Are you contemplating a house move in Scotland? Obviously, many factors come into play when choosing where to live but, for a bit of fun, here are some location ideas that might suit if...
1. ...you like cycling
Scotland's wide open spaces make it ideal for cyclists. Pretty much nowhere is a bad spot, unless it's the very centre of one of the largest cities but, to narrow it down, look at the list kept by VisitScotland, on their website. Alternatively, your local cycling club is bound to have some ideas. Our top picks are Shetland (1000 miles of well-maintained roads, low traffic levels and, of course, incredible scenery) and Aberdeenshire for its Formartine and Buchan Way (a 53 mile trail along the line of an old railway). Outside of Aberdeen itself, property in Aberdeenshire is more affordable than many other places in the country. Average sold property prices currently stand at just below Ł207,000.
2. ...you like golf
There's really only one answer to this "conundrum", and that is, of course, St Andrews. Needless to say, you'll need pretty deep pockets if you want to move to this attractive, small, seafront city. Last year, prices in the city averaged just above Ł549,000 - and this represents a slight fall on figures from the previous year. Flats are the most affordable property option, selling at an average figure of around Ł307,000.
3. ...you like winter sports
Scotland has five ski resorts, but Glencoe Mountain probably tops the list. As well as the fantastic summit views (when the weather allows), the resort consistently enjoys the best snow out of all the resorts. Most skiers are visitors, but a hard core live locally. If you fancy joining their number, the nearest major town is Fort William, around a 30 minute drive away. Average sold property prices in the town are currently Ł207,487, which represents a slight drop on the previous year's figure.
4. ...you have a small budget
Inverclyde's Greenock Upper Central currently holds the laurels for Scotland's most affordable property. Homes here currently sell for an average of Ł115,616. Ayrshire is another location to check out. Although prices here are a little higher than those in Greenock, it regularly features in "most affordable" lists while also having a reputation for good employment opportunities and a family friendly lifestyle.
5. ...you need easy access to national and international transport links
The international airports in Edinburgh or Glasgow make the obvious options if you need access to international transport links. If you're happy with road links, the Borders are an option worth exploring, while the country's excellent rail links bring most cities and major towns into play (rail strikes notwithstanding).
6. ...you want to be a great school catchment
Scotland's tight school catchment system drives competition for property in the catchments of the most desirable schools. Assuming money is no object and you're ready to leap on a suitable property pronto, top secondary school catchments to consider include Glasgow's Jordanhill School (in the affluent West End of the city), Bearsden Academy in East Dunbartonshire, St. Ninian's Academy in East Renfrewshire (note that East Renfrewshire has more than the one top-rated secondary school) and Cults Academy in Aberdeen City. With the exception of property in Aberdeen City, which, on average, is cheaper, you can expect to pay at least Ł300,000 for a typical home in any of these catchments.
7. ...you don't drive
Edinburgh and Glasgow are both excellent options for the non-driver, with Edinburgh perhaps just pipping Glasgow to the post, thanks to its highly rated Lothian buses.
8. ...you want to be alone
With 93 inhabited islands plus the whole of the Scottish highlands (population density of just 8 people per square kilometre), Scotland has no shortage of places to make like Greta Garbo and "be alone". Many of these places will inevitably involve living a long way from the nearest shop or other facilities and a willingness to embrace life off mains' utility supply services. If the prospect of being snowed in for winter or of potentially having to send your children to weekly boarding school when they reach secondary age, you could consider Knoydart or Applecross in the Highlands, Papa Westray in Orkney, Unst or Foula in the Shetland Islands, or just about anywhere in the Outer Hebrides. The remoteness and low population levels of most of these places usually pose additional challenges when it comes to finding property, not least of which is the need to wait (potentially a long time) for something suitable to come onto the market or up for rent.
9. ...you like culture
Both Edinburgh and Glasgow are internationally renowned for their cultural offerings. If you're after traditional Scottish culture and history in general, you might prefer Edinburgh, with its ancient castle, Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Malt Whisky Society. Glasgow definitely takes the crown when it comes to nightlife, and it also offers an impressive range of museums and art galleries. Back in Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Festival is one of the city's biggest draws. If finances are a consideration, although both cities have very expensive property hotspots, overall, Glasgow is more affordable. It's also worth noting that excellent rail links mean that it's easy to live in one city and yet still make full use of the facilities of the other one.
10. ...money is no object
Scotland's most expensive properties are almost always going to be some of its famous sporting estates. For example, the Glenlochay Estate in Perthshire sold for Ł4.2 million in 2019. For their money, the buyers got 12,800 acres plus all the associated sporting rights - but only a two bedroom house! Then there's the one-time favourite of Mary Queen of Scots, Seton Castle in East Lothian. This 13 bedroom Georgian castle sold for over Ł8 million in 2022.
Back in more urban areas, Edinburgh tops the list of Scotland's priciest property locales. Of course, prices vary widely across the city, with central Edinburgh's Ann Street taking the prize of the street with the most expensive homes.
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