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 3,503 completed Build to Rent homes. This is according to the BPF’s regular Build to Rent map and report. There are also over 14,500 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.
New in at second place is Candleriggs by Legal & General and urbanbubble. This popular new community offers studio, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom boutique apartments to rent in the heart of Merchant City. Residents can enjoy free superfast broadband and social events. Additionally, there are communal gardens, sky terraces, and spaces to work, play, and relax—all included in your rent.
The third 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.
Fourth-placed Minerva Square consists of 113 apartments across two buildings in Glasgow. The rental development offers a range of apartment types; 1 bedroom/ 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms/1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, 2 bedroom penthouses with wrap around terraces and 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Many of the apartments benefit from balconies enjoying far reaching views of the south side looking over the modern architecture of the SEC Armadillo and OVO Hydro, or with stunning views of the historical Glasgow University, Kelvingrove and the West End to the north. The SECC train station is within walking distance offering train links to all major towns.
A new entry at number five for rental developments in Scotland, it’s Holland Park. The scheme in Glasgow features 433 high-tech apartments spread across four buildings. Residents have access to a wide range of facilities including a 24hr gym, 24hr concierge and co-working and meeting rooms. In addition, the development is pet-friendly and wifi is included.
Taking sixth, PLATFORM_ in Glasgow features co-working spaces, a games room, gym, three roof terraces, a private cinema, a calendar of social activities, and access to the private dining room, all included in the monthly rent.
Taking seventh 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.
Sitting in eighth place, Granary Quay by Dandara Living is situated in a fantastic location on the north bank of the River Clyde, just a short walk from Partick bus, rail and subway stations in Glasgow’s popular West End. The area is known for its many vintage shop, coffee bars, restaurants and a vibrant street food scene, plus bars, a boutique cinema and arts venues. Granary Quay offers a wide range of studio, one and two bedroom apartments to choose from, and most have balconies or terraces. The majority of homes are available to rent furnished, with some unfurnished apartments also available – please contact for details. With 24/7 on-site management team to help make life easier, Granary Quay also features a superb array of on-site resident amenities including the ‘house kitchen’, co-working suite, lounge and TV area, bookable meeting room, gym and pet grooming room.
Ninth 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.
Located on the Water of Leith, this BTR community enjoys the vibrancy of Leith Shore and excellent public transport links to the city centre. Local green spaces, including Pilrig Park, and the proximity to excellent nurseries and schools make the location perfect for families.
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
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