Landlords in Scotland warned about year-long wait for repossessions
Summary
Landlords in Scotland are reportedly facing long delays of eight to 12 months to obtain possession orders through the housing tribunal, with legal costs potentially reaching around £10,000 before cases are resolved. The article says these delays, alongside rising costs and regulation, are contributing to some landlords selling up and reducing rental supply.
Why it matters
This is relevant to residential property surveyors because prolonged repossession delays can affect rental market stability, landlord decision-making and local housing supply. It also provides context for valuation and investment risk in the private rented sector, particularly in Scotland.
Key points
- Landlords may wait up to a year for a tribunal hearing to regain possession.
- Legal costs can reach around £10,000 before a case is resolved.
- Delays and rising regulatory pressure are prompting some landlords to sell properties.
- Scottish landlord groups say average tribunal decision times have increased since 2019.
- Reduced landlord participation may tighten rental supply.
This is an RPSA summary of a publicly available article. The full content remains with the original publisher.
