Highland happiness

Northern properties are just one reason why the region attracts residents, discovers Kirsty Mcluckie

The Highlands and Islands region is the happiest place to live in the whole of Scotland, according to the Bank of Scotland index published earlier this month.

The area hit the top spot, up from second position in 2018. Those living in the region highlight its rural nature and a strong sense of community as being key to their positive outlook.

According to Strutt and Parker’s Scottish Lifestyle Survey, also published this month, six in ten of those living in the Highlands described their lives variously as happy, scenic, family-orientated, healthy, balanced and tranquil.

Kevin Maley, head of residential agency for Strutt and Parker in Scotland, says: “The hills, glens and dramatic coastline offers a lifestyle that is hard to better in the UK, not to mention a work/life balance that is second to none. We see more and more people making the decision to move from the south of England to make their home in the Highlands.”

Susanna Clark, director of research for Strutt and Parker, adds: “Property prices in Inverness and the Highlands remain resilient due to the relative affordability and desirability of the region.

“Prices in the Highland region stood at £181,531 in April 2019,

according to the latest figures. This is 0.2 per cent higher than the previous month and 3.9 per cent higher than in April last year.

“The top end of the market remains strong, with property priced over £500,000 across the IV postcode selling at an average price of £651,800 in 2018.”

Clark also reports that many Highland properties have recently sold or gone under offer relatively soon after coming on the market, including family homes, rural retreats, coastal cottages and city apartments.

Most residential markets in the region saw a stable or positive trend over the year to April 2019.

Clark concludes: “As services, infrastructure, employment opportunities, amenities and broadband connectivity continue to improve, the appeal of the Highland region continues to strengthen.”

Six in ten of those living there described their lives as happy, scenic, family-orientated, healthy, balanced and tranquil