Citylets says the third quarter of 2021 will likely be remembered as a "unique period" where demand for property to rent was simultaneously high in all regions covered by its market reports.
Adrian Sangster, leasing director at Aberdein Considine, said: "When commenting on the market, I feel like a broken record - high demand, low stock.
"Post-lockdown, we experienced a 100% increase of inquiries from people looking for properties across Scotland - especially family-sized homes. This demand has continued throughout quarter three.
"With insufficient properties to meet demand, it leaves many people feeling upset and frustrated because they can't find a home.
"The private rented sector in Scotland is the most heavily regulated in the UK, therefore is a matter of deep concern to hear increased anti-landlord rhetoric from the Scottish Government coalition.
"If this continues, I fear many landlords will leave the sector - reducing further the choice of properties available."
Demand
Citylets says that what began as a resurgence of tenant demand late in Q2 2021 quickly evolved into what many letting agents in Scotland described as simply the strongest and most sustained period of lettings activity on record.
In its market overview for Q3, the portal states: "Stock levels in Scotland plummeted a full 65% over the quarter.
"Major cities, satellite towns and rural locations all posted positive annual growth of up to more than 10%.
"Larger properties, in general, continued to fare best with three and four-bed homes posting annual growth of 8.4% and 5.8% respectively - driving the Scottish average up 4.7% year-on-year to a new all-time high of £906 per month.
"Demand was rekindled across all property types and sizes with additional late demand from students returning to their university cities for in-person learning.
"The pace of the market accelerated dramatically, down 14 days on average for Scotland-wide average time-to-let (TTL) of just 27 days.
"Three and four-bed properties in Glasgow and Aberdeen let a full three weeks faster than last year.
"Property to rent in Edinburgh rose on average by 1.6% - ending its run of rental retraction over the five previous quarters to now emerge at a new all-time high."
Capital gains
The average property in Edinburgh lets for £1,157 per month and takes 30 days to let - down 16 on last year.
TTLs in commuter-belt areas continue to fall, most notably in West Lothian where the average TTL is just 12 days.
Rental growth in Glasgow continues to accelerate, up 10.3% to £928 monthly. Demand, already underpinned by strong fundamentals, will likely have received a further boost from the upcoming COP26 summit.
Demand in Aberdeen is evident, in particular through much-reduced TTLs for the larger three and four-bed properties - down 21 and 27 days on last year.
Citylets continues: "Whilst minimal rental growth was recorded for the city as a whole - at 0.1% to £715 a month - the reductions in TTL and anecdotal reports for good demand for quality properties suggest positive annual growth across more local markets in the future as oil prices rise whilst the Granite City simultaneously positions itself as a future centre for renewable energy.
"Dundee, as per Scotland's other major cities, witnessed strong demand relative to supply for all property types recorded.
"Property to rent in Dundee averages £707 per month, up 11.7% on last year."
