Our research shows that Scottish estates are changing, both in terms of structure and occupancy. The change is not restricted to Scotland, with a similar pattern of change also taking place south of the border.

Figures indicate proactive management of the structure and scale of the property portfolios which has led to increased income and reduced risk. This has been achieved by disposing of assets that are poor-performing (tertiary land and residential properties) and generating new income streams, such as developing commercial workspace and diversifying into alternative enterprises.

There have been significant changes to occupancy in the agricultural and residential portfolios – a shift from traditional and regulated occupancy to in-hand/contracting and to tenancies at market rents. The result of negotiated renunciations has led to traditional tenancies coming back in-hand allowing a reallocation of these assets often to the next generation of tenants or contract farmers on larger, more viable units.

^{Source: Savills Research}