Cautious positivity defines the Highland residential market

Now that the dust has settled on the turbulent conditions we’ve seen in recent years, the Highland residential market appears to be transitioning towards a more normal level of activity in what is traditionally the busiest time of the year for sellers.

Joanne Stennett, who leads the Bell Ingram’s agency team in Beauly, says: “Last year was a successful one for the Highland team with 92% of the 52 properties we sold achieving the asking price or more.

“Although the fluctuating mortgage rates and the cost-of-living crisis will inevitably impact 2023’s market conditions, we are seeing plenty of requests for market appraisals, at a level similar to the same period in 2019’s more normal market.

“There is definitely a feeling of cautious positivity, and it appears that buyers have more confidence and more choice albeit with revised budgets to accommodate higher mortgage rates.

“Pricing, particularly at the upper end of the market, is definitely looking more realistic which would suggest that sellers are heeding their agents’ advice that over-priced property is not attracting interest in this under-supplied market.”

New instructions in the traditionally popular Highland villages are still generating a lot of interest.

Joanne adds: “Getting your presentation and marketing right is hugely important if you want your property to stand out. Once you have made the decision to sell with Bell Ingram, we will arrange for one of our professional photographers to showcase your property at its best. As well as producing a high quality brochure we offer a  number of online platforms to allow your property to be viewed by the right buyers.

“With a wealth of experience in the local residential market, speak to me, or any member of the agency team at Bell Ingram for professional advice and expert guidance to selling your home.

Currently for sale through Bell Ingram Highland are:

Borlum House, Thurso, o/o £975,000 – An impressive, extensively refurbished country house dating from circa 1700, together with two recently completed self-catering cottages, excellent equestrian facilities and approximately 78 acres of land.

Ceol Na Mara and Bayview, Benbecula, o/o £400,000 – Two-bedroom bungalow together with one-bedroom self-catering cottage set in the most amazing waterside location on the Island of Benbecula.

South Boisdale, South Uist, o/o £325,000 – A rare opportunity to create a unique new home in an outstanding prime island location.

Ty Cymro, Berneray, o/o £225,000 – B listed one-bedroom black house situated in a conservation area in a waterside location on the island of Berneray with stunning sea views.

Lilac Cottage, Struy, Beauly, o/o £225,000 – Four-bedroom detached cottage set in a quiet location in the popular hamlet of Struy.

1 Redwood Crescent, Inverness, o/o £400,000 – Spacious five-bedroom detached bungalow situated in the desirable area of Milton of Leys, Inverness.

Quality of life drives Argyll & Bute property market

Bell Ingram Oban began the year with a healthy crop of prime residential listings across Argyll & Bute. Ranging from lifestyle opportunities, coastal cottages, farmhouses, lodges and villas, the quality of the portfolio indicates that the appetite for quality rural property remains strong in this area.

Andrew Fuller, who leads the Bell Ingram’s agency team in Oban, says: “We are coming off the back of a successful year in 2022 which saw 58 properties sold with the majority achieving the asking price or more, including two notable sales of over £1 million.

“Argyll & Bute is not immune from the scarcity of supply affecting other parts of the country, but our stock levels remain good at present, and I remain positive that we will see a steady increase in activity as the year progresses and the weather improves allowing viewings in the more remote island locations.

“Oban is already seeing an encouraging number of requests for market appraisals and I’m hopeful these will convert into instructions. Despite the economic uncertainty, properties in this region are attracting a good deal of interest and selling reasonably quickly.”

Coastal living has always held a powerful attraction for city dwellers looking for a change of pace, a sense of community and a chance to carve out their own patch of paradise.

Andrew continues: “If you think that life in rural Scotland means enduring basic facilities and terrible weather, then it’s time to think again. As a resident of Mull myself, I can confirm that modern islanders enjoy excellent primary and secondary schools, reliable public transport and state-of-the-art medical centres. World class music and arts festivals regularly attract international names, and thanks to our incredible natural larder there is a tempting range of dining, drinking and shopping opportunities.”

Currently for sale through Bell Ingram Oban are:

Ardnamurchan Tearoom, Acharacle, o/o £495,000 – Thriving tearoom, visitor centre and a charming, detached two-bedroom owners’ residence.

Achavaich, Connel, guide price £495,000 – Traditional farmhouse with converted barn, enefitting from far reaching views across the local countryside.

Hawthorn House, Lismore, o/o £440,000 – Charming detached three-bedroom cottage, situated in a picturesque, rural setting on the Isle of Lismore.

Harbour Vista, Tarbert, o/o £435,000 – Modern five-bedroom detached property sitting in an elevated position within the picturesque coastal village of Tarbert.

Stirling Lodge (+ 3 others) Dalmally, o/o £395,000 – Beautifully presented wooden chalet, a popular property with views across Loch Awe.

The Tassie, Tarbert, o/o £390,000 – Substantial detached five-bedroom villa, situated in a prominent seafront location.

Tirlaggan House, Lismore, o/o £375,000 – Two-bedroom detached home with detached studio, set in a peaceful, rural location on the Isle of Lismore.

Ash Cottage, Lismore, o/o £325,000 – Two-bedroom detached home on the Isle of Lismore, benefitting from open views across Loch Linnhe.