The Herald - The Herald Magazine
THE VOICE OF PROPERTY
AT the beginning of January it seemed there was a real possibility some estate agents would run out of properties to sell due to the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand. A month later, supply appears to be picking up, but property professionals are urging homeowners who may be planning a move to act now and take advantage of selling in a less competitive market.
MEANWHILE, the shortage of properties on the established market has been good news for the new build sector, which has been enjoying strong demand, particularly in Scotland’s largest cities. Last year Savills’ reports transaction levels in Edinburgh and Glasgow rose more than 16 per cent above the pre-pandemic level – and the firm says this trend is set to continue in 2022. Pamela Aitken, of Savills’ new homes team in Glasgow, comments: “City apartments are back in demand generally and the ‘fixed price’ element of buying a new build home is appealing, especially to those young buyers who have missed out in bidding wars for second hand properties.”
North Kelvin, the latest architecturally significant heritage development of 85 homes in Glasgow’s West End, is a case in point. On the run up to Christmas Savills moved in 17 new owners to the final phase of this development and only have nine apartments left, all of which are ready to move in to for a fixed price of £219,995. These high spec two bedroomed apartments all have allocated parking – some also have private gardens – and represent real value for money.
ENERGY efficiency, combined with familyfriendly layouts, is a key driver for buyers at Allanwater Chryston, a development of 68 three, four and five-bedroomed properties by Allanwater Homes – located just two miles from the M80 and an easy commute to Glasgow – where the last property for sale in the current release is a four-bedroomed detached Fintry house style, priced at £309,995.
“This last Fintry is perfect for buyers seeking a modern, eco friendly home with plenty of space for a growing family,” says Cheryl McGeever, sales and marketing manager for Allanwater Homes.