MORE than a dozen people are asking to view each property in Helensburgh as the market remains challenging for renters.

Letting agents in the town reported that some homes are getting 20 or more viewings as the Scottish average is now up to 27 per property.

That's up from the 2019 average of just eight as there is more competition for fewer spots in the market.

Scotland was second only to north-west of England, with the UK average at 20.

Jenni Beavis, branch manager at Property Bureau in Helensburgh, said demand was high particularly for flats and in the town centre.

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She said: "We're looking at around 20-plus viewers for each and maybe five or six apply.

"It's very busy and rents are increasing. We're getting people going in for multiple properties.

"Some are maybe taking what's not quite right. There is a shortage of available properties in the town.

"There's not enough movment - a lot of people are staying longer.

"And the cost of living is having a big impact on the market.

"And landlords selling, and increased legislation and costs for landlords, and mortgages. And landlords are seeing the returns they saw in the past."

Victoria Bowe, letting agent at McArthur Stanton, said they got an average of 10 to 12 viewers per property, but most ended up applying.

She said the level of competition was much the same as in recent years, but the level of rent had gone up.

"With Faslane and families moving around, the rental market has always been quite fast-paced," she said.

"Higher end properties tend to take longer to go. Lower rents tend to be more popular.

"We help people find what they're looking for. Thankfully we have had a study turnaround of properties in Helensburgh. There does seeem to be a steady flow."

National figures were first reported by BBC News after commissioning Rightmove to examine its data from May 2023.