SCOTLAND’S VOICE OF PROPERTY ROUNDS UP THE WEEK’S NEWS –

SCOTTISH house price growth has accelerated once again, leaving England, Wales and Ireland standing as Edinburgh powers growth with a 14.5 per cent average annual increase, according to the March House Price Index from Your Move/Acadata.

Affordability continues to be the main driver of growth and 26 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities seeing a gain. The most expensive area outside of Edinburgh is East Renfrewshire where prices are up 13.4 per cent annually. Midlothian (10.4 per cent) and the Scottish Borders (12 per cent) also show above average prices.

Christine Campbell, Your Move managing director in Scotland, comments: “With property in Scotland still very affordable, this should ensure scope for house price growth to continue.”

HELP WITH REPAIRS

WITH flats accounting for 67 per cent of all private lets in Scotland, it’s not surprising landlords have so many problems arranging common repairs – but help could be in the offing at free evening seminars in Glasgow (6pm on June 13) and Edinburgh (6pm September 13) arranged by Annie Flint and architect John Gilbert, authors of Under One Roof Scotland, the acclaimed and impartial website for flat owners and letting agents.

“Private landlords have more to lose than owner occupiers if common repairs are not tackled, so it’s important they are aware of what they can do,” says Annie Flint. “As professional owners, they also have additional statutory responsibilities for procuring repairs safely.”

Representatives from Glasgow and Edinburgh councils will also be available along with Home Energy Scotland advisors. Booking is online at Eventbrite under “Private Landlords”.

MORTGAGE OF THE WEEK

According to Moneyfacts.co.uk, Newcastle Building Society has reduced the rate on its two-year variable tracker mortgage, now priced at 1.75 per cent. A fee of £498 is payable – £299 can be added to the advance.

Landlords have a responsibility to make repairs