Lets Talk With Citylets

Policy and Campaigns Manager for ARLA Propertymark Scotland, Daryl McIntosh, joins Lets Talk for episode 43 to discuss SNP’s ‘Housing to 2040 document’ as well as the Govt’s agreement with the Greens to deliver ‘a new deal for tenants’ as part of their ‘Rented Sector Strategy’.

Founder and Managing Director of Glasgow Property Letting (GPL), Colin Macmillan, features on episode 42 of Lets Talk to discuss the Glasgow lettings market. Colin also chats about his agency, staff and their values, as well as mentions about his tennis skills!

Direct of Lettings at Rettie & Co, Karen Turner, joins Lets Talk for episode 41 to chat about the company, its services, the Scottish rental market and, in particular, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Karen discusses aspects of the market in relation to Citylets findings from their Q2 21 report and what we may expect from Q3 21.

Clive Rooney, crew member of ‘Five in a Row’, the only Scottish boat in the challenge, and sponsored by Citylets, features on episode 40 of LetsTalk. Described as the ‘World’s Toughest Rowing Race’, Clive chats about all aspects of the crossing, from the physical and mental challenges - to the training and preparation - as well as the extreme conditions they will endure during the four to six weeks over the Atlantic Ocean.

Chris Minchin, Director of Winchesters in Aberdeen, features on episode 39 of LetsTalk. The agency recently merged with CDM Lettings and Chris talks about the acquisition between the two companies, it’s new ethos, website and offices. Chris and host, Gillian Semmler, also discuss the current rental market in Aberdeen, as well as the challenges over the past year and half, due to the pandemic.

Professional landlord for over 18 years, Colin Pretty, features on episode 38 of LetsTalk. With a sizeable portfolio in Edinburgh, Colin gives his advice and thoughts on various aspects of buy to let including the effects of the pandemic.

Property developer, Vanessa Van De Velde, features on episode 37 of LetsTalk. A buy to let landlord for almost 10 years, Vanessa has also purchased properties to renovate and sell (flip) during that time. She offers insights and helpful advice for those considering investing in property as well as the pros and cons of different strategies. Vanessa also discusses the effects of the pandemic and Brexit on the market - and considerations to be taken in light of the changing landscape.

Owner and Managing Director of events company KD Media, Kirsten Speirs, features on episode 36 of LetsTalk. Now established for 20 years, KD Media hosts not only the Scottish Home Awards but five other awards programmes plus conferences and trade shows. Kirsten talks in detail about the Home Awards as well as the challenges brought about by the pandemic, how they overcame them and their plans for this year.

Branch Manager of Belvoir Perth, Aimi Lewis, discusses the effects of the pandemic over the past year on the Perth private rented sector. Aimi highlights the repercussions on agents, landlords and tenants alike, as well as the market itself. Having operated within the Dundee private rented sector too, Aimi makes comparisons between both cities’ markets during the pandemic.

Owner of Scottish Borders based CY Lettings, Camilla Younger, talks about the various challenges facing the Borders private rented sector. Camilla discusses her career in letting, including her 14 years with Rettie and Co, as well as the various services covered by her own private lettings consultancy. A keen contributor to the Peebles community, Camilla chats about her own interests and involvements out-with property.

CEO of LAR Housing Trust, Ann Leslie, talks about the aims and ethos of the organisation which is funded by loans, not grants, providing mid-market rental homes to Scotland. With 39 developments and a unique, canal-side church conversion confirmed as their next project, Ann discusses how LAR is contributing towards more affordable homes in Scotland.

Michelle Christie, manager of Edinburgh based Jobs in Letting (JIL) discusses how JIL operates differently from other recruitment companies serving the property industry. Michelle highlights the opportunities and challenges that significant technological changes have raised in her line of work and the need to match candidates with employers for sustainable success.

Owner and Managing Director of Citylets, Thomas Ashdown, recants the journey of his organisation from start up through to its now 21st year. Thomas discusses the challenges faced, healthy portal competition, his passion for local economy and interest in blockchain technology. Thomas also offers some thoughts to those considering setting up an online business. Host, Gillian Semmler, delves into Thomas’ past and discovers his upbringing under an arts business pioneer and a surprising link to Game of Thrones.

Operations Manager of SafeDeposits Scotland, Mike Smith, features on episode 30 of LetsTalk and highlights their deposit scheme, services and charitable trust. Mike also discusses a few case studies where deposit disputes have arisen and offers advice to all sides on how to avoid lengthy and complicated issues at the end of a tenancy. Host, Gillian Semmler, also chats to Mike about his musical and theatrical background.

Episode 29 of #LetsTalk hears Jack Gallagher, founder of Western Lettings, chatting to Gillian Semmler about his agency’s recent award at the Scottish Home Awards. Jack also talks about how the pandemic affected their specific lettings market and what his predictions are for Glasgow in quarter 4.

Rick McCann, Director of At Home in Edinburgh, joins Gillian Semmler for Episode 28 of #LetsTalk. Rick and his wife, Vicky, decided to use lockdown to bring about significant changes to their family business; moving premises, completing a full rebranding and introducing a new brand slogan, ‘believe in a friendly that works’. Rick also discusses their experience of the Edinburgh PRS this year.

Stuart Petrie, Tax Director at Anderson Anderson and Brown joins Gillian Semmler for Episode 27 of #LetsTalk. With so much change in the property landscape over the past four years, Stuart offers advice for landlords on how to minimise tax liabilities. From recent significant changes in CGT and LBTT to the full implications of the abolishment of mortgage interest tax relief, the podcast offers essential advice for all landlords.

John Cox, Director of Cox and Co, joins Gillian Semmler for Episode 26 of #LetsTalk. John talks about the turn-key services his family run business offer and explores the main considerations for any new buy to let investor. They also touch on John’s professional rugby career and how this has helped him develop Cox and Co to where it is today.

Episode 25 of #LetsTalk hears Steve Coyle, Managing Director of Edinburgh based Cullen Property talk about the roller coaster ride of the PRS during the pandemic. Steve discusses how the sector has adapted and what has become the ‘new norm’ for letting agents. He also chats about the systems and services that Cullen Property introduced to help students, tenants and landlords during this unprecedented time. Gillian and Steve raise the subject of the increasing variety of tenures such as PBSA’s and BTR and how they affect Edinburgh’s PRS.

Episode 24 of #LetsTalk hears Leasing Director at Aberdein Considine, Adrian Sangster discussing the effects of the pandemic on the Scottish PRS over the last five months. Adrian also talks about the changes in procedures and his experiences during his last 30 years with Aberdein Considine, as well as the responsibilities involved as an ARLA representative for North East Scotland, Tayside and Perthshire.