In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Neil Dymock to break down the latest developments in the Scottish and wider UK property markets. From falling rents in Dundee to the impact of government taxes, Neil provides valuable insights for landlords, investors, and anyone keeping an eye on where the market is heading.

🎙️ Episode Highlights:

🏘️ Dundee Rental Market

• Dundee rents are down 9.9% – the only Scottish city to see a drop

• Why Neil sees this as a market correction after rents became unaffordable

• Despite falling rents, yields for investors remain strong

🎓 Impact of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

• Growth of PBSA is reshaping Dundee’s HMO market

• Surplus of student accommodation, with more still being proposed

• Why foreign students prefer PBSA for flexibility and bundled costs

🏡 UK & Scottish Property Sales

• UK house prices: down 1.3% monthly, up 0.3% year-on-year

• Scotland outperforming the rest of the UK with 2.6% growth over 12 months

• Surge in Dundee first-time buyers boosting local demand

💰 Government Taxes & Policy

• LBTT (Land and Building Transaction Tax) as a major barrier to downsizing

• ADS (Additional Dwelling Supplement) at 8% deterring many small investors

• Record £714m in Scottish property tax revenue, with ADS contributing 31%

📊 Landlord Trends & Market Shifts

• One in three landlords considering exiting the market

• Private rental sector still growing, driven by professional portfolio landlords

• Self-managed landlords struggling with legislation, benefiting letting agents

⚖️ Potential New Tax – NI Contributions on Rental Income

• Government considering an 8% National Insurance levy on rental income

• Would apply to personally held properties, raising £2.18bn

• What this could mean for landlords and the wider market

The discussion covers everything from the growth of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and its effect on HMOs, to landlord trends, tax policy changes, and the possibility of a new National Insurance levy on rental income. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting to stay ahead in a rapidly changing property landscape.