The 25th issue of the quarterly report from Citylets – Scotland’s leading lettings portal – shows that in the first quarter of 2013 average monthly rents in Scotland rose by 1.7% over the year. While this slight increase in rents does not match the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation (2.8%), landlords will at least be pleased that there was an increase.  In the same period, Registers of Scotland recently reported that average sale prices for flats in Scotland were down by 1.7% which indicates a general improvement in rental yields.

Read the rest of this entry »

I should start this article with a quick confession – I’m a geek and a recovering gadget-aholic. I’m instantly drawn to anything that promises to make my life easier, and even more so if it’s a bit clever and eco-friendly, and ideally also free.

Read the rest of this entry »

With a 63 per cent rise in fuel bills since 2008, lots of us are looking for alternatives to oil and gas. Wood burning stoves are obviously popular as they take some of the control away from utility firms and back to your own resources. And nowadays, the good old-fashioned wood stove doesn’t have to look old-fashioned. Modern designs and technology mean they can look as trendy as you like and also work very efficiently.

Read the rest of this entry »

Lothian and Borders’ ‘hottest’ postcodes – those with the highest number of house fires – have just been revealed as part of a national campaign to encourage people to have working smoke alarms in the home.
Read the rest of this entry »

Did you know that this is Big Energy Saving Week?

Big Energy Saving Week, 22-27 October, aims to help people save on their fuel bills through advice about energy saving measures and about the different deals available from  different suppliers. Run by Citizens Advice in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust, the Government and consumer groups, the national campaign week provides practical advice on managing energy bills.

Read the rest of this entry »

Forget breathtaking views of the Highlands – what most house-buyers really want is a fast and reliable broadband service, according to a new survey of Scottish home-hunters.

Read the rest of this entry »