Why choose a new build home?

There are many advantages to choosing a new build home over an older property.

• Everything in the property is brand new. It should be in move in condition with no decorating and minimal DIY required
• You’re unlikely to need to make any repairs within the first few years
• Energy efficiency and fire safety standards will be high
• You may be able to choose fixtures and fittings while the property is being built, or negotiate with the seller on some items
• New build homes come with a 10 year warranty (guarantee)

Where do I find new build homes?

New build property developers advertise on s1homes.com. There are over 1200 new homes all over Scotland from developers such as Ogilvie Homes, County Estates, Barratt Homes, Stuart Milne and many more.

Viewing new build homes

For developments that are already built, the process is similar to any other type of property. You will contact the seller and arrange a time to visit and be shown round. However, if the development is in progress, or still in the planning stages, you may visit a show home – a property already completed that is similar to the one you’re interested in. There may be other people visiting at the same time and an appointment is not always necessary. You might also be able to see an artist’s impression of how the property is expected to look. It’s important to consider if building works will be continuing around you if you were to move in, or if there are further plans for the area surrounding the development you are interested in.

Buying a new build property

Some of the buying process is the same – you will need to work out what you can afford, arrange a mortgage and appoint a solicitor to make an offer. New builds are usually sold at fixed price, however, some new home developers offer incentives such as part exchange or a contribution towards your deposit. They may also participate in the Scottish Government’s Help-to-Buy Scheme. Each developer has different offers so it’s best to check what applies to the area or development that you’re interested in.

New homes are often advertised during the planning and building phases so there are different options:

• Buy a completed new home
• Buy a home that is in the process of being built
• Buy a home that has been planned but has not yet been started. This is known as buying ‘off plan’

Buying ‘off plan’ is where this purchase of a new build is particularly different from an older property. Because your property is not yet built you will need to get a completion date from the developer. If this is not written into your contract as a condition of the sale, there is the possibility that this may be delayed. Once contracts are agreed, a deposit will be paid and the agreement with the builder becomes legally binding. Your property will be inspected before completion to check that it meets the required standards and issue a note to your solicitor on satisfactory completion to allow mortgage funds to be released.

Inspections and snagging

It is a good idea to do a snagging inspection, or pay a professional company to carry this out for you. This is an inspection of the home and reports any flaws that the developer should fix. If you are doing this yourself make sure you have a checklist so you know what to look for and ideally carry it out before completion to allow time for repairs. It can still be done within the first two years of the warranty. There is more information at the NHBC website.

To search new build homes in Scotland, search s1homes.com

1. Mount Stuart Drive, Wemyss Bay

The kitchen in this 4 bedroom detached house has been beautifully refitted. Features that make it one of our favourites include a walk-in pantry, freestanding five ring range cooker, a Belfast sink and quartz work surfaces.

2. Lasswade Road, Liberton, Edinburgh

One of the best things about this 5 bedroom bungalow is undoubtedly the open plan kitchen / diner. There is also space for a large dining table and lots of surfaces for cooking family meals, perfect for the festive season.

3. Napier Road, Merchiston, Edinburgh

This traditional kitchen is spacious and welcoming. As well as plenty of storage space, there is a utility room just off it. This house would be perfect for a family Christmas – as well as the lovely kitchen, it has a cinema room for relaxing after your meals.

4. Bowden, Melrose

This property in the Borders has a gorgeous breakfasting kitchen with Aga cooker and a utility room. There is space for a long dining table and it’s cosy and welcoming for the colder winter days.

5. The Stables, Knockbuckle Lane, Kilmacolm

This kitchen and breakfast area is exceptionally spacious and benefits from a 4 oven Aga, a breakfast bar and a centre island. Off the kitchen there is a walk-in larder, perfect for storing all the supplies for family gatherings.

6. The Burns, St Andrews Brae, Bearsden

This home is suited to entertaining with its superb breakfasting kitchen and family area leading out to the garden. It’s sleek and modern and definitely offers inspiration to those who prefer a more contemporary style.

7. Ettrick, Eskbank Grange, Dalkeith

The kitchen in this family home is large and bright. The floor is beautiful, the layout is convenient and sociable, and the units and surfaces are inspiration to anyone looking to restyle their kitchen.

8. Southbrae Gardens, Jordanhill

This living / dining kitchen has feature patio doors, a Parisian balcony and double doors to the lounge. The layout is modern and smart and makes great use of the space.

9. Belhaven Terrace West, Dowanhill

This home has a large contemporary kitchen. It’s super stylish, has an overhead gallery and direct access to the courtyard via patio doors – ideal for dinner parties. This house also has a pool entertainment room to keep everyone happy.

10. Parkhouse Close, Aboyne

Double Georgian doors welcome you to this kitchen which offers quality from the first look. The units are hand built French oak and the lighting is stylish and attractive. Perfect for shaking up a cocktail or two this Christmas.

For these and thousands more homes to browse, search s1homes.com

It may sound like a Halloween tale but this could become a reality after buyers swooped on a derelict cemetery gatehouse.

Now the building, at the entrance to Cardonald Cemetery and just yards from the plots, could be transformed in to flats.

The gatehouse – on Mosspark Boulevard – is being sold by City Property.

An offer of £98,000 has been received for the disused three-bedroom villa and today Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee is being asked to rubber stamp the sale.

A report by City Property – the council’s arms-length buildings organisation – states that the buyers have “various options” for the 0.32 acre site from building six flats to two or creating an office and home.

They could also decide to demolish or refurbish the derelict building.

There would be no objection to either of these options from planning officials, the report states.

It adds: “The proposals range from demolishing and the development of six flats, retaining the existing building and conversion to two apartments or to a mixed use development of part residential and part office use.

“Initial discussions with Development and Regeneration Services Planning indicate that there would be no objection in principle.”

The buyers, who have been named in the report as Hugh and Mairi Kinnaird, were one of nine people who put in an offer for the gatehouse.

Their bid of £98,000 was the second highest but was chosen because it would “not be subject to planning conditions and does not require bank borrowing”, the report states.

It adds that extra discussions were held with council officials over the sale of the building “due to the sensitive nature of this potential disposal forming part of an operational cemetery”.

The property was first marketed in November last year and an offer of £100,000 was received in March.

But it was later withdrawn and the property put back up for sale in August.

Planning officers will ask councillors to approve the sale, at meeting of the Glasgow City Council’s Executive Committee today.

Source: Evening Times

Official figures show that sales grew by 6 per cent between July and September, the largest amount of growth since 2008.

The total value of homes being sold also hit a seven-year high, with £4.74 billion worth of property changing hands.

However, house prices have fallen slightly by half a percent compared to last year, partly because of the greater number of homes passing through the market.

Figures released by Registers of Scotland (RoS) have revealed the hotspots where property markets have been booming during the past 12 months.

Top of the list was West Lothian, where the biggest percentage rise in volume of sales of 23.1 per cent was recorded. The town, which was ignominiously nominated for the bad architecture award The Plook on the Plinth in 2013, saw sales rise from 905 compared to 735 the previous year.

Overall, the largest property market was found in Edinburgh where there were 3,520 sales, an increase of 9.6 per cent in a year.

The capital was also the most lucrative area, with total sales earning more than £805 million between July and September, an increase of 6.2 per cent on 2014.

In Glasgow the volume of sales rose by nearly 10 per cent, while house prices grew by 1 per cent to stand at an average of £140,426.

Across Scotland, the average property price was said to be around £169,400 with the biggest rises coming among semi-detached properties.

But slight decreases were also noted among detached homes, terraces and flats, dragging down the typical house price recorded by RoS.

The troubles and job losses affecting the oil industry were reflected in a fall in house prices in Aberdeen, where the average value was said to have fallen by 2.2 per cent.

The surrounding area of Aberdeenshire showed the largest decrease in total market value, with a decrease of 16.6 per cent to just over £323 million, while the average house price dropped 3.5 per cent.

Estate agents said that the latest RoS figures showed growing confidence in the property market, with househunters now looking beyond traditional hotspots in the big cities.

Sean MacMillan, an Associate Aberdein Considine, said that the surge in interest in West Lothian was a clear example of buyers willing to go beyond the beaten track.

He said: “It’s no real surprise that West Lothian continues its steady increase in both volume of property sales and in sale prices when considered in the wider context of the central belt housing market.

“Over a quarter of workers living in West Lothian work in Edinburgh. The average price of a detached home in Edinburgh has risen to almost £400,000 and the average flat in Edinburgh now costs almost £200,000, so it is no wonder that more people in the capital are considering the benefits which come with living in West Lothian where they can get a great deal more ‘bang for their buck”.

Rettie & Co’s Director of Research, Dr. John Boyle, added: “These latest statistics show that the housing market in Scotland is turning the corner. “The sharp rise in activity is more than a blip as the fundamentals are now in place to ensure a full recovery, with improving economic activity levels, consumer sentiment, bank lending and new build activity helping to raise the market. Stable price levels are helping the market to recover.”

Source: heraldscotland

The number of homes being sold in the West Lothian towns of Bathgate, Broxburn, Livingston, Linlithgow and the surrounding areas shot up by 23.1% in the last quarter, 17% faster than the rest of Scotland.

The new figures – complied from Registers of Scotland (RoS) data – also show that the value of sales in the region rose by more than 30% to £148million over the same period.

Broxburn was nominated for the Carbuncle Award, an ironic prize recognising some of the ugliest places and architecture in Scotland, just three years ago.

Across the country, a total of 28,019 properties were submitted for registration between July and September, the highest volume of sales for any quarter since Q1 of 2008-09.

The City of Edinburgh was the largest overall market, with sales of over £805million for the quarter, an increase of 6.2% on the previous year.

West Lothian property expert Sean MacMillan, an associate at national solicitor estate agent Aberdein Considine, said the town and the region are becoming increasingly popular with househunters.

“It’s no real surprise that West Lothian continues its steady increase in both volume of property sales and in sale prices when considered in the wider context of the central belt housing market,” he said.

“Recent increases in house prices in Glasgow and more importantly Edinburgh has had a significant effect on the West Lothian market.

“Over a quarter of workers living in West Lothian work in Edinburgh.”

He added: “Transport links from West Lothian to Edinburgh and indeed to Glasgow, Stirling and further afield have been improved significantly in the past five years and according to West Lothian Council statistics West Lothian residents are now within an hour’s drive of 60% of Scotland’s population and of 54% of all Scottish businesses.

“Substantial new-build developments are underway around the county, most notably in Winchburgh, Bathgate, Whitburn and East Calder, which will serve to further fuel the volume of sales heading into 2016 and beyond.”

Find your property in West Lothian, or tell us why you think it’s the best place to live in Scotland.

Source: heraldscotland

The city has rocketed 97 places from 2013 when the survey was last done to hit the number one spot this year.

The index from uSwitch.com assessed 138 UK cities and regions for 26 different lifestyle factors including working hours, life expectancy, hours of sunshine, food and energy bills, disposable income and more.

USwitch.com said: “Not only does Edinburgh have the lowest reported crime rate in the entire UK, it boasts cheap energy bills, an average salary of £29,558, a disposable income average of £20,083 and super-fast broadband speeds of 23Mbs.”

Solihull, which was the judged best place to live two years ago, dropped to second place.

Bradford and Hull were officially the worst places, let down, uSwitch.com said, by low disposable income, low employment, high rent and crowded schools.

The researchers said it was also a “victory for Scotland” as 13 of the 20 regions that saw the biggest gains in the Quality of Life rankings since they were last done two years ago are located north of the border. It means that more than half of Scottish regions have improved their Quality of Life ranking since 2013.

The top seven biggest climbers are all in Scotland. They include South Lanarkshire which moves up 55 places to be the fifth best place to live and North Lanarkshire which jumped 98 places to number eight. Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire enjoyed the biggest ranking gain, moving from 112th to 10th thanks in part to some of the lowest household costs in the UK.

But on the down side, the survey found Glaswegians have the shortest life expectancy while women in Buckinghamshire live the longest.

Life was less rosy south of the border with 16 out of the 20 biggest falling regions being English, with both Bradford and Hull, both in the Yorkshire and Humber region, rooted at the foot of the index.

The lowest ranking Scots region was the Western Isles which fell from 120th to 135th.

Ann Robinson, director of consumer policy at uSwitch.com, said: “Edinburgh has long been a city that’s inspired; a vibrant city with striking architecture and a world famous festival, all surrounded by stunning scenery. Now it’s official – Edinburgh is the best place to live in the UK. With low crime rates, high wages and affordable living costs, it’s not just the history and cultural attractions that are drawing people to Scotland’s capital.”

Andrew Burns, City of Edinburgh council leader, said: “This result is further great news for the city. The quality of life in Scotland’s capital is high because the city offers the best of everything.

“Edinburgh is the home of Hogmanay, spectacular architecture, great museums and the biggest arts festival in the world. We have a vibrant retail offering and thriving jobs market, award-winning green spaces and beaches and well regarded schools and universities – the list goes on. Little wonder, then, that Edinburgh tops the list of the best places to live.”

If you’re looking to move to the ‘best place to live in the UK’ search s1homes.com for your next home.

Artcle source: heraldscotland

Image source: www.flickr.com/dun_deagh

It is a bumper weekend for places to see for free so we’ve made a few suggestions.

Aberdeenshire: Auchtaven Township

Auchtavan is about 6 miles north-east of Braemar. The buildings are a rare survival of a traditional Highland clachan or fermtoun (small village or hamlet). Visitors will have the chance to go back in time to explore how the communities of the past actually lived in the settlement.

Dundee: Broughty Castle Museum

Out and about in Dundee this weekend? Pop into Broughty Castle and hear about the sieges and battles over the years and the interesting military history of the castle, while enjoying the beautiful views of the river and esplanade.

Image: www.flikr.com/neilwilliamson

Falkirk Steeple

If you know Falkirk, you will recognise the Steeple as the iconic landmark of the town, now used as a box office. Stories from the past include a lightning strike which destroyed the spire. One casualty from the incident was “Irn Bru”, a Barr’s delivery horse. During this weekend there will also be the rare chance to explore the two prison cells.

Glasgow

There is a huge array of events in Glasgow this weekend – from talks to walks – so we couldn’t pick just one.

The Briggait

First up, The Briggait. Glasgow’s former fish market is now an arts venue. Visitors will have the chance to take in the building’s stunning and unique architecture, learn more about its fascinating history and take in some fantastic visual art at the same time.

Image: www.flickr.com/michaelgallacher

Wellpark Brewery

If you don’t fancy that, check out Wellpark Brewery (Tennent Caledonian), the largest brewery in Scotland. Take a tour through the brewing process and learn about one of Scotland’s best-loved brands.

Image: www.flickr.com/marcosacchi

The Pipe Factory

The former factory is used by a group of artists, writers & architects. It is Italian Renaissance inspired and features the most intricate and ornate use of brick to be found in the city. Find out about the ongoing restoration plans if you visit this weekend.

Highlands (Caithness): Waterlines Visitor Centre

For Doors Open Days, Waterlines Heritage Centre is teaming up with the “Seafood – See here!” project, which is helping people to enjoy more local seafood. The cafe will add a special seafood dish to the menu and visitors can enjoy a walk from the harbour up the old fish path past the Brethren Well, with spectacular views of the Caithness coast.

Scottish Borders: Borders Family History Society

If you are interested in building your family tree, this is the day out for you. Explore your family history in the Border Counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire). Help will be on hand if your roots are elsewhere too.

West Fife & Dunfermline: Scottish Vintage Bus Museum

Around 180 buses from across the globe in various states, from fully restored to wrecks awaiting lots of TLC. The huge exhibition hall displays artefacts relating mainly to the Scottish Bus Industry. You can also visit the workshop where wonders are worked.

Image: www.flickr.com/craigmurphy

This is just a taste of where you can visit this weekend. Check out the full programme of events at the Doors Open Day website.

Property sales jumped six per cent in a month, with buyers capitalising on lower rates introduced by the Scottish Government’s Land and Buildings Transaction Tax.

Almost 10,000 houses moved through the market in July, the highest number of home purchases during a single month since 2008, the latest Your Move/Acadata house index said.

FIREFIGHTERS are asking people to ensure their gas appliances are safe.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has thrown its weight behind Gas Safety Week – the nationwide campaign to raise awareness of gas safety issues.

Every weekend in September, Doors Open Days allows the people of Scotland free access to hundreds of fascinating buildings across the country. Some of these wonderful buildings are only open to the public once a year, or even as a one-off. It’s a great opportunity to see more of your local area or explore somewhere else.

This weekend, 5^th & 6^th September 2015 sees; Angus, Ayrshire, East Fife (Sunday only), Highlands (in and around Inverness) and Renfrewshire welcome visitors to historical properties in their areas.

Here’s where we’ll be exploring this weekend.

Angus: The House of Dun

Just 3 miles from Montrose and around 45 minutes drive from Aberdeen, The House of Dun stands majestically above the Montrose Basin. The Georgian house was built for the Erskine family in the 18^th century and has many stories to tell. An excellent opportunity to view one of The National Trust for Scotland’s magnificent properties in a spectacular setting.

Ayrshire: Auchinleck House

Built around 1760 by Lord Auchinleck, and inherited by his son James Boswell, biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson. It was uninhabited from the early 1960s, as rot set in and the building deteriorated rapidly. It was acquired in 1986 by the The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), then the Landmark Trust in 1999. The building is a good example of an 18th century villa and has its own grounds, river, ice-house and grotto.  Walk around the extensive grounds and explore this weekend.

East Fife (Sunday only): The Auld Washie / Thatched Studio

Found in the beautiful conservation hamlet of Collessie, The Auld Washie was originally an 18th century agricultural barn, used as the village wash house into the 20th century. Sensitively restored by architect Tom Morton into an art studio in 1995, see many quirky features and a beautiful display of fine Pictish-inspired art.

Highlands (In and around Inverness): Bona Lighthouse

Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by Thomas Telford. Inland lighthouses are uncommon in Scotland and the stunning oriel bay window, which once held the light that guided ships from Loch Ness onto the Caledonian Canal in its heyday, remains the focal point of the cottage. The octagonal shape of the building closely follows the types of design Telford used elsewhere for tollhouses. Scottish Canals has recently refurbished the building which can now be booked as a holiday let.

Renfrewshire: Sma’ Shot Cottages

Sma’ Shot Cottages comprise an 18th Century Weaver’s Cottage and Loom shop showing the living and working conditions of a Weaver’s family in the 1750s and a small row of Mill workers cottages from the 19th Century.  The cottages contain many fascinating artefacts and are linked by a 19th Century heritage garden.

The full programme of events and more information about what is happening in your area can be found at the Doors Open Day website. We’ll have another round up next weekend too.