How much have rents increased in Edinburgh and Glasgow?

Rents in Edinburgh and Glasgow have doubled in price over the past 15 years.

What caused the significant rent increases in Scotland?

The rising rents are driven by a lack of growth in rental supply and increased difficulty in buying property, intensifying demand in hubs like Edinburgh and Glasgow.

What is mid-market rent housing?

Mid-market rent housing offers properties at below market rates for individuals and couples with modest incomes, providing a more affordable rental option.

Home / Business and Economy / Edinburgh Rents Skyrocket, Forcing Major Life Changes

Edinburgh Rents Skyrocket, Forcing Major Life Changes

29 Jan

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Summary

Rents in Edinburgh and Glasgow have doubled in the last 15 years.
A 34-year-old Edinburgh resident faced a near-doubling of rent.
Mid-market rent housing provided an affordable solution for a couple.

Edinburgh Rents Skyrocket, Forcing Major Life Changes

Private rents across Scotland have surged significantly since 2010, outpacing inflation. Edinburgh and Glasgow have experienced the sharpest increases, with two-bedroom properties in the Lothian region averaging £1,356 per month, a 104% rise from 2010. This escalating cost of living has forced individuals like Chris Cullen, a 34-year-old from Edinburgh, into difficult situations. He and his partner faced a potential rent increase from under £900 to £1,750, prompting a stressful relocation and job change.

These rising rents are attributed to a critical lack of supply in the rental market, coupled with increased difficulty in purchasing property. This scenario particularly affects young professionals and those in the 'squeezed middle' who struggle to afford private rentals yet do not qualify for social housing. The private rental sector is no longer a temporary stopgap but a long-term reality for many.