Buying Rural Property In Scotland
The move towards rural living is gaining traction especially when living in large crowded cities has lost much of its appeal. A simpler life and a quiet location with stunning views are usually cited as good reasons to search for rural property in Scotland.
There is also the added attraction of affording a larger house for less money. Whatever their reasons, more people than ever are looking to move to the countryside.
If you are considering migrating to Scotland from another part of the UK you can expect a warm welcome, free health care and excellent schools. Moving to a rural property in Scotland brings with it certain obstacles and difficulties and in this article we can look at some of the aspects associated with making this challenging move.
Demand For Rural Property In Scotland
The demand for rural property in Scotland has been and remains on the rise in the current property market in Scotland. With an increase in the number of people working from home, many families now see the real possibility of enjoying life in the countryside in a larger home with a more spacious garden.
The appeal of Scotland lies not only in the beauty of the land but also in the forward looking government that prioritises high quality free education and health care. Some rural houses in Scotland have easy access to local towns or cities although for more remote properties a car is still essential.
In addition, demand for rural property in scotland has become even more popular since the introduction of the North Coast 500 – as well as being one of the most popular parts of the UK for British short breaks and other rural getaway holidays.
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Character Rural Property In Scotland
One of the advantages of buying a rural property in Scotland is that there are plenty of homes full of character. Additionally, the cost of a character home is considerably cheaper than in many other parts of the UK.
A four bedroom house in a small village can be bought for around £295,000 and you can get a large seven bedroom house for under £500,000. A similar property in London would easily cost between 5 and 10 million pounds.
Buying A House In Rural Scotland
Buying a house in rural Scotland offers a unique opportunity to embrace the tranquil beauty of the countryside and enjoy a serene lifestyle amidst picturesque landscapes. With its charming villages and expansive open spaces, rural Scotland presents a variety of options for potential buyers seeking a peaceful retreat.
Whether it’s a traditional farmhouse, a cozy cottage, or even a vast estate, the rural property market in Scotland offers a range of choices to suit different tastes and preferences. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for an abandoned Scottish mansion or simply cheap rural cottages for sale in Scotland, there is a property in the Scottish countryside for you.
Additionally, the relatively lower population density in rural areas often translates into more affordable prices compared to urban counterparts. Moreover, buyers can relish in the rich Scottish heritage, explore nature trails, and engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, or simply basking in the serenity of the surroundings. Buying a house in rural Scotland opens doors to a tranquil lifestyle immersed in natural beauty and the warmth of a close-knit community.
| Rural Property | Average Price (£) |
|---|---|
| Farmhouse | £350,000 |
| Cottage | £250,000 |
| Land | £100,000 |
| Estate | £1,500,000 |
| Croft | £200,000 |
Cheap Rural Property in Scotland
Overall the price of houses in Scotland has increased by 5.75% in the last year However, the price of rural homes has not changed in the last twelve months. In fact, over the last 10 years it has fallen by 1.7%.
The exception to this is for certain types of cottages for sale in Scotland – particularly those in more remote areas, which have increased in price in recent years.
This makes Scotland a good choice for anyone who wants to buy a country property in a rural or remote area.
In St Monans you can get a 3 bedroom fisherman’s cottage for around £150,000. East Ayrshire has homes for £75,000 and is one of the most affordable areas in the country. The price you pay will depend on how near you want to be to amenities and available transport.
Searching for cheap rural property in Scotland will take time but the rewards can be worth the effort
Cheap rural property for sale in Scotland can be a great investment opportunity for those looking for a countryside retreat or a vacation home. Scotland has a variety of stunning landscapes and rural areas that offer peace and tranquility, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Properties in these rural areas can often be purchased at a lower cost than in more urban areas, making it possible to find cheap rural property for sale in Scotland. It’s also worth taking the time to view abandoned property for sale in Scotland, as many isolated cottages and derelict buildings have huge potential to be turned into beautiful homes.
As is always the case when viewing abandoned houses for sale in the UK, take your time to investigate the property for listed status, structural issues and access.
Repossessed Rural Houses In Scotland
The incidence of house repossessions is always greater when interest rates are high and the economy is suffering. Although 2020 has been a difficult year the number of repossessions for rural property in Scotland has not rocketed. In line with other parts of the UK, repossessed rural houses in Scotland are not openly advertised. Lenders often impose strict conditions of sale.
Buying a repossessed house brings some risks as well as rewards. There is always the possibility that the house will be removed from the market before you complete the purchase.
You may find some repossessed properties by approaching banks and building societies or other financial institutions. Alternatively, look at property auctions in Scotland or contact estate agents to see if they have any available repossessed properties.
Property in Scotland:
Moving To A Property In Rural Scotland
Moving to a rural location brings with it a specific set of challenges. It need good planning and this starts with finding a suitable home. Taking time to assess the amenities in the area is a good plan as is checking out the infrastructure if you have to commute to work.
You need to see how far away schools and shops are located and think carefully about whether you can cope if bad weather hits and you get snowed in. To this end it is certainly a good plan to stock up on essentials especially if the local store is some miles away.
Being the newcomer in a neighbourhood you may feel isolated so making friends in the community even if they live some distance away is a good idea. If you have never lived in the countryside before then learning about the local wildlife and nature is essential.
A life in the rural depths of Scotland will be a totally different lifestyle to living in a town or city. As long as you recognise this fact you can make changes to your lifestyle that will enhance the experience of living in your new rural home.
Unusual Rural Properties In Scotland
If you are searching for an unusual property in Scotland there are plenty available. From small crofts with no amenities at all to farmhouses, barns and empty churches, rural Scotland offers a wide choice.
The Church Of Scotland has its own website where redundant churches are advertised for sale. If you are looking for a challenge you can get a derelict church for upwards of £60,000.
Churches and other unusual rural properties in Scotland will require substantial renovation to turn them into a family home. Another option is to buy a windmill either one that has been converted or one ready for renovation.
Planning permission will be needed so contact the local authority before buying. Buying an unusual rural property in Scotland can bring significant challenges but if you choose the right one you will reap the considerable rewards.
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