Ashley Thomson
PROPERTY MANAGER
This month I’ve been looking at buyer demand and activity across our 5 Perthshire offices, in particular the number of buyers registering daily and the viewing activity from the start of 2024.
Whist our main focus is property we also pride ourselves in knowing the benefits of living in each area and what’s going on in each village, town and city. This month we have been looking at places that are worth a visit and places to eat and drink that has caught the eye of our local Agents.
Perth
The Fair City
Activity within Perthshire so far this year has been strong with over 300 properties coming to market. The number of Sales in the region have been around 290 which is an indication that buyers remain positive and interest rates aren’t putting them off.
We have also seen several of the buyers offering without having their own property sold. This of course does lead to increased pressure on the buyers to act quickly in the marketing of their own home but shows they are confident in selling their own home.
In our Perth office, we have seen over 400 buyers registered specifically looking in and around the region. We have noticed a lot of the buyers are looking for family 3-4 bedroom homes between £200-£350,000. We also have first time buyers looking for starter homes ranging from ¼ shares priced at £50,000 right up to £200,000 detached dwellings. Currently we have over 70 financially qualified first-time buyers actively viewing and ready to buy. Quite a few of our retired clients are downsizing and looking for 2–3-bedroom bungalows on bus routes close to all amenities. The most popular high demand areas have been Scone, Oakbank, Western Edge and Craigie so prices are looking to remain steady in these areas over 2024.
If you are consider selling, we would be delighted to help you. We still offer a free market appraisal so please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Don’t forget we are still offering for a limited time a Free Home Report savings you upto £1000.
What’s going on in your city?
Hamish Renfrew
SALES NEGOTIATOR
Hamish is one of Next home’s experienced property team, with almost 20 years’ experience in the property industry. If you need an expert who knows the landscape and how to really sell the benefits of your home, don’t hesitate to give him a call. Below Hamish gives a little insight on what’s happening in the area.
The city of Perth, ‘The Fair City,’ or ‘St John’s Toun,’ sits at a major crossroads as the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and is one of the longest continually occupied areas in the country, with a settlement being present since prehistoric times. As a result, Perth boasts a long and storied history, with many beautiful places to visit.
KINNOULL HILL WOODLAND PARK
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park opened as Scotland’s first official woodland park in 1991. The park includes five hills, Corsiehill, Deuchny Hill, Barn Hill, Binn Hill and Kinnoull Hill and an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as roe deer, red squirrels and spectacular viewpoints across the Perth countryside. The park features waymarked grassy paths and nature trails through mixed woodland of Scots pine, larch, oak, birch and Norway spruce.
QUARRYMILL WOODLAND PARK
With waymarked forest walks, and array of wildlife, Quarrymill Woodland Park is just half a mile north of Perth. During springtime, bluebells carpet the woodland floor beneath the trees and red squirrels are often spotted above. Access for wheelchair users has been created along two of the walks here, which also include picnic areas and viewing platforms across the forest.
THE BLACK WATCH MUSEUM
The Black Watch Museum is housed within the historic Balhousie Castle, a building which dates back to the 12th century. A visit to the ancestral Home of The Black Watch brings the history of Scotland’s oldest Highland Regiment’s to life, through artefacts, paintings, photographs, personal stories and interactive displays. There is also The Bistro @ The Castle and a gift shop.
PERTH CONCERT HALL
Perth Concert Hall is a go-to venue for major music and comedy tours, a second home for Scotland’s classical orchestras, and a place for local artists and top international acts to perform. This state-of-the-art concert hall has some of the finest acoustics in Europe and, along with its sister building, Perth Theatre, is at the heart of cultural life in Perthshire.
SCONE PALACE
Scone Palace is an ancient Scottish building, which was once the crowning place of Scottish royalty. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland, perfect for a stroll or even a picnic. Inside the palace you can admire the needlework skills of Mary Queen of Scots and see the State Rooms where Queen Victoria was entertained on her way to the Highlands. There’s also a great adventure playground for children in the grounds, not to mention the unique ‘tartan’ maze of 2,000 beech trees.
THE RIVER TAY WAY
The River Tay is the longest river in Scotland at 119 miles and is one of the five big Scottish salmon rivers. In Perth, the river can be best enjoyed from the beautiful riverside walkway and North Inch Park. Look out for a new long-distance walking and cycling route called The River Tay Way which will travel between Perth and Kenmore through some of the finest countryside that Perthshire has to offer. The walking route follows existing paths, and the cycling route follows National Cycle Route 77.
RIVER TAY PUBLIC ART TRAIL
The River Tay Public Art is a two-and-a-half-mile long wheelchair accessible trail beginning and ending in Perth city centre. It features thought-provoking sculptures which draw their inspiration from the river and its wildlife, the city and local history.
PERTH ART GALLERY
Perth Art Gallery boasts one of the UK’s oldest collections, features works by influential modern Scottish artists, including Joan Eardley, Sir William MacTaggart, Calum Colvin, and Alison Watt. The gallery was recently refreshed and is now home to the Fergusson, and now allows more works of art from local, Scottish, and international artists to be displayed than ever before.
THE FAIR MAID’S HOUSE
The Fair Maid’s House is one of the oldest buildings in Perth. Nowadays it is home to The Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s visitor and education centre. Visitors to the centre can watch the planet from space and see the continents evolve in the Earth Room; learn about the hottest and coldest places on Earth in the Education Room; and learn about maps and explorers, or curl up with a book, in the Explorers’ Room. Great for families!
BRANKLYN GARDEN
Brankyln Garden boasts an outstanding collection of rhododendrons, alpines and herbaceous plants, not to mention some beautiful woodland. A haven of peace and tranquillity within walking distance of Perth city centre. It contains a wonderful collection of rare species and exotic plants. You can purchase gifts, seeds and plants, including a selection of unusual alpines, perennials and bulbs, in the shop.
KING JAMES VI GOLF CLUB
Just five minutes on foot from the town centre you’ll find King James VI Golf Club. This is said to be the only club in the world named after a previous monarch and one of only two golf courses situated on an island in a river, Moncreiffe Island. Coincidentally, the other river island course is in Perth, Australia!
PERTH RACE COURSE
Perth Racecourse is one of the most picturesque racecourses in the country. Set in the parklands of Scone Palace, alongside the banks of the River Tay, it is a uniquely beautiful location. Enjoy a wonderful day out where you’ll be close to the action, and able to rub shoulders with the stars of the Summer Jump season.
WILLOWGATE ACTIVITY CENTRE
Willowgate Activity Centre and associated café offers visitors a chance to take to the water or land just 5 miles from Perth city centre. With experiences including guided kayak tours into Perth, guided local walks, archery and stand-up paddle boarding there is plenty of choice.
Spotlight on...
WILLOW COFFEE SHOP
Opened in 1992, over 32 years Willows coffee shop has established itself as one of the best coffee shops in Perth. Willows sits on St. Johns place next to the brand-new Perth Museum which will open in March 2024. Serving home-made meals and high-quality drinks, Willows is a must visit in Perth café culture.
