KEYS TO KNOW

Coastal homes in picturesque Argyll attract buyers from across the UK, finds Kirsty Mcluckie

You can’t put a price on a view, as the saying goes. But for value for money on some of the most impressive outlooks in Scotland, you would be hard pressed to beat the West Coast.

With a spectacular coastline, sheltered harbours, stunning islands and hills and lochs galore, the most sought-after homes attract buyers from all over the UK and beyond.

Nicky Archibald, of estate agency Galbraith, says the most requested aspect of a home in Argyll and the Isles is an outlook over water. “Certainly it is what most people are looking for, but accessibility is also crucial.”

Having said that, Archibald says, with flexible working and improvements in technology, it isn’t just retirees or those looking for a rural business that are considering a move west.

“In the last few years we have seen a move away from selling to retirees and those looking for a holiday home, to those who can work from home, or perhaps only need to be in the office a couple of days a week.

“There are definitely more people looking for a permanent home in the area.”

The property market on the West Coast has experienced a strong start to the year with a surge in both the supply and demand of high-quality homes according to figures from Galbraith.

During the first quarter of the year the firm’s regional agents for Argyll, for instance, handled more than double the number of offers compared to the corresponding period of 2016.

There was also a rise in the number of new property applications and healthy buyer activity at all price levels which appears set to continue.

Cameron Ewer, of Savills, thinks that buyers with aspirations to own a rural home in Scotland who may have been holding off due the political situation north of the border are now coming forward.

He says: “Our stats show that 60 per cent of buyers of Scottish rural property in the last 12 months came from outside Scotland, showing a real confidence returning to the market.

“While homes in places accessible to the Central Belt, such as Helensburgh, are selling phenomenally well, there are plenty of more isolated properties going to a closing date too.

“A waterside location is very popular and I think those buying from outside Scotland really hanker after a romantic outlook, which the West Coast can offer.”

Ewer says the weakness of the pound is persuading expat Scots to invest now for the future.

“They may be looking for a place to use as a holiday home for the first few years, which they can then retire to.”

Value for money is key. Archibald says: “If you are moving from further away, from London for example, the comparison of what you get for your money makes a great deal of sense.

“In some of the more isolated places, you may have to compromise on some of the conveniences of every day life, but people are willing to make that trade off.

“Small close knit communities are popular.

“Somewhere like Oban, for example, will mean you are in a good central spot to explore the whole area.” Where is it: Grove, Tighnabruaich, Argyll and Bute. What is it: A five-bedroomed detached Victorian villa with views out across the Kyles of Bute. Good points: The stunning location gives sea views from all the public rooms which have been reconfigured on the first floor. Plenty of period details such as the cornicing, stained glass and panelled shutters. Contemporary kitchen and bathrooms. Location is right on the seafront in a thriving West Coast village. Bad points: It is quite a large undertaking for a holiday home, but could be shared between two families or would make a good holiday let. Price: Offers over £395,000. Contact: Savills on 0141 222 5875..