Scottish Borders Rental Market Update: Spring 2026

The Scottish Borders rental market is experiencing a quiet but significant shift. Here's our snapshot of where things stand heading into spring 2026.

Average rents by town

Based on listings across the Scottish Borders:

• Galashiels: 1-bed flat £375–£525; 2-bed house £550–£750
• Hawick: 1-bed flat £325–£475; 2-bed house £475–£650
• Kelso: 1-bed flat £475–£650; 2-bed house £650–£900
• Melrose: 1-bed flat £500–£675; 2-bed house £700–£950
• Peebles: 1-bed flat £525–£700; 2-bed house £750–£1,000
• Jedburgh: 1-bed flat £400–£550; 2-bed house £550–£750
• Selkirk: 1-bed flat £375–£500; 2-bed house £525–£700

For comparison, the average 1-bed flat in the Scottish Borders now costs £950–£1,200 per month — roughly double the Borders equivalent. A 2-bed house in the Scottish Borders starts around £1,200, compared to £550–£750 in Galashiels.

The remote worker effect

The most significant trend in the Borders rental market over the past three years has been increasing demand from remote workers. People who previously needed to live near their the Scottish Borders or London offices are now choosing the Borders for its affordability, space, and quality of life.

This is most visible in towns with good broadband and transport links. Peebles, Melrose, and Galashiels have all seen above-average rent increases, driven partly by incomers willing to pay more than locals. Rents in Peebles have risen approximately 12% over the past two years — still a bargain compared to the Scottish Borders, but a meaningful increase for those already living there.

Supply and demand

Rental stock in the Borders has always been limited compared to urban areas. The region has a higher proportion of owner-occupied and agricultural housing, and fewer purpose-built rental properties. Key trends:

• Family homes with gardens remain the most in-demand property type, with good examples letting within days.
• Flats in Galashiels and Hawick are the easiest to find and offer the best value.
• Rural cottages and farmhouses appear sporadically and attract intense interest — often from people relocating from cities.
• Holiday let conversions: some properties in tourist-heavy areas like Melrose and Kelso are being used as holiday lets rather than long-term rentals, reducing available stock.

What to expect this summer

The Borders market doesn't have the same dramatic seasonal swings as the Scottish Borders' student-driven market, but summer is still the busiest period for moves. Tips for finding a property:

• Set up alerts: use our property alerts to be notified when new listings match your search criteria.
• Be ready to act: have references, ID, and proof of income prepared in advance.
• Look beyond the main towns: villages like Innerleithen, Lauder, Coldstream, and Earlston can offer excellent value with a short drive to amenities.
• Check broadband before committing: speeds vary enormously across the Borders. Verify at the specific address level.

Browse the latest properties to rent in the Scottish Borders, or explore our neighbourhood guides to compare different towns and areas.