THE VOICE OF PROPERTY

WHAT draws people to one particular region rather than another can be down to many things, including proximity to family and personal preference.

However local improvements, including greater connectivity, can also give a boost to regional housing markets, as identified recently by statistics from independent property consultancy, Galbraith.

According to the firm, the expansion of the RAF base at Lossiemouth is set to further augment the rise in interest and activity in Moray, coupled with the area’s other benefits, such as comparatively affordable housing and quality of lifestyle. Galbraith reports an 80 per cent increase in property sales year-on-year.

In Aberdeenshire, the opening of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) is tipped to offer a boost to the property sector in the North East and Hannah Christiansen of Galbraith in Aberdeen, reveals the last quarter saw an increase in sales of over 66 per cent – primarily rural homes at the higher end of the market. “The opening of the AWPR will open up the whole region and desirable homes that were perhaps in more isolated locations will now be within commuting distance of the city.”

At the opposite end of the country, scenic and cultural attractions and traditions, scenic landscapes, lifestyle benefits, and improved road and rail links continue to stamp the Scottish Borders as an aspirational place to live. Ron Hastings, head of property at Hastings Legal, based in Kelso, Duns and Selkirk, comments: “The latest figures confirm our experience with sales strengthening and strong demand exerting a positive pressure on prices. The desire to escape to the country and cash in equity are likely to remain a driving force for some time – and helping to close the gap between prices north and south of the border.”