Lets Talk with Citylets

Following a recent visit to Downing Street to mark the passing of the Renters’ Rights Act, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, returns to the Citylets podcast to discuss the major issues shaping Scotland’s private rented sector, including rental reform, housing supply, taxation, Awaab’s Law and increasing pressures on landlords and letting agents.

Steve Coyle, Managing Director of Cullen Property, returns to the Citylets podcast to discuss what Scotland’s recent election result could mean for the private rented sector. Topics include the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, rent controls, EPC reform, landlord compliance, Making Tax Digital and the wider direction of housing policy in Scotland.

In episode 108, Gillian is joined by Eduardo Prato, Director of Martin & Co Aberdeen, to explore his journey from aviation to property. They discuss the Aberdeen rental market, investor sentiment, and reflect on the life experiences that shape both personal and professional outlooks.

In episode 107, Gillian speaks with Caroline Elgar, Policy Manager at the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL). The discussion explores SAL’s role supporting landlords, the organisation’s policy work, and some of the key regulatory and financial challenges currently facing Scotland’s Private Rented Sector.

In episode 106, Scottish Conservative MSP, Meghan Gallacher discusses the current state of Scotland’s Private Rented Sector from an opposition perspective. The podcast covers cumulative reform, compliance pressures, Rent Control Areas and the long-term signals housing policy is sending to investors and landlords.

Rory Cowan partner with BKF & Co, returns to the podcast to discuss the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. We discuss Rent Control Areas, CPI-linked rent increases, new tribunal powers, eviction rules, tenant rights and the areas of uncertainty still dependent on future regulations.

In episode 104, Gillian is joined by Peter McDermid, Owner and Director of Logic Property Finance, to discuss how lending for Scottish landlords is evolving. The conversation explores specialist lending, the impact of higher ADS, portfolio purchases, refurbishment strategies, and what landlords should consider when financing future investments.

In episode 103, Gillian speaks with Frankie Bishop, Client Relations Manager at SafeDeposits Scotland. They discuss the fundamentals of deposit protection, current affordability pressures, and the emerging trends SafeDeposits is seeing across the sector. They explore some of the more complex deposit situations facing landlords, letting agents, and tenants today, including long-running tenancies wh...

Episode 105 features Lyndsay Yuill, host of Edinburgh’s Property Investors Network (PIN) meetings and Sales Director at Rent Locally. She discusses the power of networking, what makes PIN unique, the rise of Property Pals and Pub Grub, and how community shapes success in today’s professionalised property landscape.

Lar Housing Trust is expanding its mission beyond delivering affordable homes. Operations Manager Nicole Maxwell joins Gillian Semmler to discuss Lar’s new property management and factoring service, designed to support landlords - from tenant-find to ongoing maintenance, all while reinvesting profits back into housing.

In episode 103, James Edwards, Co-Founder and Tax Director at Anderson and Edwards Ltd, shares his expertise on tax for landlords and property investors. We explore Making Tax Digital, common mistakes to avoid, preparation tips, and insights for overseas and incorporated landlords. He also talks about his love for rugby, their sponsorship of Watsonian’s and what it means for Anderson & Edwards.

Mark Lawrie, founder of Erskine Property, joins Lets Talk to discuss the launch of his new agency. He talks about the motivations behind starting his own business, the early days of running Erskine Property, and his approach to Scotland’s property market and future

Charlie Inness, Head of Business Development at Glenham Property, returns to the podcast for episode 101, to share his expert insights on the Edinburgh rental market. From shifting tenant demand and EPC uncertainty to investment strategy and regulatory pressures, we cover what landlords and investors need to know now, and what’s on the horizon.

To mark the 100th Lets Talk episode, Gillian Semmler questions Citylets MD, Thomas Ashdown, about the validity of the Scottish Government using figures from the rent control era and explores what life could look like for landlords if distortion-led policymaking becomes the new normal. Thomas also discusses the Citylets leading market reports and takes a trip down memory lane.

In episode 99, Gillian speaks with Kevin Watson, Operations and Commercial Director at Platform_, a leader in both Build to Rent (BTR) and Mid-Market Rent properties. Kevin talks through Platform_’s integrated model, combining asset management, property management, and landlord responsibilities, which sets them apart in the Scottish rental market. We look into the growing demand for their Mid-Mark...

In episode 98, we’re joined by Chris Cockburn of Let It, who shares his journey from studying music to working in property and even competing in Mini Cooper racing! We explore the latest trends in West Scotland’s rental market, the importance of great property photography, and key challenges facing landlords and letting agents today. Chris also takes us behind the scenes of motorsport, discussing...

In episode 97, Wendy Gallagher, Managing Director of One Stop Properties, shares advice on navigating the evolving rental market in Glasgow, as well as valuable tips on property investment. Wendy discusses her career journey, common landlord-tenant issues, and insights on neighbourhood demand shifts. She also covers energy efficiency upgrades, recent legislative changes, and strategies for long-te...

Episode 96 features Laura Chapman sharing her expert insights on the Housing (Scotland) Bill, including rent controls, joint tenancy changes, and pet policies. Laura also discusses current market trends, the challenges landlords and tenants face, and her exciting plans for Chapmans in 2025, including initiatives like hosting breakfast seminars. Listen to hear why Laura believes expert guidance is...

In episode 95, we meet Nicky McConnachie, often referred to as the "Mary Poppins of the Property Industry" and the founder of 29Twelve, a boutique consultancy specialising in property sourcing and vacant home management. Nicky shares her journey across industries and countries, and the inspiration behind 29Twelve, as well as how her tailored approach sets the company apart. Nicky explains how 29Tw...

In episode 94, Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, joins us to explore key challenges facing Scotland’s private rented sector ahead of the Scottish Budget. We discuss how recent legislation, such as the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act and the increased Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, is impacting landlord investment and market stability. Timothy sha...

Whether you're new to renting in Scotland, moving here for the first time, or just stepping out on your own, episode 93 of Lets Talk covers some of the most frequently asked questions from tenants. We’ll also discuss the Scottish lettings market, with a special focus on Edinburgh; exploring the most affordable areas to rent in the capital…and who better to discuss this with than Nicky Lloyd, Head...

Episode 93 features Jacqueline Omoniyi, a seasoned property expert and Education and Training Officer at Under One Roof Scotland. Jacqueline shares her career journey across various roles in the Scottish housing sector, and talks about the mission and services of Under One Roof. She discusses the significance of owners’ associations, including key proposals from the Scottish Law Commission, and pr...

In episode 92, Ann Leslie, CEO of Lar Housing Trust, discusses the completion of the St Kentigern’s Rope Walk development in Edinburgh, including the challenges of working with a historical building and Lar’s commitment to sustainability. We explore Lar’s group structure, its partnership with RSBi to support social enterprises, and how they balance affordability with financial sustainability. Ann...

In episode 91, Louise Amos, Director of Lismore Asset Management, shares insights from her extensive career in the property industry, focusing on Lismore's specialised services, including Build to Rent (BTR) consultancy. Louise discusses the challenges facing BTR development in Scotland, the impact of recent legislative changes, and strategies to attract investment back into the sector. She also h...

Episode 90 of Lets Talk features Daryl McIntosh, CEO of Share, talking about the organisation's recent ventures and initiatives. Daryl discusses Share's expansion into the private rented sector, the creation of a learning portal for tenants, and the launch of a mentoring program to support the Scottish housing industry. He also discusses the benefits of the new Scottish Factoring Network and its i...