The Build to Rent sector in Scotland is ready to burst into life, with thousands of new rental homes set to become available across the country. But what are the best rental-only homes currently on offer across Scotland? Read on to learn about the highest-rated build to rent developments north of the border.
Build to Rent in Scotland
Build to Rent in Scotland is still relatively new compared to other parts of the UK. While London leads the way with almost 47,000 completed rental homes, the trend is catching on in other regions.
So far, Scotland has just 2,260 completed Build to Rent homes. This is according to the BPF’s regular Build to Rent map and report. There are, though, almost 16,000 rental-only properties either under construction or in the planning phase in Scotland. This points to a big few years ahead for the sector.
Build to Rent: Scotland’s highest rated developments
You can find Scotland’s highest-rated Build to rent schemes below. These developments are leading the way in Scotland’s growing Build to Rent sector. They offer a glimpse of what the future may hold for rental properties in Scotland.
These developments were awarded based on reviews of verified residents. HomeViews reviews include feedback on everything from design and facilities, to the management team, services, location and value for money.
Taking top spot in Scotland is The McEwan, another impeccably rated rental development, this time in the heart of Fountainbridge, just a few minutes from Edinburgh city centre and Haymarket train station. There are 476 state-of-the-art rental homes, with residents enjoying access to a wide range of amenity spaces including a gym, studio, cinema room, a co-working space, shared lounges and public spaces. On site, there are also two private dining rooms with panoramic views over the city and Edinburgh Castle. In addition, The McEwan has 24-hour concierge and maintenance services and the development is also pet-friendly.
The second highest-rated Build to Rent development in Scotland is The Point by Dandara Living. Garnering almost perfect scores across the board, this rental development sits in the Schoolhill area of the city. It consists of 342 apartments for rent, with residents benefitting from a private gym, cinema, break-out area, library and a coffee shop. As well as this, the development is just five-minutes away from Aberdeen city centre.
Third on our list is Solasta Riverside, an entirely new city centre district in ever popular Glasgow. Based on the South Bank of the iconic river Clyde, the development sits directly opposite Central Station. Furthermore, Solasta Riverside’s residential development consists of two 18-story complexes, including 324 Build-to-Rent apartments. Solasta Riverside is located on the Clyde riverside, facing the International Financial Services District. Additionally, with direct access to bus, rail, cycle and motorway networks, and only 15 minutes from Glasgow International Airport, Solasta Riverside will activate over a quarter of a mile of river frontage.
Taking fourth spot is Kingsford Residence, managed by the Kingsford Group and located on Edinburgh’s McDonald Road. It offers residents the opportunity to stay in a former Victorian school building which has been newly converted to form one of Edinburgh’s first operational Build to Rent developments. The apartments retain many of the original features of the building while blending them seamlessly with contemporary open-plan living and modern fixtures.
A new entry to Scotland’s rental rankings at number five, Lochrin Quay sits next to the Union Canal in Edinburgh. Managed by JLL, the development comprises of 113 contemporary apartments, a mixture of one, two and four-bedroom options to rent. In addition to this, residents benefit from bike storage, communal lounge and superfast wifi.
The Build to Rent sector is growing in popularity. While London leads the way for BTR developments, the rest of the UK is starting to catch up as demand increases. BTR developments are purpose-built for renting, rather than to sell. This gives BTR homes and developments a few unique features that you don’t typically find in homes built to sell.
The developments are typically newly built rather than converted from existing properties. They might offer additional services and facilities, exclusively for residents and incorporated into the rental package. These can include gyms and health clubs, lounges, dining areas and communal work spaces, terraces and gardens and even private cinemas. You can also find packages that include Wi-Fi and other utilities, as well as on-site management and concierge teams.
Build to Rent properties may appear more expensive than traditional rental properties. Some of this extra cost can be accounted for with the facilities and services on offer, while BTR developments also tend to offer more flexible contract terms. You may be able to tie into a long-term deal, or rent for a very short tenancy, depending on your needs. To find out more about Build to Rent, read our dedicated guide.
Would you like to find out more about the best new homes in Scotland? Our Scotland area guide provides information on the best places to live across this beautiful country, together with details on the highest-rated new build properties to buy and rent. Read the guide by clicking the link below.
Boasting some of the highest scores for standards of living in the UK, Scotland is a country of extraordinary natural beauty. Add to that its friendly, cultured cities and a rich history stretching back for centuries, and you have a location that offers something Read more about Scotland
HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, landlords and the Government to recognise high performers and help to improve standards in the built environment.
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