End of rent controls in Scotland: What this means for the market

After much speculation, it has now been confirmed that rent control measures will end in March 2025. From April 2025, rent setting will return to the open market without a cap, though discussions around long-term rent regulation will continue as part of the new Housing (Scotland) Bill, expected to take effect in 2027.

For landlords, this announcement offers some relief and certainty after a period of significant legislative changes. It may also help attract property investors back to the market. In Edinburgh, demand for rental properties continues to outstrip supply, and removing financial barriers for landlords—many of whom have been handling rising costs—could improve overall rental stock.

At ESPC Lettings, we've found that most landlords have been thoughtful and measured in their approach to rent increases. They understand the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis but also face rising expenses themselves, including upcoming energy efficiency requirements. Our latest rent reviews show an average increase of 5%, with many landlords opting for smaller adjustments—or none at all.

Most importantly, based on our experience managing hundreds of properties across Edinburgh, we don’t anticipate excessive rent increases following this change. The vast majority of landlords prioritise long-term relationships with good tenants and recognize the value of maintaining fair and sustainable rent levels.

As always, we’ll continue to monitor market trends and support both landlords and tenants through these changes. If you have any questions about how this affects you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

ESPC Lettings

If you’re interested in entering the buy-to-let market or are a landlord looking for advice, a new letting agent or a full property management service, 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.