The increase in prospective tenants in the region has led to properties disappearing quickly from the lettings market and demand outstripping supply.

Aaron Edgar, letting agent at CKD Galbraith’s Castle Douglas office, said: “The lettings market in Dumfries and Galloway has, in recent month, experienced a steady level of growth and increased demand for good quality rural homes, ideally with small plots of land.

“Tenants are typically looking for long-term homes rather than stop gaps and demand continues to outstrip supply across the region. Family homes in areas such as Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright are particularly popular and can attract multiple offers.

“For example, the Castle Douglas office recently handled the let of Hillend in Dalry near Castle Douglas. This was an architect designed home with stunning views, over ten acres of land and stables. Suitable tenants were found within two week after the property received eight viewings and five applications.

“It is predominantly locally-based prospective tenants who are the most active within the Dumfries and Galloway lettings market. So far this year, we are seeing more local families moving and upsizing within the area than tenants coming from outwith the region. With the sales market still very challenging for first time buyers and even second time buyers, we are experiencing a shift in focus amongst young couples and families opting to get the house they need now by renting rather than waiting for the opportunity to buy.

“However, the firm has also encountered increasing interest from south of the border from people looking to move to the area and who are willing to rent for up to a year until finding the right property.”

CKD Galbraith’s Castle Douglas office offers landlords a very competitive rental management package tailored explicitly to suit each individual landlord’s needs.