Growing demand for a room of one’s own

Builders are catering for a rise in the number of singletons, finds Kirsty Mcluckie

The number of people living in single households is on the rise and house builders are aiming to meet the demand from those who, like Greta Garbo, want to be alone.

According to Registrars of Scotland figures, Scotland could have one million single-person households by 2024 if population trends continue.

By 2039, half the homes in the country could be occupied by a singleton.

The rise is, in part, explained by Scotland’s ageing population, but also by the number of younger people choosing to live alone, particularly in cities.

The trend is evident in Edinburgh and Glasgow, home to the largest number of students and graduate employees in Scotland.

Buyers at this level tend to be looking for choice, a flexible home – perhaps with two bedrooms rather than one, to accommodate guests, a gym or homeworking, and to future-proof their purchase – and features such as low maintenance, energy efficiency and easy access to the city centres.

Pricing is sensitive, because a singleperson household will not be sharing bills as a couple or family might, so affordability for the target market will be important.

Robertson Residential has just launched Living by Robertson to target the single-person market at its first development of two-bedroomed apartments at Quayside, Ferry Village, in Renfrew.

The brand will aim to offer contemporary apartments with quality specifications including ensuite facilities and parking, in locations close to good amenities and transport links to those buying solo, first-time buyers and downsizers.

Managing director of Living by Robertson Martin Findlay said: “This is an exciting milestone for Living as we launch our first development.”

The homes will be part of the wider redevelopment of the area and offer a choice of apartment styles.

Findlay said: “Buyers can choose from three distinct styles with quality finishes and materials and the apartments can be customised to buyers’ own specification with quality extras.”

Quayside is the Living by Robertson brand’s first development.

Some of the apartments have waterside views and all are a short walk of the amenities at Intu Braehead and Soar.

The location is also within easy commuting distance of Glasgow and the surrounding area, with both transport links and access to the M8 close by.

A show apartment is now open and the sales suite is open from Thursday to Monday. Findlay said: “We look forward to welcoming anyone keen to live in this enviable location on the revitalised Clyde.

“Quayside at Ferry Village offers the best in waterside living.

“It is within easy commuting distance of Glasgow and a short walk from Braehead’s shops, restaurants and entertainment.”

Each apartment offers two bedrooms, and two bathrooms or shower rooms, one of which is ensuite, and all flats come with parking.

Buyers can choose from open-plan living in a Barcelona apartment type or having a separate kitchen, and living and dining area in an Athens type.

The Berlin is the largest apartment type with 740sq ft of living space.

All apartments feature Lamona appliances in the kitchen and a choice of quality Porcelanosa tiles in the bathrooms.

Prices at Quayside at Ferry Village start from £132,995.