Tag: housing

Scottish Government aid for landlords

A £5 million fund will offer interest-free loans to landlords whose tenants are having difficulty paying rent during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The Private Rent Sector Landlord COVID-19 Loan Scheme will offer eligible landlords up to 100% of lost rental income for a single property.

It will support private-sector landlords who are not classified as businesses, have five or less properties to rent and have lost rental income due to tenants unable to pay rent as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “We want to ensure no one loses their home during this unprecedented public health pandemic which is why we passed legislation to protect tenants against any eviction action for six months.

“This new £5 million loan fund builds on that action and offers landlords the same security as tenants, ensuring they have financial support if tenants struggle to pay rent because of coronavirus.

“While all tenants should pay their rent if they can, we recognise the financial pressure people are facing. The Scottish Government encourages landlords to talk to their tenants about rent payment issues. We also expect landlords to be as flexible as possible with their tenants, discuss managing rental payments and help them find sources of financial support and advice.”

Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) John Blackwood said: “We are pleased the Scottish Government has taken this first step in helping the private-rented sector weather the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which recognises the role private landlords play in the housing system.

“Collectively the housing sector needs an approach that protects all parts of housing in Scotland to guarantee we can provide the different types of quality housing we need.  We want to continue to work with the government, as well as other public bodies, trade bodies and charities to ensure to achieve that and hope there will be further steps taken soon.”

The Private Rent Sector Landlord (non-business) COVID-19 Loan Scheme opened for applications yesterday. Read more information.

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 already protects tenants from any eviction action for six months.

Port of Leith says farewell to retiring Chief Executive

After 11 years leading the organisation, Keith Anderson, Chief Executive of Port of Leith Housing Association, will begin his retirement tomorrow.

Keith said: “I feel very fortunate and proud to have enjoyed a highly rewarding career in housing spanning four decades.

“During my time at Port of Leith Housing Association, it has been a privilege to help make a positive impact on people’s lives by providing excellent affordable homes in attractive neighbourhoods, providing welfare and money advice, and supporting people with employment and training opportunities.

“I will greatly miss working with our highly skilled and dedicated staff team and Board members, who I know are very well placed to continue this important work.”

Caitlin McCorry, Chairperson of Port of Leith Housing Association, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Keith whose unwavering dedication to making Leith the best place to be will have a lasting impact on communities in Leith and north Edinburgh.

“I, along with the rest of the Board, would like to thank him for the vast array of achievements which have been delivered under his leadership. Fresh and innovative approaches to developing the culture, diversity and leadership of the organisation, and to the design of excellent affordable homes, have attracted recognition and an impressive collection of awards. We wish him a very happy retirement.”

Heather Kiteley (previously Director of Finance & Corporate Services at Port of Leith Housing Association) was named as Keith’s successor in January.

Heather said: “I, and the rest of the staff team, will miss Keith and we are grateful that he has led our organisation to such a strong position. We look forward to being able to mark his retirement after lockdown.

“As we respond to the challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to think beyond the present. However, I’m thinking about the future of the Port of Leith Housing Association Group.

“I feel very excited about working with our excellent staff, customers and members of the community to build on Keith’s work through our new five-year strategic plan which will see us provide excellent affordable homes and life-changing services in brilliant communities.”

Substantial housing development planned for Davidson’s Mains

A planning application has been submitted to construct 36 new homes in Davidson’s Mains.

The plans would build on much of the car park to the rear of Tesco as well as land previously used by Clelands garage off Main Street before it closed.

The application proposes four (2-3 storey) buildings with a mix of two and three bedroom apartments.

Access to the new housing would be a single point from Main Street. There would be a small green space as part of the development which could be used as a play park.

There would be 30 parking spaces and covered spaces for 70 bicycles.

A rerouted cycling/pedestrian path would be preserved from Tesco to the old railway line that runs between Silverknowes Terrace and The Green.

Local Almond Lib Dem councillors Kevin Lang and Louise Young are alerting residents to the proposals:

“Important – because of COVID, the Council planning department has had to suspend official neighbour notifications for planning applications. Whilst the online site suggests a deadline of 13 April, this is not correct. No deadline currently exists for comments to be submitted – we’ll update our site when one is set.

“We are really keen to hear our constituents’ views on this application. You can submit views formally through the online portal (link below) but please send a copy of your comments to us by email – kevin.lang@edinburgh.gov.uk  and louise.young@edinburgh.gov.uk”

https://bit.ly/2JP804g

Edinburgh’s housing crisis drives up rental costs to record high

  • Edinburgh has jumped eight places in the accommodation cost global rankings, and has reached its highest position in Europe in four years (43rd)
  • Monthly rental cost for expats in the Scottish capital has shot up by £568 over the last five years
  • Aberdeen has dropped 23 places in the global ranking and is £528 per month less than it was at its peak in 2017
  • London retains the top spot for most expensive city in Europe for rental accommodation, costing on average £3,673 per month more than Edinburgh

Edinburgh has risen eight places in the global rankings for expatriate rental accommodation, as the average cost of a three-bedroom, mid-range home in the Scottish capital has increased by £106 per month, up to £1,635 (USD 2,144), the highest in over five years, according to the latest Accommodation Ranking report published by global mobility expert, ECA International (ECA).

“In addition to a growing population due to the high standard of liveability attracting expats, the prevalent Airbnb market has also impacted the cost of rental accommodation in Edinburgh as availability of longer-term rental accommodation fails to meet current demand,” said Alec Smith, Accommodation Services Manager at ECA International.

Globally, Edinburgh ranks 156th most expensive location for expat rental accommodation in the world and the 43rd in Europe, with Sweden’s Gothenburg (42) and Switzerland’s Bern (44) either side of the Scottish capital.

Meanwhile, the slowing oil and gas industry sees rental costs dip further in Aberdeen, resulting in the Scottish city’s lowest ranking since 2012. The average cost of the same type of property in Aberdeen now costs £1,160 (USD 1,521), £475 cheaper per month than in Edinburgh, and down from £1,235 in 2019. It is now £528 per month less than it was at its peak in 2017 (£1,688).

UK Accommodation Rankings 2020 (Europe ranking)

Top 10 most expensive cities to rent in Europe

London remains the most expensive rental city in Europe

UK Accommodation Rankings 2020 (Europe ranking)

Location

2020 EU Ranking

2020 Cost (GBP)

London

1

£5,308

Manchester

29

£1,874

Birmingham

32

£1,831

Edinburgh

43

£1,635

Belfast

57

£1,310

Cardiff

60

£1,245

Aberdeen

66

£1,160

Glasgow

68

£1,114

Top 10 most expensive cities to rent in Europe

Location

2020 Ranking

2019 Ranking

London

1

1

Zurich

2

3

Moscow

3

2

Geneva

4

4

Dublin

5

5

Paris

6

6

Kiev

7

11

Copenhagen

8

9

Luxembourg City

9

7

Amsterdam

10

8

 

 

 Top 10 most expensive cities to rent in the world

Location

2020 Ranking

2019 Ranking

Hong Kong

1

1

New York NY

2

2

Tokyo

3

3

London

4

4

San Francisco CA

5

6

Port Moresby

6

5

Shanghai

7

8

Miami FL

8

11

Buenos Aires

9

10

Yokohama

10

14

London continues to hold the top spot for the most expensive rental accommodation in Europe for expatriates, with an increase of £121 per month. The average cost of a three-bedroom, mid-range home for expatriates is now £5,308 per month (USD 6,959).

“London remains attractive to workers in the UK and from abroad, despite anticipated economic disruption from Brexit. In addition to this, the phasing out of tax relief on mortgage interest payments for buy to let landlords has acted as a brake on supply. Removing this tax relief has had the intended effect, a reduction in the number of new buy-to-let landlords, but a knock on effect has been a reduction in the availability of rented accommodation” said Smith.

Manchester and Birmingham have seen a small increment of £30 and £25 per month respectively, which will be welcome news for renters in Birmingham after a staggering £110 per month increase last year.

The average cost of a three-bedroom home in Manchester, which ranks 29th in Europe, is £1,874 (USD 2,457) and in Birmingham, ranked 32nd, is £1,831 (USD 2,401).

Rental highs across Europe

Dublin remains in the top five most expensive locations in Europe for rental accommodation, with the average rent now €3,613 per month (USD 4,086), making it costlier than other European capital cities such as Paris at €3,461 (USD 3,914), Berlin at €2,354 (USD 2,662) and Madrid at €2,393 (USD 2,706).

Meanwhile Cyprus saw the biggest rise in expatriate rental costs in Europe, with Limassol’s rent up USD 53 or €128 per month (USD 1,197 / €1,058) and Nicosia up USD 40 or €120 a month (USD 1,220 / €1,079).

Smith said “Growing interest in the schools sector is a big factor in the spike in Cypriot rental prices; the number of international students has almost tripled in the last five years and the number of higher education providers have more than doubled, this has led to an increase in demand and a housing shortage.”

“The Airbnb market also had an impact in reducing supply by converting long-term rentals into short-term, and the rejuvenation of the construction industry following the Cypriot financial crisis has also brought more expat workers to the area” added Smith.

Many German cities also saw big jumps in the average rent, with Munich, Berlin and Stuttgart all seeing increases of over 6% from last year.

“There has been a property boom for the last 10 years in Germany, as its high quality of life, policy benefits for expats, and sustained growth in employment rates and GDP makes it an attractive area to live and set up business.

“Home ownership is also very low, with the percentage of renters in Berlin being as high as 85%; construction capacity has been lagging behind this high demand and there is a critical housing shortage. The German government are putting in rent controls to try and limit landlords taking advantage of this situation, such as rent freezes and limits on rental increases after modernisation, but in general these have not yet come into effect,” said Smith.

Kiev saw big rises in rent and jumped 16 places back into the global top 50. “The rise of Kiev in the rankings is largely due to a return in confidence from many MNCs, with businesses and expats returning to the city after years of turmoil,” noted Smith.

Rent hike in the US

The US has become considerably more expensive for expats with nearly all US cities in the rankings having risen, some considerably. The US now has three cities in the global top ten, these being New York, San Francisco and Miami, as the strength of the US economy endures, with the dollar gaining against most major world currencies.

The average expatriate rental cost of a three-bedroom home in San Francisco is USD($) 6,590 per month, up by USD 218, while the same type of property in Miami now costs USD 5,254 per month, up by USD 136.

Smith said “Generally speaking, the US cities in our rankings have risen due to the strong performance of the dollar, but there are also local reasons for the rises to expatriate rental costs too.

“For example, in Boston, biotech and pharmaceutical industry sectors have drawn expatriates to the city in large numbers, bolstering demand for properties in prime neighbourhoods, whereas New York saw lower than expected rental increases after Amazon withdrew their plans to establish a second headquarters in Queens.”

Hong Kong remains the most expensive location in the world for expat rent

Hong Kong has been named the most expensive location in the world for expat accommodation, for the third year in a row, with the average monthly rent standing at a whopping USD 11,318, an increase of over 3%.

Smith said “Despite another increase in rental costs for expatriates living in Hong Kong, the rise was lower than the 4.9% rise seen the year before. Hong Kong has the most expensive rents due to a number of factors, such as the high population density of the territory and limited opportunities to build new homes, which combine to drive rental costs upwards.

“However, in light of the prolonged anti-government protests and coronavirus outbreak currently underway, we expect to see rents fall throughout 2020 as the number of overseas workers in Hong Kong drops significantly and the usually high demand for housing is tempered.”

Extra protection for tenants

Private and social tenants will be given increased protection from eviction during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emergency legislation will increase the minimum notice period for private and social tenants to up to six months depending on the grounds used, helping to protect them from eviction.

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 31 March, will contain substantial further powers and measures to ensure essential public services can continue throughout the coronavirus outbreak.

Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said: “Our lives are being affected as we all play our part in trying to slow the spread of coronavirus and follow the essential public health advice to stay at home.

“For some households and businesses there will be financial difficulties ahead and that could include struggling to pay the rent.

“While all tenants experiencing issues with rent arrears should firstly explain their circumstances to their landlords, this new emergency legislation will provide an important backstop to prevent evictions and relieve the financial pressure people may be facing.

“We are also encouraging all landlords to be as flexible as possible during this unprecedented time and would urge them to also seek assistance if necessary by speaking to their lenders about mortgage breaks.

“This bill will provide substantial additional emergency powers to help the justice system, public services and the economy to cope. These measures, which will be strictly limited to the duration of the outbreak, are absolutely necessary to help us all through the coming months.

“The Scottish Government welcomes the very positive all-party discussions that have allowed this legislation to be drafted so quickly. These new measures will help us all as we work to tackle the virus.”

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald has welcomed the Scottish Government announcement that private and social tenants in Edinburgh are to be given increased protection from eviction during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emergency legislation will increase the minimum notice period for private and social tenants to up to six months depending on the grounds used, helping to protect them from eviction.

The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill, which contains substantial further powers and measures to ensure essential public services can continue throughout the coronavirus outbreak, will be introduced in the Scottish Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday).

SNP MSP Gordon MacDonald said: “We must all work together to meet this challenge, which is why measures to prevent evictions and relieve some of the financial pressure people in Edinburgh may be facing due to the coronavirus crisis are welcome. 

“The Scottish Government has also encouraged all landlords to be as flexible as possible during this unprecedented time, and I would urge them to also seek assistance if necessary by speaking to their lenders about mortgage breaks.

“No-one should face losing their home as a result of this coronavirus pandemic. The move to ban evictions during this crisis will bring security to people’s lives when they need it most.”

Granton Information Centre: still here for you

Due to the Coronavirus outbreak our office is currently closed to the public – but  GIC is still operating!

Call us Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 4pm on on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 if:

•You would like to arrange a telephone appointment to discuss money, benefits, housing or debt

•You wish to discuss an existing case

•You require a foodbank referral

All messages will be returned as long as you leave a clear telephone number for us to reach you on.

Emails will be checked daily: our email address is info@gic.org.uk

Creating a community at Canonmills Gardens

Dozens of homeowners at a new Edinburgh development got the chance to meet their future neighbours at the best venue possible – the pub that will become their ‘local’.

Property developer Artisan Real Estate hosted an innovative “Meet Your Neighbours” event for buyers of properties at Canonmills Gardens to encourage the creation of a close-knit community ahead of the development’s completion later this year.

Buyers and their friends turned out for an evening of drinks and canapés at their new local, One Canonmills, as well as the chance to chat and get to know each other.

Jointly-sold by Gilson Gray and Savills, Canonmills Gardens is situated within Edinburgh’s vibrant Canonmills area – a short distance from Stockbridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Charlotte Swanson, Regional Development Manager for the North at Artisan, said: “After the success of our summer “Meet the Neighbours” garden party we decided to host another event at what is effectively the local pub in Canonmills.

“We’ve had some really nice, positive feedback from buyers and their friends which is always lovely to hear. Many of the guests remarked on how rare it is to meet and get to know your neighbours before you move into a new home.”

The development comprises 180 one, two, three and four-bedroom properties and has already attracted a variety of diverse buyers – from upsizers and first-time buyers to empty-nesters.

The first two phases have almost sold out – with only a limited range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and a luxury three-bedroom colony home overlooking Canonmills Gardens left to purchase.

Rob McGregor, Associate Director of Property Sales at Gilson Gray, said, “As well as the perfect opportunity for new owners to meet the neighbours, the event was also an opportunity for friends and family to experience more of the Canonmills area before they move.

“It represented a genuine feeling of people coming together to create a new community in the area. I’m sure that there were friendships already being formed and people talking about meeting up for walks, events and sporting activities.”

Charlotte added: “As an added incentive, we gifted £500 John Lewis vouchers to both buyers and friends if a friend also registered to buy a property at Canonmills Gardens.”

Artisan Real Estate focuses on delivering sustainable, mixed-use developments, to create vibrant, high-quality environments.

For more information on Canonmillls Gardens, please visit https://www.canonmillsgarden.com/

Pictures: Chris Watt Photography

Andy Wightman launches tool for reporting short term lets

Scottish Green MSP Andy Wightman has launched an online tool which allows people to report short term let properties operating in their community.

The homesfirst.scot website includes a simple form which allows local residents to express concern where a whole property is no longer anyone’s permanent home and instead used for short term lets.

An interactive map will chart the locations to give users a better idea about where such properties are concentrated.

The Lothians MSP has campaigned for greater regulation of the properties, which can cause distress for local residents and a lack of affordable housing where concentrations exist.

After failing to back Andy Wightman’s amendments to the Planning BIll last year, the Scottish Government announced a licencing scheme earlier this month.

Andy Wightman said: “The growth in short-term lets is out of control in Edinburgh and of increasing concern across Scotland.

“The Scottish Government’s movement towards licencing is welcome but we still don’t have a clear picture of how many former homes have been given over to commercial purpose, and where they are concentrated. This tool will help us better understand the scale of the problem.”

 https://www.homesfirst.scot/

Council appoints “empty homes officer”

The City of Edinburgh Council is working to bring much-needed homes back into use with the appointment of a dedicated ’empty homes officer’.

Supported by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, which is funded by the Scottish Government and run by Shelter Scotland, the new post will strengthen the city’s ability to tackle the waste of long-term empty, privately-owned homes.

Edinburgh experiences the highest rents in Scotland and house prices are continuing to rise, placing pressure on housing supply and demand.

The post-holder will focus on advising home owners about their options, including selling their property or becoming a private landlord, making more homes available to buyers and renters. They will also use Council tax data to make sure additional levies on homes left empty for more than 12 months are applied appropriately, creating a financial incentive for home owners to take action.

The news comes after Scottish Government Ministers answered Edinburgh’s call for a new short term lets licencing regime earlier this month, with confirmation of greater powers for all local authorities in Scotland come Spring 2021.

Councillor Kate Campbell, Edinburgh’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener, said: “We face incredible pressure on housing supply in Edinburgh which is one of the key factors causing high rents. That’s why we have committed to building 20,000 affordable homes by 2027, why we’ve worked so hard to bring about regulation of short term lets and why we are continuing to work on building the case for a rent pressure zone.

“While less than 1% of homes in Edinburgh are empty for more than a year, we still have close to 100 cases where we know vacant properties could be providing safe, warm and much needed homes. Returning these homes to their proper use will be the priority of our empty homes officer and will be another important tool for increasing the number of homes available for residents to live in.”

“Empty homes and derelict buildings can be a blight on communities which is why we invest £400,000 each year to support the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership. We are already seeing real results, with an increase of supply of good quality homes at a rate of 100 per month and over 5,000 in total.

“The key to this success is the network of dedicated Empty Homes Officers and that’s why I am pleased that the Council has now appointed someone to provide this vital service to help provide more homes for the people of Edinburgh. I strongly encourage local authorities across the country to follow Edinburgh’s lead in recognising the benefits of this approach and bring them to the communities they serve.”

Shaheena Din, National Manager for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the council to kick start an empty homes service in Edinburgh. The city has one of the most pressured housing markets in Scotland and it makes no sense for properties to be sitting empty, potentially causing problems for neighbours, when they could be homes for people.

“Last year 1,128 homes were brought back into use following intervention by a local council in Scotland, more than 90% of them in areas with a dedicated empty homes officer. We look forward to Edinburgh seeing fantastic results from the new service.”