It’s perfectly average
At £150k, this ‘typical’ house is great value for money, says Paul Drury
figures released this week show the ‘average’ scottish home now costs just under £150,000. But what does that buy you across the country? in city hotspots such as edinburgh and glasgow’s West end, it would probably extend no further than a one-bedroom flat.
But venture out of the big cities and you will discover that £150,000 can go a long, long way in the current housing market.
it is a curious twist of the taxation system that within our new form of stamp duty, the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, this price range is close to the bottom of the rate scale, so not ‘average’ at all.
it means that someone buying a £150,000 property would pay only 2 per cent on the amount over the £145,000 threshold at which you start to pay – a bargain £100.
With mortgage interest rates at record lows, there probably hasn’t been a better time in recent years to dive into home ownership.
Lynsey sheridan may be selling a house at the ‘average’ price but to her, this £150,000 three-bed semi is anything but ‘run of the mill’. The property is in Blairhall, Fife, between Dunfermline and Kincardine – a village as close to the concept of Middle scotland as you can get. glasgow and edinburgh are an hour’s commute away.
Miss sheridan said: ‘What i love about this house is the quality of everything. When i bought the house new from Lomond Homes, the standard of the fixtures and fittings was outstanding.
‘i mean, who can buy a new house now with a four-piece bathroom including whirlpool bath included as standard... no optional extra charge?
‘From the Karndean flooring, and the driveway that accommodates two cars, to the massive family garden and separate dining room for that special Christmas get-together, this really is a beautiful modern home situated in a friendly, quiet village that i will miss a lot.’ she didn’t mention the three bedrooms, which immediately make it the perfect fit for a growing family. Alternatively, the home would suit a professional couple who occasionally have friends and family to stay.
As the fixtures and fittings are relatively new, there is really no need for a massive upgrade when the buyer turns the key.
selling agent Michael Maloco, of Maloco & Associates, recognises the excellent buying power in this part of scotland. ‘The £150,000 price tag in this area generally buys a good three-bed semi, which is the single most popular property type we sell,’ he said.
‘if you look at the nuclear family of mum, dad and two kids, this is exactly the kind of house which is not only attractive but affordable too.’