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Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
The surprising coastal city where millennials are snapping up homes
First-time buyers are flocking to Dundee as soaring house prices lock them out of southern cities, research shows. The average house price in the Scottish city is £174,047, according to Rightmove, and has only grown by 1pc since last year, making it an attractive destination for cash-strapped young people. Demand for properties in Dundee surged by 176pc in the past 10 years, the website said – the highest of any city. It was followed by Edinburgh and Doncaster, where demand surged by 91pc and 74pc respectively. Westport Properties, a management company, said Dundee offers 'affordability, culture and jobs, but has limited nightlife and weather challenges'. It also lacks the 'majesty of Edinburgh or the vibrancy of Glasgow'. Rightmove's research looked at the average demand in Britain's 50 largest cities between January and May 2015 and compared it with the same period in 2025. It found that demand for properties in Dundee had almost tripled in that time, and that the number of people looking to move cities had jumped by 16pc. Cameron Ewer, Savills' head of residential in Scotland, said the influx of first-time buyers in Dundee and other university cities could be students opting to buy rather than rent. He said: 'You may also see Scottish students who are reluctant to pay full fees in England increasingly deciding to study in Scottish cities. Scotland as a whole has also been benefiting from buyers coming from the South. 'The cost of living is also a lot higher in the South, and you can have a good quality of life in Scotland while also achieving good capital growth.' Colleen Babcock, of Rightmove, said: 'Comparing where we are now versus a decade ago, it looks like there's even more appeal from potential first-time buyers to live in cities. 'However, the data does show that it can vary quite widely from city to city, and it will also depend on how first-time buyer-friendly a particular location is in terms of the type of homes that are available for sale.' London was the only city where demand from first-time buyers had not increased in a decade, due to high property prices. Interest in coastal areas has also remained flat for a decade, Rightmove found, while demand for northern cities like Edinburgh has surged. Average homes in the Scottish capital sell for £337,922 – well within the £450,000 Lifetime Isa limit. Mark Dyason, of brokerage Edinburgh Mortgages, said successive tax raids on landlords had freed up properties to be snapped up by first-time buyers. He said: 'Amateur landlords have exited the market under this tax regime because they're seeing greater returns elsewhere.' Many of the first-time buyers Mr Dyason sees are young professionals working in the thriving finance and technology sectors. He added: 'It's a relatively small city with great culture, and it's a nice place to be – you can build a good career here. 'It's not central London, though. It's not unaffordable, but you still need a decent job and to be doing well to buy a property near the centre.'
The Courier
12-05-2025
- The Courier
'Stunning' Stirlingshire wedding venue overlooking Loch Ard for sale
A wedding venue that overlooks Loch Ard and boasts 'fabulous' views has come onto the market. Altskeith, which is close to the village of Kinlochard, has an asking price of £2,150,000. According to agents Savills, the country house has 'incredible versatility and unrivalled views'. It is currently operating as a wedding venue and a hotel, but could also be a residence. A boathouse, jetty and beach are included. The listing reads: 'The property has been used both as a primary residence and as a small hotel, although more recently it has evolved into arguable one of Scotland's best-loved wedding venues, owing to its fabulous views, waterside positioning and abundance of Scottish country charm throughout the house. 'The sellers bought the property in 2012 and have worked hard to return both the house and grounds to their original style and quality.' The 10-bedroom house is built from white harled stone and has a pitched Aberfoyle slate roof. Wooden shutters on the first-floor windows 'create an almost French appearance'. Since being built more than 200 years ago, the house has undergone several changes. Its current layout was finalised in 1898, while recently a reception suite, additional bathrooms and a one-bedroom annexe/bothy has been added. Altskeith, which was built in 1898, has a function room, drawing room, dining room, conservatory and a kitchen. The grounds have a burn running throughout them, as well as lawn space, broadleaf trees, rhododendrons and azaleas. There is also a cedar wood hot tub with loch views. Property agent Cameron Ewer said: 'Having first viewed Altskeith back in 2010 as a potential wedding venue for my own wedding, it has always held a special place in my heart. 'Altskeith is a true lochside diamond and will be sure to live long in the memory of whoever is lucky to acquire it next.' Nearby, an Aberfoyle home has been turned into guest house after appearing on Escape to the Country.
