 days to secure a tenant, one day slower than the same period last year. Four-bedroom homes were the quickest to let, averaging 20 days, closely followed by three-bedroom properties at 21 days. Across all property types, 15% were let within a week and 65% within a month. Larger homes performed particularly strongly, with 82% of four-bedroom properties and 78% of three-bedroom properties securing tenants within a month.
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The rental market in West Lothian
Average rents in West Lothian
West Lothian’s rental market delivered encouraging results in Q2 2026, with average monthly rents rising 1.5% year-on-year to £1,058. Tenant demand remained steady throughout the quarter, with well-presented and realistically priced homes continuing to attract strong interest. Three-bedroom properties recorded the strongest rental growth, increasing by 7.6% year-on-year to an average of £1,231 per month. This reflects continued demand from families, professionals and commuters attracted by the area's transport links and relative affordability. Meanwhile, two-bedroom rents rose by a modest 0.4% to £905, while one-bedroom properties remained virtually unchanged at £696 per month.
Time to let in West Lothian
On average, properties in West Lothian took 24 days to secure a tenant, two days faster than the same period last year. One-bedroom homes were the quickest to let, averaging just 13 days on the market. Of these, 25% were let within a week and an impressive 88% secured tenants within a month. Two-bedroom homes took an average of 23 days to let, while three-bedroom properties averaged 27 days, despite improving by four days year-on-year. Across all property types, 16% were let within a week and 67% within a month, reinforcing West Lothian’s position as a strong and active rental market for well-priced, well-presented homes.
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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.