Should You Sell Your Rental in 2025?
Selling Your Rental: What Glasgow Landlords Must Know. The last few years have been challenging for some landlords. But don’t rush into a decision about the future of your buy-to-let until you’ve read this.
It’s fair to say that developments in recent years have made things more complicated for some landlords.
The restriction on mortgage interest tax relief, rent freezes then rent caps (whilst interest rates soared), increases to ADS (now 8%), additional legislation, a new repairing standard and the upcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill have prompted some investors to question staying in the buy-to-let market.
Despite these challenges, there are several positives to take on board.
Reasons to keep your rental
- Demand for rental properties is outstripping supply. That’s a trend that is likely to continue over the next few years.
- Rent levels are strong. Savills forecast that mainstream rents will rise 4% in 2025 and 17.6% in total over the next five years.*
- Property values remain firm. Savills predict that mainstream house prices will rise 4% in 2025. By 2029, they will have increased by 23.4%.
- Mortgage rates are trending downwards. Capital Economics suggests that the Bank of England interest rate could fall to 3.5% in early 2026.*
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on residential property investments wasn’t hiked in the last Budget. If you had considered selling for tax reasons, the risk of paying more CGT has receded, at least for now.
Housing (Scotland) Bill – pros and cons
Landlords will have to adapt their practices and procedures when the Housing (Scotland) Bill comes into force, which includes proposals for rent controls. It has passed stage 1 in November and is currently at stage 2, when MSPs can propose amendments.
But you don’t have to face the bill alone. There are plenty of experts out there, from letting agents and other professionals, to guide you through it.
Some would argue that the bill could benefit good landlords as it will push the bad ones out.
Those landlords who remain in the market will benefit from strong demand for their property.
Optimists might say there are good reasons for buying - not selling - rental property in 2025.
Action plan
Before you decide whether to sell or keep your buy-to-let, consult your accountant and financial adviser.
They can guide you on the implications of both options, including how much tax you’ll have to pay if you sell.
Also, consult a letting agent to discuss ways to maximise returns from your property.
Do you know a landlord or property investor who would find this article useful? Please feel free to share it with them.
* Sources:
Scottish Property Centre have branches in Dunoon, Cardonald and Shawlands covering the Argyll and Glasgow property markets. We have local experts serving local people.