People make Inverness one of the happiest places to live in Scotland

Inverness was among the happiest places to live in Scotland during 2023.

Each year online property portal Rightmove asks people to share what makes them happy about where they live, and what they believe makes it special. Its Happy at Home Index, now in its 12th year, surveyed 26,000 people across the UK to gauge their opinion of their area based on 13 happiness factors.

From residents’ sense of pride and belonging to the local services and amenities on offer, Rightmove then pulled together a list of the happiest places to live in the UK based on the scores people gave their local area.

For the second year in a row Galashiels took the top spot as the “happiest” place to live in Scotland, with Inverness following a close second.

According to the survey, it’s often less tangible things such as community spirit as well as a sense of belonging which contribute toward people’s opinions of their homes, though for 2023 living near green spaces and natural beauty was another highlight.

Commenting on the survey, Joanne Stennett from Bell Ingram’s Highland office said: “My family were lucky enough to relocate to the area 12 years ago from the West Coast. I must say it is the best move we have ever made. We have beaches and mountains within easy reach as well as lochs for swimming and bike tracks in the forests. The airport also allows us to fly to various destinations within the UK and abroad.”

But it’s not just the friendly locals that makes the region worth visiting, Inverness offers a host of appealing factors that make it an attractive location for homebuyers.

Natural Beauty and Tranquil Lifestyle: Inverness-shire is known for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring dramatic mountains and picturesque lochs. If you value a low stress lifestyle and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, buying a home in Inverness-shire provides the opportunity to enjoy these scenic surroundings daily. The region offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Inverness-shire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, golfing, biking, fishing, or water sports, the region provides a plethora of recreational opportunities. Having a home in Inverness-shire means easy access to walking trails, and various outdoor activities, contributing to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Rich Cultural Heritage and History: Inverness-shire has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with landmarks, castles, and museums that showcase its fascinating past.

Community Atmosphere: Many towns and villages in Inverness-shire and surrounding areas offer a strong sense of community. Buying a home in such an area can provide a supportive and welcoming environment. Local events, festivals, and community activities foster a sense of belonging, making it easier to connect with neighbours and build lasting relationships.

Quality of Life and Amenities: Inverness-shire provides a high quality of life with a good balance of modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Inverness offers shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need. Additionally, the region’s well-maintained infrastructure contributes to a comfortable living experience.

Before making a decision to buy a home, it’s crucial to consider factors such as your personal preferences, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Conducting thorough research and potentially visiting the area can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

 

 

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Visitors rank Scotland’s most desirable locations – and Mull tops the list

Looking for your next move? Office space consultancy Freeofficefinder.com has ranked the most desirable places to live in Scotland using the number of views each location received on TikTok – and Mull tops the list!

With more and more people working from home these days, relocating to a picturesque Scottish island offers open green spaces, good for the soul, a space to boost mental health, a place to spend more quality time with family while at work.

Mull is a spectacular island, a wonderful place for those looking to escape a high-paced lifestyle. To the north of the island, Tobermory is famous for its colourful painted houses, a picturesque coastal town with a thriving social scene. Heading further south, the Ross of Mull offers stunning coastal views, where pink granite rocks meet crystal clear seas, creating a dramatic landscape.

Mull Property Expert Andrew Fuller, Bell Ingram Oban, explains, “I’ve been living on the Isle of Mull since 2016, having spent a lot of my childhood holidays exploring the island. It truly is a wonderful place to live and work, with plenty of community events and activities to get involved with. I’m able to guide clients who are looking to relocate to Mull, offering advice on the many quirks of island living.

“Employment opportunities are regularly advertised on the island, however we also seeing many clients opting to work from home, the perfect work/life balance. Families moving to Mull will find good educational options for their children, with several primary schools located around island, and a high school in Tobermory. There is also a property type to suit every budget, from one-bedroom coastal flats to grand estate houses.

“Most properties in this area offer incredible value when compared to other regions in the UK. The leisurely pace of life and the breathtaking surroundings combine to create a tapestry of adventures, making every single moment truly worthwhile.”

But it’s not just mesmerising views and astonishing wildlife that makes the Scotland’s islands worth visiting, both Mull and Islay in particular offer a raft of appealing factors that make them an attractive location for homebuyers. Here are five reasons to consider trying island life:

Scenic Beauty: Mull is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and picturesque lochs. The island is home to diverse wildlife, including sea eagles, seals, and otters. If you appreciate natural beauty and tranquillity, buying a house in Mull allows you to immerse yourself in stunning surroundings.

Outdoor Recreation: Mull provides abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and water sports. With numerous trails, coastal paths, and waterways to explore, residents can enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle in a pristine natural environment.

Island Community: Mull has a close-knit and welcoming community. If you’re looking for a place where people know each other, and there’s a strong sense of community spirit, Mull might just be the ideal location. The welcoming population contributes to a friendly atmosphere and a sense of belonging.

Rich History and Culture: Mull has a rich history, with ancient castles, archaeological sites, and traditional Scottish culture. Living in Mull allows you to immerse yourself in the local history and traditions, providing a unique and enriching cultural experience.

Escape from Urban Life: If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mull offers a serene escape. With a slower pace of life, clean air, and minimal light pollution, you can enjoy a more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle on the island.

Keep in mind that while Mull has its unique charm, it’s essential to thoroughly research the practical aspects of island living, such as transportation, amenities, and local services, before making a decision to relocate.

Here are the seven “most desirable places to live” in Scotland according to the research.

Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute

Braemar, Aberdeenshire

Craigellachie, Moray

Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute

Killearn, Stirling

Gullane, East Lothian

Elie, Fife

*Source Freeofficefinder.com

Contact Andrew, Laura or Mairi to arrange your no obligation market appraisal. Tel: 01631 566 122 or oban@bellingram.co.uk

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Booking.com ranks the most welcoming places on earth – and Perthshire tops the list

Looking for your next move? Booking.com has revealed a full list of the most welcoming places in the world – and Perthshire in Scotland takes first place.

The ranking by the popular online travel agency placed the county first, with Penghu, Taiwan in second place, followed by Boyacá, Colombia, in third.

The list was identified based on the share of accommodation providers receiving a Traveller Review Award 2024* from Booking.com.

Perthshire Property Expert Carl Warden, Bell Ingram’s Head of Estate Agency, says: “There are so many attractive features that make Perthshire such a draw for purchasers, many of whom are coming from across the border. The recent lockdown has focussed so much attention on quiet and peaceful locations, with open space and the ability to work remotely. Perth and the surrounding areas are perfect for this and I am delighted to offer so many lovely properties to the market.”

But it’s not just friendly locals that makes the region worth visiting, Perthshire offers several appealing factors that make it an attractive location for homebuyers looking for property for sale in Perthshire. Here are five reasons to consider buying a home in what locals call “the Big County”:

Natural Beauty and Tranquil Lifestyle:

Perthshire is known for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring rolling hills, picturesque lochs, and lush greenery. If you value a tranquil lifestyle and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, buying a home in Perthshire provides the opportunity to enjoy these scenic surroundings daily. The region offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Outdoor Recreation Opportunities:

Perthshire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, golfing, fishing, or water sports, the region provides a plethora of recreational opportunities. Having a home in Perthshire means easy access to nature reserves, walking trails, and various outdoor activities, contributing to a healthy and active lifestyle.

Rich Cultural Heritage and History:

Perthshire has a rich historical and cultural heritage, with landmarks, castles, and museums that showcase its fascinating past. Owning a home in Perthshire means being surrounded by history, giving you the chance to explore and appreciate the region’s heritage. Scone Palace, Blair Castle, and the historic town of Dunkeld are just a few examples of the cultural gems in Perthshire.

Community Atmosphere:

Many towns and villages in Perthshire offer a strong sense of community. Buying a home in such an area can provide a supportive and welcoming environment. Local events, festivals, and community activities foster a sense of belonging, making it easier to connect with neighbours and build lasting relationships.

Quality of Life and Amenities:

Perthshire provides a high quality of life with a good balance of modern amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. Cities like Perth offer shopping centres, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services, ensuring that residents have access to everything they need. Additionally, the region’s well-maintained infrastructure contributes to a comfortable living experience.

Before making a decision to buy a home, it’s crucial to consider factors such as your personal preferences, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Conducting thorough research and potentially visiting the area can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

The 10 most welcoming regions on Earth

Perthshire, Scotland

Penghu, Taiwan

Boyacá, Colombia

Trentino – Alto Adige, Italy

Los Lagos, Chile

Erongo, Namibia

Otago, New Zealand

Lapland, Finland

Asturias, Spain

Friesland, Netherlands

*Source: Booking.com

To arrange your no obligation market appraisal, contact Carl Warden on 01738 621 121.

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High quality of life still drawing buyers to the Highlands & Islands

Bell Ingram’s Highland Estate Agency team reflect on 2023 as the Highlands & Islands region continues to experience high demand caused by the rise of remote work. As more professionals embrace flexible work arrangements, there is a growing interest in properties that offer a high quality of life in a remote setting. Waterfront homes, cottages with sea views, and properties nestled in nature are becoming coveted choices for those seeking a quieter and more serene lifestyle.

Here is a selection of what our Highland Estate Agents have sold in 2023.

7B Drimisdale, Isle of South Uist

Offers over £525,000.

7B Drimisdale presented buyers a beautiful four-bedroom architect-designed house with studio annexe and approximately 14.17ha (34acres) of croftland in a peaceful lochside location on the Isle of South Uist. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts this property’s idyllic location overlooked Loch Stilligarry which hosts a variety of rare and beautiful species.

Burnside of Enzie, Buckie

Offers over £335,000.

Burnside of Enzie offered buyers an immaculate steading conversion with four en-suite bedrooms set in the tranquil, rural location of Clochan near Buckie. The steading was built to the highest standard with quality oak finishing throughout.

Cuil Breac, Elphin

Offers over £300,000.

Nestled in the dramatic landscape of Elphin in the Scottish Highlands, this former croft house is a mountain lover’s dream home. Packed with character, the cottage included a recently completed extension which has wonderful living space where one could sit back and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and lochs.

Ty Cymro, Isle of Berneray

Offers over £180,000.

This unique property was one of a handful of traditional thatched black houses remaining on the islands. Rare to market this property was brimming with charming features and breath-taking views. Ty Cymro presented the perfect island home filled with charm and a great opportunity for buyers looking to enjoy an idyllic rural lifestyle.

Bay Cottage, Carinish

Offers over £325,000.

Bay Cottage is an exceptional modern and stylish design-led two bedroom waterside eco house located on the island of North Uist. Completely renovated and extended to the highest standards with unique, high-quality features and finishings throughout.

Our Beauly Estate Agents are looking for similar properties to sell across the Scottish Highlands and Islands. If you are thinking of moving, discuss our market appraisal contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799 or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk.

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