Lets Talk with Citylets
Business & Finance
About
Lets Talk with Citylets is your podcast channel dedicated to all things property letting- investment, legislation, rights & responsibilities, your stories and more. New episodes featuring industry experts, tenants, landlords and voices from over the world of lettings are available fortnightly.
Episodes
- From Helicopters to Housing: Eduardo Prato on Aberdeen’s Rental Market and Investor Confidence
In episode 108 of Lets Talk with Citylets, Gillian speaks with Eduardo Prato about his career path from aviation to property. They delve into the Aberdeen rental market, investor confidence, and how life experiences influence professional…
- Understanding Scotland’s Private Rented Sector with SAL Policy Manager Caroline Elgar
Episode 107 of Lets Talk with Citylets features an interview with Caroline Elgar, Policy Manager at the Scottish Association of Landlords. The conversation covers the SAL’s support for landlords, its policy initiatives, and significant reg…
- Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher on PRS Reform and Rent Controls
In episode 106, Scottish Conservative MSP Meghan Gallacher addresses the Private Rented Sector in Scotland. Topics include reform, compliance pressures, Rent Control Areas, and housing policy signals to investors and landlords.
- Housing (Scotland) Act 2025: Rent Controls, Evictions and What Comes Next, with Rory Cowan
Rory Cowan discusses the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, covering topics such as Rent Control Areas, CPI-linked rent increases, tribunal powers, eviction rules, tenant rights, and areas of uncertainty pending future regulations.
- Property Finance Strategies for Scottish Landlords in a Changing Market with Peter McDermid
In episode 104, Gillian and Peter McDermid of Logic Property Finance discuss changes in lending for Scottish landlords, covering specialist lending, the effects of higher Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS), portfolio acquisitions, and re…
- Tenancy Deposits in Scotland: Rights, Challenges & Responsibilities with Frankie Bishop
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 acr…
- Building Community through Property with Lyndsay Yuill
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…
- Lar Housing Trust launches a new landlord service to support property owners
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 ten…
- Landlord Tax Tips: Making Tax Digital and Key Challenges Explained
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 insigh…
- Launching Erskine Property: Mark Lawrie on His New Venture
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…
- Navigating Edinburgh’s Rental Market in 2025: Trends, Risks and Opportunities
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 a…
- 100th Episode: Rent Controls, Market Distortion & Reliable Data with Citylets’ Thomas Ashdown
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 disto…
- Inside Platform_’s Approach to Mid-Market and Build to Rent with Kevin Watson
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 manage…
- From Property to Music & Motorsport: Chris Cockburn on Lettings, the Rental Market, and Racing
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 importa…
- Glasgow’s Rental Market & Investment Insights with Wendy Gallagher, One Stop Properties
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 landlo…
- Scotland’s Housing Bill and Market Trends: Expert Advice from Laura Chapman of Chapmans
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 tenant…
- Boutique Consultancy with Nicky McConnachie: Property Sourcing & Vacant Home Management
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 j…
- Ahead of the Scottish Budget – Scotland’s Private Rented Sector with Propertymarks’, Timothy Douglas
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 L…
- New to Renting? Essential Tips and Market Insights for First-Time Renters with Nicky Lloyd of ESPC
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…
- Tenement Owners' Associations and Housing Law with Jacqueline Omoniyi of Under One Roof Scotland
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…
- Lets Talk with Ann Leslie of Lar Housing Trust
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.…
- Navigating the Build to Rent Sector: Insights from Louise Amos of Lismore Asset Management
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 t…
- Transforming Housing: Innovations and Initiatives with Daryl McIntosh of Share
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 tenant…
- Exploring the Private Sector Leasing Scheme with Lizzie McGhie of Link Housing Group
Episode 89 features Lizzie McGhie, Lettings Negotiator with C~urb PSL (Private Sector Leasing) part of Link Housing Group, highlighting its benefits for both landlords and tenants. Lizzie shares her background and journey to her current ro…
- Advantages of Using a Letting Agent, the Current Market and Belvoir Edinburgh, with Sophie Strand
Episode 88 features Sophie Strand, Director of Business Development at Belvoir Edinburgh. Sophie shares insights from her career in high-profile property companies and her current role at Belvoir. She discusses the core values that guide B…
- Navigating Relocation and Second Home Management, with Angela Stewart of Remeo
Episode 87 features Angela Stewart, Founder and Managing Director of Edinburgh's Remeo. She discusses the company's journey since its establishment in 2011 and her collaboration with Susan Godfrey. Angela talks about their backgrounds and…
- Rental Market Dynamics with Andrew Williamson of Aberdein Considine
Episode 86 of Lets Talk features Andrew Williamson from Aberdein Considine. With more than 15 years of industry expertise and an array of qualifications, Andrew provides valuable insights into his professional journey, his recent return to…
- Navigating Changes and Consolidations in the Scottish Property Market, with Harry Crombie
In episode 85 of Let's Talk, Harry Crombie, Lettings and New Business Manager at 'Burgh Property, provides valuable insights into the Scottish property market. From discussing 'Burgh's background and recent merger with Clyde Property to pr…
- Pathways to Success: Insights from a Property Recruitment Specialist, with Michelle Christie of JIL
Episode 84 of Lets Talk, features Michelle Christie, Managing Consultant of JIL (Jobs in Letting) - a specialist recruitment agency for the Scottish property industry. With over 30 years of first-hand experience, Michelle provides invaluab…
- Challenges and Considerations Faced by Private Landlords, with Charlie Inness from Glenham Property
Lets Talk celebrates its five year anniversary by inviting back our first guest, Charlie Inness, Head of Business Development at Glenham Property. Hear about Charlie's rich experience in residential property investment, from his early care…
- Landlord Lowdown: Mastering Investment, Mortgages and Rent Control with Cox & Co
Episode 82 features John Cox, Managing Director of Cox & Co, and Business Development Manager, Neill Bukes covering a range of key matters for landlords today, including investment strategies, navigating issues affecting buy to let mortgag…
- Kirstie Donnelly of TC Young Gives Advice on Procedures to Follow for Unresolved Tenant Issues
Episode 81 features Kirstie Donnelly, an Associate Solicitor with TC Young, discussing the issues of anti-social behaviour (ASB) of tenants and Wrongful Termination Orders (WTO), and the First-tier process.
- A Portfolio Landlord’s Experience in Current Scottish Market Conditions with Iftikhar Ali
Edinburgh based portfolio landlord, Iftikhar Ali, joins Lets Talk for episode 80 to share his views on the current rental market as well as the Scottish Government’s rent caps and proposals for A New Deal for Tenants. Having previously wor…
- The Increasing Importance to Maintain Rented Property, with Brian Geddes of R J Building Surveying
Episode 79 features Brian Geddes, Managing Director of R J Building Surveying Ltd discussing why there is an ever increasing requirement to regularly inspect and maintain properties. Brian talks through the dangers of building neglect and…
- Lead in Drinking Water Regulations and the Edinburgh Lettings Market, with Angela Watt
Founder of Edinburgh based Watt Property, Angela Watt, joins Lets Talk for episode 78 to share her views on the current Edinburgh rental market and legislative matters, such as the regulations for lead in drinking water, due to take effect…
- Helping Landlords who Have Experienced a Significant Increase in Costs, with Laura Chapman
Episode 77 features Director of Edinburgh based Chapmans, Laura Chapman, giving advice to landlords who have experienced a significant increase in costs and feel it necessary to raise rents higher than the stipulated cap.
- Scotland’s Short-Term Lets Licensing with Fiona Campbell of ASSC
CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), Fiona Campbell, joins Lets Talk for episode 76 to discuss the serious concerns of the measures introduced by the Scottish Government to regulate the short-term lettings industry.
- How to Deal with Pest Infestations featuring Michelle O’Donnell from Glasgow Property Letting
Branch Manager of Glasgow Property Letting, Michelle O’Donnell, joins Lets Talk for episode 75 to discuss the different types of pest infestations that can commonly occur in Scottish rental properties, how to identify them, their cause and…
- The Services of SHARE and Scottish Government’s Housing Policies with Daryl McIntosh
Episode 74 features CEO of SHARE, Daryl McIntosh explaining about the organisation and the wide range of courses, qualifications and support that it provides to Scottish Housing Associations. Daryl also gives his views on the Scottish Gove…
- Marketing Strategy, Rental Market & Landlord Advice with Lyndsay Yuille & Ross Leiper (Rent Locally)
Episode 73 features Ross Leiper and Lyndsay Yuille from RentLocally discussing marketing strategies in today’s rental market. They also talk about the contributing factors on both the supply and demand side and offer valuable advice to lan…
- Home Staging and Interior Styling with Colin McShane
Episode 72 features founder of Colin McShane Interior Styling. Colin talks about the different services that his company provides and describes the main elements and benefits of home staging and interior styling in properties. Colin also t…
- The Importance of a Detailed Inventory at the Start of a Tenancy, with Pinstripe Inventories
Episode 71 features Operations Director of Pinstripe Inventories, Matthew Mackay, talking about the history of the organisation, the introduction of tenancy deposit schemes and the importance of having a detailed inventory in place at the…
- Barriers and Challenges Faced by Deaf Tenants in the Private Rented Sector, with Steven Cafferty
Steven Cafferty from Deaf Action joins Lets Talk for episode 70 to discuss the barriers and challenges that hard of hearing and deaf people face when looking for a property to rent and then living in the property itself. Steven explains ab…
- The Challenges of Scotland’s Build to Rent Movement with Will Scarlett
Episode 69 hears Founder and Director of Scarlett Land and Development, Will Scarlett, discuss the Build to Rent (BTR) movement in Scotland and the challenges it faces relative to the rest of the UK. Will shares his views on the opportunit…
- Conservative MSP, Miles Briggs, Raises Concerns over Emergency Legislation Aimed to Protect Tenants
Episode 68 features Conservative MSP, Miles Briggs, discussing his views of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection)(Scotland) Act 2022 and his concerns over the counterproductive and damaging effects it could have on tenants in the long run…
- The Effects of the Emergency Legislation on Rural Communities, with Anna Gardiner of SLE
Episode 67 features Scottish Land and Estates’, Policy Advisor for Rural Property, Anna Gardiner. Anna discusses the challenges of rural private rented tenancies and the concerns of recent emergency tenant protection legislation on rural h…
- Concerns of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act - John Blackwood & Timothy Douglas
Episode 66 of Lets Talk features Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords, John Blackwood, and Head of Policy and Campaigns of Propertymark, Timothy Douglas, discussing the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act…
- Tenant Protection Legislation and the Glasgow Rental Market with Ross Macleod
Episode 65 features Ross Macleod, Managing Director of West of Scotland based Macleod Letting. Ross chats about the history of his organisation and the recent revamp to their office. Ross also discusses the current rental market in Glasgow…
- Providing Affordable Homes in Aberdeen for those in Need, with Matthew Bringloe
Episode 64 hears Matthew Bringloe, Service Manager for Aberdeen Cyrenians’ ‘Settled Homes for All’ initiative, talk about the empty homes crisis in Aberdeen and how they aim to get these homes back into use, to help support those in need a…
- Novoville and the City of Edinburgh Council’s Shared Repairs App with Louis Daillencourt
Episode 63 features Business Development Director, Louis Daillencourt discussing Novoville’s Shared Repairs App, which the City of Edinburgh Council introduced to help owners of housing blocks deal with shared repairs. Described as a ‘game…