Perthshire Advertiser : Perthshire Property Boom

March 2004

Are you sitting on a goldmine? The property market in Perth is booming and for hundreds of householders that means there's never been a better time to find out just how much that pile of bricks and mortar may be worth.

Property experts Thorntons Property Services are reporting an exceptional start to the Perthshire market in 2004 with business brisk throughout their network of branches and buyers desperate for quality housing and flatted accommodation.

This year, the traditionally busy Spring market has come early to Perthshire. 

Whether it is a one-bedroom city centre flat, or a luxury appointed period country residence, the Perthshire property market is hotting up for what looks like being another bumper year.

Demand is exceptionally high for all types of property throughout the region and there are no signs that this trend is slowing down.

Thorntons Property Services Perth Property Manager James McKay explains,"Last year was one of the best years on record for property sales and values in Perthshire and all the signs are that 2004 has started where 2003 left off. 

"We are seeing extremely high levels of buyer activity, especially in the middle and upper ranges of the market.

"Many first time buyers are paying close to £100,000 for their initial purchase - that is a considerable sum for any first buyer but it is also an indication of the strength of demand across the market.

"Our latest figures show that the average price for a flat is now in excess of £60,000 in Perthshire.  For families looking to buy a semi detached house, the average price is in excess of £124,000 while the average price for a detached  villa is now close to £200,000."

Thorntons believes the market has grown so quickly in recent years that many property owners may tend to underestimate the true value of their property.

"In reality there has never been a better time to sell in Perthshire," continued James.

"Demand for property in this part of Scotland is coming from far afield.

"Perthshire has a fantastic reputation for quality of life, local amenity, business and pleasure and there's no doubt the image of the area is attracting a lot of people who want to set up home in this part of the country.

"Families can enjoy the quality of life Perthshire has to offer, while the district offers quick and easy commuting access to Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow, the Central Belt and beyond. 

"Perthshire is always regarded as a fine place to live for all types of people.  We always see a strong retirement market, especially for bungalows and luxury flats.  There is currently great demand for bungalows, and we always have buyers on our mailing list looking for bungalows in and around Perth."

"Local demand is currently also very healthy.

"It seems that once people move to Perthshire, they never want to leave.

"Consequently local demand has remained strong - with buyers moving up through the market."

"The result of this strong buyer demand has ensured the Perthshire market has remained buoyant, when other areas of the UK may be seeing a slow down.

"If you live in Perthshire and have ever considered selling your home, it's worth seeking professional advice to test demand and establish the true value of your property."

Thorntons Property Services offer a free, no obligation marketing appraisal of residential property.  This is often the first stage of the selling process.

"With the market having moved on so much over the last year, many people may be unaware of the marketability, and market value of their home" added James.

"My role is to meet potential clients in their homes to offer a marketing appraisal, discuss a marketing price, and tailor a package to meet their requirements when selling their home.

"Thorntons' strong branch network, internet site and professional staff, coupled with our brand presence ensures we offer a top rate marketing services at competitive fees at all levels of the property market.

"And the job satisfaction is wonderful - we never get tired of seeing the smiles when we're able to tell a client exactly how much their property is worth!"