Buying, selling or renting a home? A new estate agent & property management company comes to West of Edinburgh
It’s a genuine homecoming for the man behind a new estate agency in Edinburgh. We find out what he’s bringing back from his travels and how he sees a better future for buyers, sellers and landlords.
Ryan Blair grew up in the west of Edinburgh so setting up Highlight Sales & Property Management here was a real return to his roots. But he’s coming home with a host of fresh perspectives and 15 years’ experience working in the UK and overseas.
“I’ve spent over 15 years in property sales, lettings, and management across the UK and internationally, and I’ve seen first-hand how the sector can perform better for buyers, sellers, and landlords,” he said.
His experience is wide-ranging – from selling high-end investment properties in Dubai to increasing the affordable housing stock in the north of England. It’s a diverse career, and he brings something from all aspects of it to his new venture.
He wants Highlight to offer a more personal, transparent and modern approach, he says. One that combines professional marketing with genuine community focus.
Highlight’s purpose is broader: to raise standards, to improve the customer journey, to help guide housebuilders, and to support the delivery of more homes. – Ryan Blair
Opportunities and expertise
Ryan started out in lettings in Edinburgh, and set up KnightBain Letting Agents in 2011. Two years later he seized the chance to move to Dubai, where he specialised in new house sales and rentals becoming Head of Sales at Sotheby’s International Realty.
Returning to the UK he worked at Savills in Manchester, in residential development consultancy and most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for an affordable housing provider, overseeing the acquisition of over 500 modern homes across the north of England.
What makes Highlight stand out?
That diverse experience is a key factor in what is offered now, combined with a passion to realise a long-term ambition to play a part in shaping communities, not just homes.
“Highlight brings together my experience over the past 15 years. The journey has given me a deep understanding of what works well and what doesn’t, which feeds directly into Highlight’s approach,” says Ryan.
In the short term he wants to establish the business as a trusted agency for sales and property management, with a reputation for professionalism and results.
“We combine modern marketing with a hands-on approach to ensure your home reaches the right audience, whether that’s buyers looking for their future home or tenants searching for a well-managed rental. At the same time, we never lose sight of the basics – good communication, honest advice, and keeping you informed at every step,” he said.
Over the medium term, he wants Highlight to expand its support for housebuilders and landlords, particularly in the delivery of new build, affordable and build-to-rent or mid-market rent homes.
Ultimately, I want to transition from being solely an agency to owning and managing housing stock, contributing directly to the supply of affordable homes in Scotland – Ryan Blair
Initially there will be a specialist focus on the sale, rental and management of new and modern homes. Highlight follows a tailored, data-led approach that ensures every property reaches the right target audience.
What property services are offered now?
The list of services currently offered by Highlight includes:
- Residential sales and lettings, with a particular expertise in modern homes of EPC rating C+.
- Full property management for landlords, ensuring assets are well managed and maintained and a positive tenant experience.
- Sales and marketing consultancy for housebuilders, supporting delivery across a range of tenures including open market sales and affordable housing.
Looking to buy or sell in West Edinburgh?
“If you’re a homeowner or landlord considering selling or renting your home West of Edinburgh, please get in touch. Our aim is to make the process clear, efficient, and focused on getting results – in short, we’re here to Highlight your property in the best possible way,” says Ryan.
“We are actively seeking properties for sale and rent across Broxburn, Winchburgh, Ratho, Kirkliston, and South Queensferry.
“As a newly launched agency, we are also offering reduced fees to early supporters of our business who list their home with Highlight before the end of September – giving you even greater value from your sale or rental.
Visit www.highlight.scot for more information and to book a free no obligation property appraisal. You can also call or WhatsApp 03300 438944.