Advertise on podcast: Lets Talk with Citylets

Could there be ways for letting agents and landlords to work more efficiently? In episode 115 of Let’s Talk, Emma van der Vijver, Founder and Director of Saltire Letting Solutions, explores the challenges facing both, from processes, compliance and training to managing properties and keeping up with changing expectations. Emma also considers the value of an outside perspective and looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities for Scotland’s lettings sector.

Daryl McIntosh, CEO of SHARE, joins Let’s Talk for episode 114 to explore what makes a genuinely healthy home, the experiences of factored owners, standards in factoring, professional qualifications, board governance and workplace wellbeing, before looking at the future of Scotland’s housing sector.

Join us as we welcome back Portolio’s founders, Chris Wood and Ross MacDonald, to discuss the latest developments in Scotland's private rented sector. We explore the changing investment landscape, the continued growth of the tenanted sales market, investor priorities, property portfolios, and the factors landlords should consider when reviewing their long-term investment strategy. We also discuss tenant communication during property sales, policy ideas that could support the PRS, and what the future may hold for Scotland's investment market. We also hear about MacWood and how it supports landlords whose circumstances are changing.

Harry Crombie joins the Let's Talk podcast for episode 112, following his appointment as Director at Stand Property. He discusses his career journey, leadership, the evolving expectations of landlords, the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland's private rented sector, the growing role of technology and AI, and what the future could hold for letting agents across Scotland.

Pest infestations can affect any rental property, from bed bugs and mice to moths and wasps. In episode 111, Rebekah Carral from Barricade Pest Control discusses common causes of infestations, preventative measures, treatment options and the responsibilities of landlords and tenants when pest problems arise. We also explore the challenges of dealing with infestations in flats and tenements, along with practical guidance for resolving issues quickly and effectively.

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 where household members change, shared-tenancy complications, and disputes involving historical damage or missing inventories. A must-listen for anyone navigating Scotland’s rental market.

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.