Lets Talk With Citylets

Episode 23 of #LetsTalk hears Senior Conservation Architect of Mill Architects, Jo Parry-Geddes discussing the recent proposals put forward to the Scottish Government on tenement maintenance. Jo details typical ‘hotspot’ areas for repair and maintenance in a standard tenement as well as the current procedures and the help available. She also advises on the best practice to ensure minimal problems.

Owner of Edinburgh based ‘Pateriors’, Angela Moffat, joins #LetsTalk for episode 22 to discuss how her business provides ‘make overs’ for areas of properties and gardens that are often left bare or neglected. Having worked as wardrobe, props and set stylist for major brands and people such as David Beckham and Jimmy Choo, Angela stresses the importance of appearance in selling a product and for maximising rental values and minimising void periods when letting a property. Lets Talk is brought to you by Citylets in association with ARLA Propertymark Scotland.

In association with ARLA Propertymark Scotland, episode 21 hears Strategic Development Manager for Scotland, Daryl McIntosh, discuss recent cases for rent arrears. Daryl explains why these cases resulted in their particular outcomes and why it’s crucial for a landlord or agent to ensure the timing of any eviction application is correct. He offers advice and informs of ARLA’s courses that can help build confidence for self representation at First-tier Tribunal eviction cases.

Senior Associate and Solicitor Advocate at Aberdein Considine, Carly Stewart, joins #Letstalk for episode 20 to explain eviction applications and common mistakes made which can lead to rejection by the tribunal. Carly offers helpful advice to ensure fair procedure is observed mitigating delays. Other aspects of the First-tier Tribunal are discussed including a number of legislative difficulties identified in the first few years of its introduction and the amendments introduced to rectify.

Former Gladiator ‘Siren’ discusses her views on Airbnb in Edinburgh and also Vancouver where she lives half the year. Ali details her experiences as a portfolio landlord with all the changes in legislation, with HMO and non HMO properties in Edinburgh, West Lothian, the Borders and Nottingham and her dealings with the different councils. Naturally we discuss her time at Gladiators, part of a distinguished athletic career which includes Basketball at national level.

Managing Director of Cullen Property, Steve Coyle joins Lets Talk for episode 18. Steve details the origins of Cullen and its journey to where it is today managing a portfolio of circa 400 properties. Steve explains why Cullen operates on a principle of the acronym T.R.U.S.T. and why the company is also known as a ‘buy to let personal shopper’. Steve discusses Edinburgh’s PRS which he views as a micro climate within the wider Scottish sector.

Director of Build to Rent at Rettie & Co, Gillian McLees joins Lets Talk for episode 17. Gillian discusses the concept of BTR and why this year in particular can be described as a ‘watershed year’ for the tenure in Scotland. Gillian covers Rettie’s active involvement in BTR including the Harbour Gateway MMR Development and the commonalities between the two housing deliveries, as well as the similarities with PBSA and what can be learnt from it.

Director of the Council of Letting Agents, Mike Campbell, joins Gillian for episode 16 of Lets Talk. Mike shares his views on the PRS of today and how the PRT has fared in practice, almost two years on since its introduction. Mike also talks about the Letting Agent Code of Practice and why landlords should read this document and how the market has adapted to changes in the sector. Short term lets and Airbnb within the Scottish capital are also featured.

Labour MSP for Glasgow Pauline McNeill discusses her proposed bill for fair rents in Scotland. Pauline believes current Rent Pressure Zone legislation is not fit for purpose and following in the footsteps of early 20th century Labour activist Mary Barbour, Pauline aims to tackle rising rents in Scotland’s private rented sector by capping annual rent increases.

The first in a series of podcasts highlighting the out of the ordinary from within property letting- the funny, extreme & unexpected goings on that property professionals encounter on a sometimes regular basis. Wendy Gallagher, Managing Director of One Stop Properties, Chris Cockburn, Business Development Manager of Let It and Citylets’ own Jon Clay share their experiences; from brushes with terrorists to viewings from hell & naked property inspections…’It Shouldn’t Happen to a Let’ bares all.

SNP MP for Edinburgh East, Tommy Sheppard takes time out of his parliamentary schedule to share his views on the effects of the short term holiday let market on Scotland’s capital city. Tommy details his varied political past including his years as Assistant General Secretary of Scottish Labour under the late John Smith. He also discusses the setting up of the renowned Stand Comedy Club back in 1995.

Managing Director of Clan Gordon, Jonathan Gordon joins Gillian for episode 12 of Lets Talk and discusses the challenges of running a family business with his brother Andrew. He also details how Clan Gordon are particularly focused on delivering high standards within the PRS and ensure their tenants receive high quality homes to rent. Jonathan also reveals his reason for having to sign the UK Official Secrets Act earlier in his career.

Richard Burgoyne, Director of Cornerstone Letting gives his insight into the changes of late to letting in Scotland, including the Private Residential Tenancy, Letting Agent Registration and the Code of Practice and their effects on the lettings market. Richard also talks about his journey in setting up Cornerstone.

Co-founders of Portolio, Chris Wood and Ross MacDonald talk about Portolio and the service it provides to landlords, tenants and investors when selling a property with tenants in situ. Chris and Ross also discuss their separate property backgrounds prior to setting up business together.

Founding director of Inverness based Simply Let, John Gell joins Gillian for episode 9 of Lets Talk. Being the only specialist letting agent in Inverness regulated by RICs, John discusses what it means to be a member of the body. He also describes the profile of today’s typical landlord and tenant, and gives advice on the property market in the Scottish Highland city.

Director and founder of Pure Property Management, Ashley Puren, talks about the ethos behind his company, the buy to let market in Edinburgh and investment strategies. He also chats about starting in property at the age of 22 in South Africa, as well as opening another property business there, and the differences between its housing market and the UK.

ESPC’s Chief Executive, Paul Hilton, discusses his role within the organisation as well as current projects he’s working on. Paul covers a range of current topics including the challenges faced when being a local property portal within a market dominated by 2 UK wide large companies.

Andy Whitmey of Umega joins Let’s Talk to discuss the unique Umega brand including their values, innovations and new office soon to open. Andy and Gillian also discuss the effects of recent legislation within the lettings industry and the Edinburgh lettings market.

Founder and director of Clouds Property Management, Mark McLeod discusses short term rentals and in particular the effects of the new PRT, tax changes for landlords, Airbnb and other proposals currently under discussion that would affect the short term market.

ARLA Propertymarks’s Strategic Development Manager for Scotland, Daryl McIntosh, gives his views on the effects of recent changes to Scottish Letting, ARLA’s involvement and how agents have adjusted to the new market requirements.