Blog
- Details
- Hits: 16
As Edinburgh adapts to a new era of regulated short-term letting, the city’s licensing scheme presents a unique opportunity for agile property operators. At the intersection of compliance and innovation stands Logan Property—ready to leverage policy flexibility for maximum client benefit.
Understanding the Current Landscape
Edinburgh City Council has implemented a mandatory short-term let (STL) licensing system effective from October 2022, requiring all hosts to obtain a licence before letting. This applies to all STL categories: secondary letting, home letting, home sharing, or a hybrid of these models.
The primary goals of the scheme are to improve safety standards, reduce disruption in communities, and control the proliferation of short-term rentals in key areas.
Flexible Options: Temporary Licences and Exemptions
To accommodate seasonal demand and part-time hosts, the council introduced two important mechanisms:
Temporary Licence – Up to 6 Weeks
Ideal for hosts testing the STL model or capitalizing on high demand events, a temporary licence permits short-term letting for up to six weeks.
Key features:
- Streamlined process with reduced documentation compared to full licences.
- No requirement for EICR or PAT certificates (as of January 31, 2025), although obtaining them is encouraged.
- Useful for festival periods, trial rentals, or adhoc guest bookings.
Temporary Exemption – Up to 6 Weeks in a 12 Month Period
This exemption permits letting without a full licence during specified times, such as:
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe
- Hogmanay celebrations
- Major sporting events
Multiple exemptions can be used in a year, provided the total doesn’t exceed six weeks.
Special Advantage for HMO Licence Holders
Here’s where the policy really opens doors: HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) licence holders can apply for a temporary short-term let licence at a significantly reduced fee—just £120.
This represents:
- A substantial saving compared to standard STL fees (typically £250+).
- An efficient transition path between long-term and short-term use.
- Simplified compliance, as HMO properties already meet many safety and occupancy standards.
But is it worth it? When we review our short-term let portfolio performance over the course of the year, 40% of reservation revenue is achieved during the months of June, July and August. So yes, it is worth it!
Logan Property: Built for Adaptive Strategy
Logan Property is uniquely positioned to help property owners take full advantage of Edinburgh’s STL policies. Here’s why:
- Dynamic Use Planning
We specialize in properties that flex between long-term occupancy and short-term letting—especially for student lets, professional co-living, and festival season visitors.
- Compliance Expertise
Our team stays up to date with evolving local regulations and ensures seamless navigation of licensing, exemptions, and safety requirements.
- Optimized Revenue Models
By transitioning properties during peak tourism periods—such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—we help clients maximize occupancy and income while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
- HMO Integration
Given our portfolio includes numerous HMO licensed properties, we’re ideally positioned to quickly pivot into temporary STL opportunities using the £120 licensing route. This adaptability offers our clients a low risk, high reward strategy.
Conclusion
Edinburgh’s short-term let licensing regime may seem complex, but within it lies opportunity—especially for those with the flexibility and knowledge to adapt.
Logan Property offers a smart, compliant, and agile approach to property management that aligns with both city policy and market demand. With options like temporary licences, exemptions, and cost effective routes for HMO licence holders, we help our clients make the most of every letting window.
Whether you're a seasoned landlord or a curious host exploring new avenues, the time to be flexible is now—and Logan Property is your perfect partner.
- Details
- Hits: 25
The first recorded competitive high jump was held in Innerleithen, Scotland, in 1827. Back then, the ‘scissors’ approach was used by athletes to clear the bar and the world record was set at 1.575m (5’2). This approach was adapted and modified by athletes over time, from the ‘Eastern cut-off’ (1.97m), the ‘Western Roll’ (2.01m) and the ‘Straddle’ (2.13m).
Then in 1973, with the adoption of raised, softer, cushioned landings, Dick Fosbury introduced the world to the ‘Fosbury Flop’, clearing the bar and landing on his back. This new innovation was quickly adopted by athletes throughout the world, with US athlete Dwight Stones setting a new world record in 1973 at 2.3m. Suddenly the marginal gains achieved in the past seemed anaemic. The Fosbury Flop remains the style used by athletes to this day, with the world record now at 2.45m (a smidge over 8’)!
But the high jump itself has not changed. It has remained a competition in which athletes attempt to jump, leap or otherwise clear a horizontal bar. But the method to do so has evolved, through the relentless pursuit of excellence by athletes, seeking every ounce of competitive advantage they can.
Unlike the high jump, the world of real estate in Scotland has gone through more than its fair share of change and upheaval. Regulatory compliance, legislative changes and evolving consumer demands are just a few of the challenges we all face on a daily basis. Coupled with declining supply of rental property stock and rising costs impacting property sales, we frequently find ourselves in a position of needing to do more, with less.
When I first started in this business, I had little more than a spreadsheet, a little optimism and a lot of hope. And it was enough. Until it wasn’t. Manual systems have their limitations and before long, human error creeps in and oversight places increasing demands on time. In a business that is built on personal relationships, it is counter-productive to be sweating in front of a screen, making sure everything that needs to happen, has happened.
Automating processes as much as possible allows us to scale and grow, and affords us the time to concentrate on what is truly important. From those early, ‘stress-and-spreadsheets’ days, we have adopted many platforms that provide high levels of automation for mundane tasks. Without endorsing any of them, a few of our favourites include PayProp, providing an automated and fully auditable platform for rent payments and transactions. Our short term let portfolio would not be able to function without our property management system, providing guest communication, pricing, calendar integration, amongst many other functions. And our anti-money laundering platform provides rapid background checks and identity verification, when working on residential sales.
All of these systems are transactional in nature. They perform set tasks well, but they lack ‘intelligence’. What does the brave new world of AI have to offer our industry? Common consensus says that any knowledge-based industry will be radically transformed. The introduction of AI commoditises knowledge, makes it available to everyone. And consequently, devalues it. Whilst real estate is not strictly a ‘knowledge economy’ market, it has many aspects that fit the definition. Applying AI to valuation and investment analytics helps informs buyers and sellers alike, as well as predicting emerging market trends and investment opportunities. Many of our legal and compliance requirements can be streamlined and enhanced with the use of AI and customer satisfaction can be improved with the use of tools to respond to routine enquiries, scheduling viewings and recommendations.
AI will undoubtedly commoditise knowledge. It will also be a great leveller, creating an even playing field where small, independent agencies can compete with the larger, multi-branch agencies. It feels oxymoronic – but the adoption of AI driven systems will allow us as real estate professionals to focus on what is truly important in this industry – the personal relationships with landlords, tenants, sellers and buyers. Ours is a people industry. The bar keeps getting set higher and we have the tools to innovate and clear it in our hands.
- Details
- Hits: 30
Logan Property is excited to announce a key addition to its Business Development team with the appointment of Natalie Simpson as Business Development Manager. Natalie will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth across Edinburgh and Central Scotland.
With 25 years of experience in the Edinburgh property market, Natalie brings a wealth of expertise to the team. She has previously served as Head of Sales & Marketing at The Burrell Company and most recently as Managing Director of David Phillips Furniture Scotland.
John Logan, Managing Director of Logan Property, shared his enthusiasm: "This appointment is a fantastic addition to our talented team. Natalie is a well-respected figure in Scotland’s residential market and possesses deep insights into the property landscape. Her extensive experience in sales and marketing across all property tenures makes her the perfect fit to help clients maximise value."
John continued, "Together with Iryna Marteniuk and Viraj Prabhu, Natalie is more than equipped to help us expand our reach and secure new business throughout the region."
Natalie Simpson expressed her excitement: "The diverse, multi-disciplinary nature of Logan Property aligns perfectly with my skill set and experience. I’m thrilled to collaborate with my new colleagues in both residential and lettings, ensuring that our clients and customers enjoy the best possible experience with Logan Property.
Bio:
Natalie is a seasoned, customer-focused and innovative property expert with over 25 years of experience. She’s perfectly positioned to offer top-notch residential and letting sales consultancy across all property types. Outside of work, Natalie is a passionate skier and golfer, with a deep love for the outdoors. One of her standout qualities is her eagerness to embrace new challenges while maintaining her grace and sense of humour, whether times are good or challenging.
- Details
- Hits: 32
Logan Property Announces the Launch of Corporate Lets Scotland: A Premium Solution for Executive Accommodation
Logan Property, a leading name in innovative property solutions, proudly announces the launch of Corporate Lets Scotland, a new service designed to provide high-quality, flexible, and fully serviced accommodation for business travellers, relocation professionals, and corporate clients throughout Scotland.
With an increasing demand for executive-style housing that bridges the gap between short-stay hotels and long-term rentals, Corporate Lets Scotland offers a curated portfolio of premium apartments and homes in Edinburgh. Each property is hand-selected to ensure comfort, convenience, and a home-away-from-home experience for discerning professionals.
“The launch of Corporate Lets Scotland is a strategic expansion that meets the evolving needs of today’s mobile workforce,” said John Logan, Founder and Director of Logan Property. “We’re committed to making corporate travel easier and more comfortable by offering exceptional service and bespoke accommodation options tailored to each client’s unique requirements.”
Key Features of Corporate Lets Scotland:
- Fully furnished, move-in-ready properties
- Central locations with easy access to business hubs
- Flexible rental terms (medium, and extended stays)
- Weekly housekeeping and concierge services options
- High-speed internet, utilities, and dedicated workspace included
Designed for executives, project teams, relocation specialists, and international clients, the service also caters to HR departments and global mobility managers seeking reliable, end-to-end corporate accommodation solutions.
As part of Logan Property’s broader vision, this initiative reinforces the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and client-focused property services. With a deep understanding of the local market and international standards, Corporate Lets Scotland is set to redefine executive letting in the region.
For more information or to explore our properties, visit www.corporateletsscotland.com or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
