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Residential

Perthshire’s housing market is strengthening

Q4 2017

The Scottish housing market has been hit hard by the changes to property tax in recent years, but in Perth and the surrounding area, the market is improving.

Sometimes called the “Gateway to the Highlands”, Perthshire is one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland. Stunning countryside, easy access to the Scottish mountains and good transport links make it a popular place for homebuyers.

Perthshire’s housing market

Hamish Spencer-Nairn, Head of our Perth office, explains why it’s holding its own in Scotland’s housing market. “Perth has always been an attractive, sought-after part of Scotland and the prices reflect that. There is a strong demand, particularly for mid-range properties, whilst the top end, like all of Scotland, is a little more price sensitive.”

Traditional, stone-built houses are particularly sought after and sell well. However, there are also more and more unique contemporary homes, such as Chiswick House, a family home with stunning views that sits between Edinburgh and Perth.

Many buyers are local, but incomers to the area are attracted by the beautiful landscapes and accessibility to major cities. South Perthshire is very popular with commuters to Edinburgh who are looking for more space and access to the countryside than they get in the city.

What’s so popular about Perthshire?

“Lots of people move here for the quality of life,” says Hamish. “It’s a beautiful area and a fantastic place to bring up children. You get the best of both worlds, with good transport links and access to Edinburgh, and the beautiful Perthshire countryside on your doorstep.”

Known as the “Fair City” and at present the subject of significant investment, Perth itself benefits from great restaurants, beautiful parks and the River Tay running through; it’s easy to see why Perthshire is a popular place to live.

Families are also attracted by Perthshire’s great schools, particularly in the independent sector, such as Strathallan in Forgandenny, Glenalmond near Methven and Craigclowan in Perth. Kilgraston, outside Bridge of Earn, and Morrison’s Academy in Crieff both featured in the top ten of the Scottish Private School Highers’ League Table in 2017.

Perthshire hotspots

Strathtay. This small rural village nestled on the banks of the River Tay is renowned for its many beautiful period stone houses.

Aberfeldy. Just up the valley from Strathtay, Aberfeldy is a bustling market town in a beautiful setting in the heart of the Tay valley. There’s a good school, a small collection of shops and a cinema, but what brings most people here is the access to the great outdoors.

Crieff and Comrie. Crieff, and the nearby village of Comrie, is one of the most popular places to live in Perthshire. For families, it offers two excellent independent schools, Morrison’s Academy and Ardvrek Prep School and the amenities of a market town just a short drive from the Trossachs National Park.

Scone. The ancient kings of Scotland were crowned at Scone and its location, just two miles north of Perth, makes it a popular village for commuters.

Auchterarder. Home to the famous Gleneagles hotel and golf resort, Auchterarder’s 1.5-mile long High Street has a number of independent boutiques and eateries. The White House is an exceptional, detached family home that’s just a stone’s throw from the Gleneagles hotel.

Click here to see out properties in Perthshire.