Could Climate Change Drive More People North?

By Joanne Stennett, Senior Associate

For generations, warmer weather has been one of the attractions of living in the south of England. However, as summers become hotter and periods of extreme heat more frequent, the UK’s traditional north–south property divide may begin to shift.

The Met Office projects that UK summers will continue to become warmer, with the most severe increases in temperature expected across southern areas. Hotter summers bring practical concerns, including uncomfortable homes, pressure on water supplies and increased risks to health. Many properties in the south were designed to retain heat rather than remain cool during prolonged periods of high temperatures.

Against this background, Scotland’s cooler climate could become increasingly attractive. The Highlands and Islands offer lower average summer temperatures, more space and access to coast, woodland and open countryside. These qualities may carry greater weight as people consider not only where they want to live now, but where they will feel comfortable in 10, 20 or 30 years.

Changing working practices could support this movement. Remote and hybrid working have already reduced the need for some buyers to live close to large southern cities. Better digital connectivity in many rural communities means that relocating north is now a practical option for a wider range of people.

Affordability is another consideration. Although property values vary considerably across Scotland, buyers moving from London and the south-east can often acquire a larger house with more land for substantially less than they would pay in their existing area. Energy-efficient homes, private water supplies, productive land and scope for renewable energy may become increasingly desirable.

This does not mean that Scotland is protected from climate change. Wetter winters, flooding, coastal erosion, storms and pressure on infrastructure must all be considered carefully. Buyers should examine flood maps, water supplies, access, energy efficiency and the condition of rural roads and services before purchasing. An area’s long-term resilience is more important than temperature alone.

Nor is a sudden mass relocation north inevitable. Employment, family connections, schools, healthcare and transport will continue to influence where people settle. However, climate is likely to become a more prominent part of the decision-making process.

Even a gradual increase in demand could affect the Highland property market, particularly for well-connected rural homes, properties with land and houses designed for low-energy living. This could support values, but it may also place additional pressure on housing availability for established communities.

Climate resilience is becoming part of how people assess property. As southern England faces more frequent periods of extreme heat, Scotland’s relatively moderate summers may become a stronger selling point, and one more reason why some buyers choose to look north.

For more information on living and buying in the Scottish Highlands, click here. 

Thinking of selling? Contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799, or email enquiries@bellingram.co.uk

Bell Ingram remains a familiar face at Scotland’s leading agricultural show

By Andrew Fuller

In an age where property transactions can be initiated, managed and even completed online, it is easy to assume that technology has replaced the need for personal interaction. Virtual property tours, digital signatures, desktop valuations and instant communication tools have transformed the way buyers and sellers engage with the property market. Yet despite these advances, one thing remains irreplaceable – a genuine face-to-face conversation.

That is why Bell Ingram continues to support both national agricultural shows and local community events, such as the recent Salen Show on Mull. These gatherings are about far more than maintaining a presence. They are an opportunity to connect with the people and communities at the heart of rural Scotland.

The Salen Show is one of Mull’s most important annual events, bringing together farmers, crofters, landowners, local businesses, families and visitors. While it celebrates rural life and agriculture, it also provides a valuable space for informal conversations. Often, the most important discussions are the ones that happen unexpectedly. A casual chat over coffee can lead to questions about market trends, rural property values, land sales, succession planning and diversification opportunities.

These conversations matter because property decisions are rarely just financial transactions. For many people, a home is their largest asset. For farming families and landowners, a farm or estate often represents generations of hard work, heritage and personal investment. Decisions of this scale require trust, and trust is built through relationships rather than websites.

This year’s Salen Show was particularly special for Bell Ingram, with colleagues from across the business coming together to engage with visitors throughout the day. Mull-based Andrew Fuller and Oban local Mairi Kennedy were on hand to discuss the local property market and answer a wide range of questions from new and existing clients.

The event also marked a first visit to the Salen Show for Bell Ingram Marketing Manager Alison Lowson and Farm Management Consultant Richard Scrivener. For both, it was an opportunity to experience first-hand the strong sense of community that makes the event such an important date on the island calendar.
Their presence reflected the breadth of expertise Bell Ingram can offer, from property sales and legal services to farm management and strategic marketing support. More importantly, it allowed people to speak directly with specialists in an informal setting, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to being accessible and approachable.

Events like the Salen Show allow people to meet Bell Ingram’s team without the formality of arranging an appointment. Visitors may want to understand if now is a good time to sell, what buyers are looking for, or how local plot and land values are changing. Sometimes a straightforward, honest answer from someone with local market expertise is all that is needed to provide clarity. Being able to provide comparable knowledge is invaluable.

Bell Ingram’s strength lies not only in its national reach but also in its understanding of local markets. Every area has its own characteristics, and the property market on Mull differs from those in Perthshire, Aberdeenshire or the Borders. Understanding island life, ferry connections, tourism, farming and community dynamics is essential when providing meaningful advice. Equally important is knowing the people who live and work there.

Visibility within the community also creates familiarity and confidence. Bell Ingram’s presence at the Salen Show reinforces a simple message: we’re here when people need us. Whether someone is thinking about selling now, next year or five years from now, they are far more likely to remember a helpful conversation than a digital advertisement.

One of the most valuable services Bell Ingram can provide at shows is free, no-obligation advice. Not every discussion leads to an instruction, nor should it. Sometimes the best advice is to wait, take time to plan or consider alternative options. Honest guidance without a sales pitch is often the foundation of long-term relationships and trust.

Behind every house sale, farm transaction, plot appraisal and estate contract is a story. Understanding those stories requires listening, engaging and building relationships. While technology remains a powerful tool that Bell Ingram fully embraces, it works best when combined with personal connection rather than replacing it.

That is why Bell Ingram remains a familiar and welcome presence at shows across Scotland. It is an opportunity to support local communities, share expertise, listen to local concerns and build relationships that can last for years. Rural property is not just about houses, land values and transactions. It is about people, communities and the relationships that bring them together.

In an increasingly digital world, the most valuable connection is often still the simplest one: meeting someone in person.

To book a face-to-face meeting with our agency team, or for property related advice, please contact us on 01631 566122.

What’s Going on in the Scottish Property Market?

By Carl Warden, Partner, Head of Agency

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, there remains a strong desire among buyers and sellers to move. While many people are understandably cautious, we are seeing a growing acceptance that buyers need to commit to the market before they can realistically secure their next property.

The cost of living continues to affect everyone, and when combined with volatility in the UK and global economy, confidence can be shaken. Events that have an immediate impact on day-to-day expenses, such as rising fuel and energy costs, often have a knock-on effect on the property market as people reassess their finances and future plans.

In our local market, many homeowners are focused on efficient tax planning and long-term financial decisions. As property is often their largest asset, it naturally plays a significant role in those considerations. This means decisions to move are often carefully thought through rather than taken lightly.

Seasonal factors also influence activity. Traditionally, colder weather and school holiday periods tend to be quieter times for the market, and this year has been no different. However, these lulls are often temporary. Buyers and sellers quickly refocus, keeping a close eye on new opportunities as they arise. The reality is that if the right property comes to market, interest can return almost immediately.

Transaction costs are another important consideration. Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), Additional Dwelling Supplement charges on second homes, and various professional fees all contribute to the overall cost of moving. These expenses are carefully evaluated by buyers and can influence final decisions.

What remains constant is the public’s fascination with the property market. Property portals, social media, and online marketing make it easier than ever to monitor market activity, compare properties, and react quickly when something catches your eye.

Encouragingly, stock levels have increased across many estate agencies, giving buyers more choice and creating new opportunities for those considering a move. With a wider selection of properties available, now could be an excellent time to enter the market.

The key is to remain realistic. Be sensible when negotiating, understand the true value of your property, and maintain realistic expectations about market performance. Most importantly, seek advice from experienced property professionals who can provide accurate, up-to-date guidance on current market conditions.

While the Scottish property market continues to navigate economic challenges, demand remains very much alive. For buyers and sellers who are well-informed and prepared, there are still plenty of opportunities to achieve a successful move.

For more information on our property services, click here.

Ready-Built Homes vs Self-Build on Scotland’s West Coast

By Andrew Fuller, Senior Associate

For many buyers considering a move to Argyll and the Inner Hebrides, the decision often comes down to a simple question: build or buy? While purchasing a plot offers flexibility and the chance to create a bespoke home, the reality of construction costs on Scotland’s west coast increasingly makes ready-built homes an attractive and often more cost-effective option.

Across the UK, build costs typically range from around £1,800 to £3,500+ per m², depending on specification. On the west coast of Scotland, however, the figure frequently sits at the upper end of this bracket and, in some cases, beyond. In remote areas such as Mull, additional factors such as ferry transport, limited local labour, and complex ground conditions can increase costs further.

Using the recently quoted figure of £3,500 per m², the build cost only for a modest 150 m² home would be circa £525,000. This excludes the initial cost of the plot, planning fees, professional services, utilities, access works and contingency, costs that can easily add to the overall budget.

In contrast, purchasing an existing property offers certainty, speed, and often better value. A ready-built home allows immediate occupation or income generation, eliminating the 12–24-month build timeline and the associated risks of cost overruns and delays.

The current market on Mull highlights this clearly. Through Bell Ingram’s Oban office, a variety of properties are available at price points that compare favourably with build costs:

• Iona Cottage, a traditional three-bedroom cottage in Ardtun is available at around £275,000.
• A four-bedroom detached home with partial coastal views can be secured for approximately £380,000
• Larger family homes with panoramic coastal views, such as Kinelvadon View, are marketed at around £540,000
• Even substantial lifestyle opportunities, including crofts with multiple letting cottages, are available from around £695,000.

When compared directly to the cost of building a new 150 m² home, these examples demonstrate that buyers can often acquire a finished property, sometimes with land, outbuildings, or income potential, for a similar or lower price.

Buying a plot undoubtedly offers creative freedom, allowing purchasers to design a home tailored to their lifestyle. However, this comes with significant responsibilities: sourcing contractors, managing timelines, navigating planning, and absorbing unforeseen costs.

By contrast, a completed home provided price certainty, immediate occupation and established infrastructure and access.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For those with a clear vision, time, and appetite for risk, self-build remains an appealing route. However, in today’s market, particularly on Scotland’s west coast, the economics are increasingly compelling in favour of shortlisting existing properties.

With a wide range of homes currently available through Bell Ingram’s Oban office, many buyers are finding that their dream home offers not only financial value, but the opportunity to start enjoying the west coast lifestyle immediately.

For more information on our property services on the West Coast, click here.