THE VOICE OF PROPERTY

RESEARCH undertaken by Bank of Scotland highlights the financial advantages of living outside of cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh and commuting to work.

For example, a 30-minute commute into Edinburgh (from places such as North Berwick, Dunbar, Livingston, Falkirk and Bathgate) could save homebuyers over £80,671 and a 60-minute commute £82,088. For Glasgow, significant savings can be had closer still, just 15 minutes from the city in Paisley, where buyers can expect to pay £124,319 or 29 per cent less than the average house in Glasgow city centre.

Interestingly, the bank singles out Greenock in Inverclyde, where the average house price is £114,108, as the most affordable commuter town for Glasgow. Inverclyde also takes in Gourock, Port Glasgow, Inverkip, Kilmacolm and Wemyss Bay, which gives commuters a wide range of lifestyle options from villages to large towns.

Statistics reveals that for the first time, the number of people moving to Inverclyde is higher than those leaving – and according to a council spokesperson, three City Deal projects at Inchgreen and Ocean Terminal in Greenock and a potential site at Inverkip, will further promote repopulation. The council has released seven serviced plots for sale on the edge of Kilmacolm, the most sought after location in Inverclyde. They are priced at offers over £99,000, details from Slater Hogg & Howison in Bridge of Weir.