Share of sold rental homes staying in Scotland's PRS nearly doubles, survey finds
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
The SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust has today published the second wave of its Voice of the Landlord Survey. Building on the success of last year's inaugural study, this annual national survey offers fresh insights into landlords' experiences and perspectives across Scotland's private rented sector, providing valuable evidence to inform policy, practice, and public debate. With relatively little data available on landlords in Scotland, this survey is a unique source of information on decision-making, investment activity, and broader attitudes.
A representative sample of 1,000 landlords were asked questions covering affordability, portfolio changes, property conditions, and energy efficiency.
Why this research matters
Scotland's private rented sector continues to experience significant reform, with further regulatory and energy efficiency changes on the horizon. Against this backdrop, the latest Voice of the Landlord survey explores how landlords are responding, examining decision-making, investment intentions, portfolio changes and wider attitudes towards the sector. The findings provide timely evidence to support informed, balanced discussion about the future of Scotland's private rented sector.
Key findings
The proportion of rental homes sold in Scotland that remain in the private rented sector has nearly doubled over the past year.
The 2025 survey shows that 17% of rental properties sold remained in the PRS, up from nine percent in 2024, while 57% of sold homes moved into owner-occupation.
Although a greater proportion of properties are remaining in the sector, landlords in Scotland are still more likely to sell than purchase property. Over the past year, 14% of landlords sold property, compared with five percent who purchased.
Among those who sold, the main reasons cited were:
Proposed regulatory changes (38%)
Perceived negative attitudes towards landlords (28%)
Repair and maintenance costs (26%)
For landlords who purchased property, the primary motivation was a preference for property investment over other investment options (52%). Landlords aged 18-44 were the most likely to have purchased property in the past year, indicating continued interest in the sector among younger investors.
The survey also highlights challenges around communication of policy reform. Only 41% of landlords feel able to keep up with regulatory changes, down from 51% in 2024, and just 21% believe changes to the law are clearly communicated.
A call to action
This year's findings underline the importance of reliable data in understanding changes within Scotland's private rented sector. Without clear information on housing supply and landlord behaviour, it is harder to identify pressures and respond effectively.
As regulatory reform continues, clear communication and practical guidance will be essential to support confidence and informed decision-making. By strengthening the evidence base and maintaining open dialogue, policymakers and stakeholders can work towards balanced solutions that support stability, investment, and high standards across the sector.
About the survey
This is the second wave of the Voice of the Landlord Survey Scotland, a research initiative commissioned by the SafeDeposits Scotland Charitable Trust. The survey complements the Trust's Voice of the Tenant Survey, which is set to release its second wave in February 2026.
You made it seem like a positive headline. That’s misleading! 57% of properties sold are no longer being rented. That’s much more indicative of the sector and would be more valuable a heading for those who take a glance. No surprises though!
All the tax increases and legislation have and will continue to reduce the supply of rental properties, well done for making life harder for tenants and landlords. Awesome
Why would anyone buy into being a landlord now with all the hoops you have to jump thorough, unfair taxes, stamp duties, and then to top it all, when you want your property back you have to apply to the First Tier Tribunal and wait months for their decision on whether you can or can't have your own property back. The councils advise tenants not to leave when their notice is up as they have nowhere to put them and so the whole scenario drags on and on and if your tenants aren't paying the rent then that's just tough luck on the landlord as there's nothing you can do about it... No wonder so many are selling up an…