Rent controls introduced in Scotland in 2022, designed to cap rent increases, appear to have had the opposite effect, with most landlords now raising rents on an annual basis.

Analysing data from one major agent group found that Scottish landlords are more likely to have increased rents than in England & Wales during both 2024 and 2025.  So far this year, 67% of landlords in Scotland raised the rent when they had the ability to do so, the highest figure for any region and above the 58% who did so across Great Britain as a whole.

Scotland is one of only two regions in Great Britain where rents on newly let properties rose by more than 2% over the past year.

The industry knows that rent controls don't work, despite local parties such as People Before Profit and the Greens pushing for it. The Scottish example is a clear indication of how it has failed, yet it's a great soundbite for those wanting more renters to vote for them next election.

Landlords? Fed up and want to sell? Our fee is just 0.5% inc VAT*

*subject to min fee, t&cs.