SCOTLAND’S VOICE OF PROPERTY ROUNDS UP THE WEEK’S NEWS –

PROPERTY statistics are seldom an enjoyable read but Bank of Scotland’s latest research turned up trumps by using the 2018 World Cup to illustrate the difference in average house prices in Scottish towns and cities since 1998, the last time Scotland competed in the World Cup. Back then the average house price in Scotland was £63,559 – now it stands at £174,712, an increase of 175 per cent. Looking at location winners and losers, Bellshill is now the least expensive town in Scotland, despite prices having doubled. A home in the town today would cost an average of £100,517, still well up on £49,225 back in 1998.

Edinburgh, which was eighth most expensive place to buy a home back then at an average cost of £77,257 has jumped up to claim the second slot at an average cost of £246,063 – the biggest jump in house prices. Fife has seen some of the biggest increases. In 1998 there were four Fife towns in the 10 cheapest locations (Lochgelly, Leven, Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy) whereas now there are none and Lochgelly has seen prices treble.

However, Inverness tops the scoreboard with an impressive 259 per cent rise. And a pint of lager to drown Scotland’s sorrows in 1998 cost £1.89 – today it would be nearly double. Cheers!

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

OFF-PLAN sales at one of Scotland’s most prestigious developments have hit £7.7 million, six months ahead of its official onsite launch. Eight of the 84 apartments at the The Crescent by CALA Homes (East), a glass-fronted curve on the 18-acre grounds of the former William Playfair-designed Donaldson’s College, have been reserved.

LITTLE GEM

THIS week I have spotted an immaculately presented two bedroomed terraced cottage in Waterside, 11 miles from Ayr. In mint condition, it has an open-plan living/ dining room, kitchen with access to the rear garden, two bedrooms and bathroom. There is also a floored and lined attic room, central heating and double-glazing … a gem at offers over £59,950 with Donald Ross in Ayr.

The luxurious development circles the former Donaldson’s College in Edinburgh