The Scottish Property Podcast

• Budget 2025: Landlords Face a 2 % Tax Hit on Rental Income and Dividends with Davy Hutton

  In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with returning guest Davy Hutton, known for his outspoken views on politics, economics, AI and society. What begins as a conversation on Budget 2025 quickly evolves into one of the broadest and most thought-provoking episodes ever recorded on the podcast.Davy breaks down the 2% tax hit on rental income and dividends, explains why the middle class feels squeezed, and discusses how global corporations and AI are reshaping wealth, work and the future of the property market.🎙️ Episode Highlights🟦 Budget 2025: The Real Impact on LandlordsThe feared 8% rental income tax didn’t appear, but a 2% rise in dividend tax will affect landlords using limited companies.For most small investors, this equates to roughly £700 per year.Electric vehicle incentives are being scaled back, including the loss of 100% first-year allowances and mileage tax changes.Mansion tax proposals pose little risk to Scottish investors.Davy’s verdict: “A nothing-burger budget — lots of noise, minimal change.”🟦 Why the Economy Feels Worse Than the Data SaysMost business owners have rising net worth, yet life feels harder for ordinary people.Middle-class households face invisible pressures through stealth taxes and inflation.Public services are worse despite higher contributions.The UK has spent nearly two decades in economic stagnation, draining energy and optimism.🟦 Corporations, Power, and the Real Drivers of InequalityGlobal corporations avoid tax at levels no individual could.Tech giants influence public opinion through social media algorithms and news ownership.Anger is directed at “easy targets” like landlords instead of corporations.Governments lack the power to meaningfully challenge corporate dominance.🟦 Scottish Property Market OverviewScotland has cooled from 10% over Home Report to around Home Report value.Market correction is gradual rather than a crash.The high-end market (£1m+) is softening significantly.Glasgow rents have plateaued and fallen slightly in some areas.Expected interest rate cuts should stabilise pricing through 2025.----------------------------------------------------Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at ⁠⁠Prime⁠⁠ a message now: ----------------------------------------------------⁠⁠Follow us⁠⁠ on all of our social media accounts and join our monthly networking events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee!

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• Rent Controls Backfired — John Blackwood Explains Why

  In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), who has spent nearly 25 years representing landlords across Scotland.John brings unparalleled insight into the private rented sector (PRS), the political pressures landlords face, and the complex legislative landscape shaping housing today. From rent controls to the Housing Scotland Bill, ADS reform, empty homes, and the moral debate surrounding private renting, this conversation offers one of the most balanced and honest breakdowns of Scotland’s housing challenges — directly from someone on the front line.Episode Highlights:🌟 Changing Perceptions of LandlordsJohn reflects on how society’s view of landlords has shifted dramatically over generations.Renting was once seen as responsible long-term planning — now landlords are often unfairly painted as “greedy” or “immoral”.He emphasises that 95% of Scottish landlords own just one or two properties and are ordinary working people, not large-scale investors .🏛️ Why the Scottish Association of Landlords Was FormedSAL was created after early HMO legislation left landlords feeling unsupported and unheard.The Scottish Government itself requested a single representative body to balance discussions around landlord and tenant rights .SAL’s mission has always been to represent both sides fairly, not favour landlords.⚠️ Challenges Facing Today’s LandlordsThe sector is experiencing legislative overload, with continuous rule changes forcing many small landlords out of the market .Financial pressures are rising: tax changes, potential National Insurance on rental income, and increasing compliance demands.John highlights how the constant policy churn creates instability and discourages investment.📉 Rent Controls, Supply Shortages & Market ImpactJohn discusses the rent freeze/rent cap and the unintended consequences it created.Evidence from Zoopla and international studies shows rent controls:Reduce supplyDeter investorsUltimately increase rents — exactly what happened in ScotlandWith controls now lifted, rents are beginning to stabilise as the market self-corrects.⚖️ The Landlords vs Tenants NarrativeJohn expresses frustration with the media and political framing of landlords as “the bad guys”.Argues that landlords and tenants want the same core things:Safe, warm, affordable homesGood relationshipsStability in the PRSSays the current political climate encourages division instead of solutions .🏘️ Empty Homes, ADS & Policy That’s Worsening SupplyJohn highlights the flaws in Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS):Penalises landlords purchasing empty or uninhabitable homesDiscourages buying tenanted propertiesSlows down opportunities to bring homes back into useProposes simple reforms: exempting purchases of empty homes and rented homes from ADS — a cheap, immediate supply solution.🏛️ The Housing Scotland Bill & Political IdeologyDiscussion around how the Bill is influenced by ideology rather than evidence.John shares experiences with politicians who claim that being a landlord is inherently “immoral” .Emphasises that removing landlords doesn’t solve the housing emergency — it makes it worse.

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• From Chaos to Success: Scott McFarlane’s Property Journey

  In this episode, Nick and Steven sit down with Scott McFarlane, property investor, serviced accommodation specialist, and founder of Retrofit Properties. Scott opens up about his journey from a difficult childhood to military service, railway engineering, a life-changing accident, and eventually scaling a thriving SA management company and a growing property portfolio.🎙️ Episode Highlights:🌟 From a Tough Start to Army DisciplineGrew up in Galashiels facing violence, instability, and school expulsionsJoined the Royal Regiment of Scotland, gaining structure, discipline, and resilienceArmy experience shaped his mindset and approach to business💥 The Accident That Changed EverythingSuffered a major railway accident while working as an electrical engineerForced into recovery, triggering a life reset and deep focus on long-term goalsUsed the setback to pivot fully into property🏡 Building Retrofit Properties & Discovering SABought his first properties in his early 20sLearned SA through self-study, research, and hands-on experienceNow operates high-performing SA units achieving £12k–£13k in peak months📑 Navigating SA Licensing & ComplianceExpert at securing SA licences across Glasgow, Edinburgh, and MidlothianHelps investors avoid common mistakes in planning and complianceChallenges councils when their own rules are unclear or applied incorrectly🏘️ Scaling to 13 Units & Major DealsOwns a mix of SA, HMOs, and buy-to-letsCompleted a £1.7m building purchase with Kyle Black, now valued higherGrowing a management business, strengthening partnerships, and planning future aparthotel projectsScott’s story is raw, honest, and packed with lessons — from overcoming adversity to navigating licensing, building strategic partnerships, and managing 13 units (including HMOs, buy-to-lets, and high-performing SAs). He also shares the realities of dealing with councils, neighbours, compliance challenges, and the rapid growth of his management business.

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• From the Army to Property Success with Adam Williams

  In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with Adam Williams — former British Army soldier turned property investor and sales professional. Adam’s story is one of resilience, discipline, and personal growth. After serving nine years in the army and being deployed around the world, he made the leap into property — building an exciting new career and completing multiple successful projects in just over a year.From the battlefield to the boardroom, Adam shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, mindset, and the power of taking action — proving that with hard work and humility, anyone can reinvent their life through property.🎙️ Episode Highlights💂 From Army Life to Civilian CareerGrew up in Glasgow and joined the British Army at 18, serving in the infantry for nine years.Completed deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kenya, gaining leadership, adaptability, and resilience.Describes how army life shaped his mindset — the ability to work under pressure, follow structure, and lead by example.Decided to leave the military to prioritise family and create a more stable lifestyle.👨‍👩‍👧 Life Lessons & Motivation to LeaveWhile serving abroad, Adam missed significant family milestones.The turning point came when he found out he was going to be a father — this pushed him to seek a career with purpose and flexibility.Admits the transition from military to civilian life was difficult, but it gave him the hunger to find something new and meaningful.🏠 Discovering PropertyBought his first flat in Glasgow while still in the army, renting it out while deployed.This first experience opened his eyes to the power of passive income and property investing.Started reading, networking, and attending events — including the Scottish Property Podcast training sessions.Learned that property isn’t just about buying houses, but about building relationships and creating solutions for sellers and investors.🏗️ Flips, Joint Ventures & Creative DealsReinvested profits into joint ventures and property flips with David Smart.Completed standout projects such as:The Ninja Air Fryer Flip – a creative and profitable refurbishment.The Phone Booth Flip – a unique transformation of a neglected property into a stylish modern home.Achieved strong profits of £35,000–£40,000 per project, reinvesting back into new opportunities.Highlights the importance of transparency and shared vision when working with JV partners.🏚️ Working with Empty Homes ScotlandActively collaborates with the Empty Homes Partnership Scheme to bring long-abandoned properties back into use.Builds strong relationships with council officers and local stakeholders to source off-market deals.Focused on creating win-win outcomes — helping owners solve problems while revitalising communities.Proves that property can be both profitable and purpose-driven.⚖️ Balancing Family, Work & GrowthOpens up about the challenges of balancing 12-hour workdays with family life.Strives to stay grounded and present with his partner and daughter while scaling his business.Shares how discipline from his military days helps him stay focused and structured, even in a demanding sales environment.🏡 Future Goals & Long-Term VisionCurrently focused on flips and sales but plans to build a buy-to-let portfolio for long-term wealth and stability.At just 29 years old, Adam is committed to learning, growing, and reinvesting profits into future projects.Aims to mentor other ex-servicemen and aspiring investors looking to transition into property.----------------------------------------------------Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at ⁠Prime⁠ a message now: ----------------------------------------------------⁠Follow us⁠ on all of our social media accounts and join our monthly networking events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee!

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• Budget Rumours Every Property Investor Needs to Hear with Nick and Steven

  In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven are back together for the November 2025 Market Update — discussing everything from their recent trip to Dubai to the latest UK housing data, rental trends, and budget rumours that could shake up the property market.From reflections on life abroad to concerns over government tax policy, this episode dives deep into what’s really happening across Scotland’s property landscape — with candid insights, real-life examples, and a few laughs along the way.🎙️ Episode Highlights:🌴 Dubai Reflections: Life, Lifestyle & LessonsBoth Nick and Steven coincidentally ended up staying in Dubai at the same time — just a few doors apart.Reflections on Dubai’s appeal for entrepreneurs: sunshine, safety, and tax benefits.The downsides: relentless heat, heavy traffic, and a lack of community or “soul”.Both agree that despite the hype, Scotland still feels like home — valuing fresh air, space, and local connection over tax breaks.🏡 Scottish Housing Market UpdateZoopla reports: buyer demand down 8% year-on-year, sales agreed down 3%, marking the first decline in two years.Scotland bucks the trend, with sales up 3% and house price inflation steady at 2%.Glasgow up 2.1%, Edinburgh up 1.6% year-on-year.Signs of a slower market rather than a crash — more cautious buyers and longer sale times.Average selling time now 37 days, up 10%, showing steady but slower movement.🔨 Steven’s Property Sales UpdateCurrently selling three renovated cottages, each around the £200k–£240k price point.Despite strong locations and quality finishes, sales slower than expected.Common feedback: EPC ratings, minor snagging, and general buyer caution.Example of real-time challenges facing property flippers in a softening market.Highlights the importance of timing, presentation, and patience in a cooling climate.🏘️ Rental Market InsightsRightmove rental tracker:Average UK rent outside London at a record £1,385 per month, up 1.5% in Q3.In Scotland, rents are still rising but at a slower pace.Tenant demand down 14%, while supply up 9% — more choice for renters.Landlords urged to redecorate and refresh properties to stay competitive.Quality homes still rent quickly; tired stock lags behind.Strongest demand for rentals under £1,000 per month — affordability is key.💼 Budget Rumours & Government PolicyDiscussion ahead of the November 23rd UK Budget, with rumours of:VAT threshold dropping from £85k to £30k — could hit small tradesmen and drive up refurb costs.Income tax increase from 20% to 22% (England only).National Insurance on rental income (8%) — potential game-changer for landlords in personal names.Capital Gains Tax on main homes worth £1.5m+ — targeting the ultra-wealthy.Nick and Steven discuss how these could trigger a mass landlord exodus, reduce supply, and hurt the rental market.Concern that government policies are anti-business and anti-growth, discouraging investment in the UK.📈 Economic OverviewInflation: steady around 3.8%.Interest rates: held at 4% by the Bank of England.Mortgage rates easing slightly, providing some relief for buyers.UK economy flat, with minimal growth heading into winter.Sentiment: cautious optimism — no crash, but slower movement and more scrutiny on deals.----------------------------------------------------Know someone looking to sell? Send the guys at Prime a message now: ----------------------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts and join our monthly networking events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dundee!

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