Whether you’re bound for the city or off to the calm of the countryside, choosing where you’ll live is an important decision. Fortunately, there’s ample advice about renting or buying a property in Scotland so you make the best choice for you and your family.
Renting in Scotland
Estate and letting agents can help you in your search for the perfect place to rent. They can show you available flats and houses, provide advice and guide you through the rental process.
Costs
Costs vary depending on the size, type and location of the property you rent. For example, a room in a shared flat or a boarding house will cost less than if you rent a flat or house on your own. You can compare rental prices for areas in Scotland via your Local Authority’s website and on rental sites.
The average monthly rent is £537.
If you are renting it is normal that agents or Landlords ask for a security deposit. Deposit is usually equal to a month's rental. At the end of the rental, the deposit to be paid back and is subject to deductions against any damages caused during your tenancy. However, normal wear & tear caused with time are not considered as damages so should not charge from your deposit. Your deposit will be managed by a third-party, neither the Landlord nor the agents. If you are planning to rent, have a read through at the following website about how your rental deposit is managed.
Buying a property in Scotland
Scotland’s properties are as diverse as its scenery. City flats, family homes, cottages in the country and more are all available. In recent times house prices have dropped in Scotland, making it a buyers market.
While most properties are sold through estate agents or solicitors (lawyers), you can also buy privately from the owner – though you will still need a solicitor to do the legal work.
House prices
House prices in Scotland vary according to what city or town you live and in what area. Property prices are £200,000 on average, compared to the UK average of £274,000.
Council Tax
When you rent or buy a property in Scotland you must legally pay Council Tax. It pays for public services like maintaining the roads, collecting household waste and water charges. The cost varies and is based on the value of the property you rent or buy.
Important Notes on Council Tax: Full time students are not required to pay Council Tax in Scotland. However, please check with your Local Authority (Glasgow City Council for example). If you are a full time student from outside the European Union (EU) and have a clause something similar to 'No recourse to public funds' on your visa and coming with your partner who is not a student (and children) you MAY NOT require to pay Council Tax at all. In some cases you may only get a 'Student Discount' if your partner is illegible to work in the UK. However, we strongly advise you to discuss your individual circumstances with your Local Authority. This note is only for guidance and does not stipulate any outlined rule. It is your responsibility to check with your Local Authority.
Finding a House for Rent or to Buy
Houses in Scotland are mainly advertised by Estate Agents for Rent or Sale. It is easy to search for a house online and make contacts with Agents to proceed further. There are number of leading websites you can search online for Rent or Sale.
It is advisable to make advance planning if you are looking to move during busy periods of from August to October due to the start of Universities and Schools. School and Universities take new students from August/September time, which is difficult to find rental accommodation due to the high demand.
Some of the popular Online Property websites are listed below:
www.gspc.co.uk - Greater Glasgow area
www.espc.com - Edinburgh area
Also, it is advisable to pay a visit to a local Estate Agent, mostly they have offices in High Street.
Property Values
If you are planning to buy a house in Scotland, sometimes it's difficult to figure out how much the property is worth. However, you can look for the records of how much a particular house was sold for in the past, unless it's a new house. You can search for property data in the Registers of Scotland website. This is a free service to use.
www.ros.gov.uk/property-data/house-price-search
Also, following websites provide a similar service.
www.rightmove.co.uk/house-prices.html
www.zoopla.co.uk/house-prices - Provides a facility to take a current estimate of the property as well.
