Rural retreats from the Dear Green Place

Buyers priced out of the Glasgow market can get a lot more for their money in Ayrshire, discovers Kirsty Mcluckie

Galbraith has published its quarterly report into the Ayrshire market, which shows property sales are being boosted by extremely strong demand for residential property in Glasgow.

The figures show rising numbers seeking property in neighbouring Ayrshire, where fourth quarter sales for 2018 were up 54 per cent year-on-year.

The average time taken to sell a property in the region has fallen by 29 per cent, compared with the same quarter 12 months earlier.

Bob Cherry, head of residential sales and lettings for Galbraith in Ayrshire, says: “We are seeing very strong demand and continued consumer confidence in Ayrshire. Sales have exceeded our expectations and it seems that this market upswing is related to the strength of the Glasgow market – particularly the Southside.

“Buyers in the Glasgow suburbs have found that the market is moving so quickly they are missing out because houses are selling before they can put in an offer.”

Cherry observes that prices in affluent parts of Glasgow are still rising, despite already being significantly higher than most parts of Ayrshire.

“The cumulative effect is that many people seeking to buy in Glasgow have widened their search area to include Northern and Eastern Ayrshire, plus properties within easy reach of the A77.”

Affordability and lifestyle opportunities are a major attraction. Cherry adds: “Anyone with a budget of £450,000 for a property in the Southside of Glasgow is pleasantly surprised by the type of property they can afford here – often a lovely country home with some land.”

Buyers moving out of the city are also increasing making offers on a country property before selling their Glasgow home, such is the confidence in the market. As a result of this, more Ayrshire properties are being sold at a closing date after attracting competing bids.

An example for what can be achieved on the budget of a modest city centre apartment is The Smiddy in the small village of Waterside in East Ayrshire.

Priced at £275,000, it was built in 1871 and has four bedrooms, four public rooms and a large walled garden. Much of the original character and charm of the property has been retained, including exposed stone walls and beams.

Despite its rural location, Waterside is a popular base for commuters to Glasgow and offers access to the city centre via the M77 in under 30 minutes.

Robb Residential is selling the remaining two apartments in an award-winning conversion of an A-listed mansion, Dunlop Manor by the village of the same name. Priced at £249,000 the homes have an exceptional finish and share beautiful communal grounds.

Causewayhead Farmhouse on the outskirts of Stewarton, near Kilmarnock, is set over 2,900sq ft with a good-sized garden. The accommodation is flexible, with four or five bedrooms, and feature double-height ceilings, mezzanine levels and a balcony.

The location has the advantage of Stewarton station nearby for commuters.