Galbraith, which operates across Scotland and the north of England, notes that coastal properties and detached rural properties are increasingly popular in Dumfries and Galloway as many buyers recognise the lower average prices in the region, compared with other parts of the UK.
David Corrie, who leads the Galbraith agency team in Dumfries and Galloway, commented: “Dumfries and Galloway has long been attractive to potential buyers due to the vast range of locations and lifestyles in the area - from smallholdings in rural settings to coastal locations, bustling market towns to artistic villages.
“This year, we have seen coastal locations continuing to be popular, whilst locations further west such as Portpatrick and Wigtown have attracted buyers from all over the UK. Properties in these areas offer great value for money compared with other parts of Scotland and buyers are attracted to the thriving local communities.
“Dumfries and Galloway is also renowned for picturesque countryside. Rural properties which offer a lifestyle opportunity with a few acres for animals or the potential for diversification are more in demand than ever, with buyers attracted to high quality properties with flexible spaces.
“We continue to have buyers coming to the area from throughout the UK. With Galloway recently named as a dark sky reserve, it is likely that the area will attract even more interest as people can stargaze from the comfort of their own home.”
Aaron Edgar, an Associate at Galbraith Castle Douglas remarked, “A notable sale this year was an architect designed rural gem, situated in an elevated site just a short distance from the region’s principal town of Dumfries. Achieving in excess of 10% over asking price, it was an excellent outcome for our client, allowing them to move on with the next chapter of their life.”
Marion Currie, an Associate at Galbraith Castle Douglas, added, “Another interesting sale was a spacious late Victorian house in an elevated coastal location with breath-taking views over the Solway towards Cumbria. The property went to closing date achieving in excess of 9% over the asking price with the competition close amongst bidders, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the region’s coast.”
Transactions in Dumfries and Galloway were up three per cent this year compared to 2023 and average prices rose by a modest one per cent, indicating a stable market following the tumultuous 2020-2022 period.
As the Galbraith team in Castle Douglas look ahead to 2025, David said: “The team are optimistic about the market in 2025, and we have a number of properties ready to come up for sale in the new year. We look forward to working with clients as they move through the selling process and will continue to provide expert, realistic advice in a market which shows signs of continuing to be stable, but price sensitive.”
Galbraith is a leading property consultancy with offices across Scotland and the north of England providing the full range of property services including residential, rural, farm and land sales as well as commercial property sales and management, forestry, energy and utilities advice.
Currently on the market through Galbraith in Dumfries and Galloway are properties including:
- Millbrae House, Rockcliffe, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway; Offers Over £630,000
Millbrae House sits by the side of the road in Rockcliffe which leads down to the bay, and is only a short walk from the beach. It is an extended Victorian granite villa, which has been used as a much loved family home and lifestyle, accommodation business with the self-contained, two bedroom garden apartment. Of appeal is the double depth sitting room which has both a bay window, and a feature window with partial views out to Rockcliffe Bay. The cosy log burning stove provides a focal point for this wonderful space for family living. Across the hallway, a further double depth reception room with a second log burning stove is currently purposed as an artists’ studio and snug. From the sitting room, access is to a welcoming dining conservatory area overlooking the mature side garden. To the rear, the garden rises via steps and is a mix of mature trees and shrubs, and houses a good size timber shed and brick potting shed.
- Whitehills House, Minnigaff, Newton Stewart, Dumfries and Galloway; Offers Over £980,000
Whitehills House benefits from the ‘best of both worlds’ occupying a stunning peaceful woodland location, yet just a short distance from Newton Stewart and the services on offer. This idyllic property sits in an elevated position, within a private 9.5 acre site. Whitehills House has been meticulously and thoughtfully well maintained over the years, with traditional period layout to the ground and first floors, principal rooms to the front elevation, beautifully appointed and benefitting from multiple aspect views. At the heart of the home is a spacious kitchen/dining area with electric Aga, Butlers pantry and walk-in larder. A hobby room offers an excellent adaptable space, whilst the drawing room is a fine entertaining space with a feature bay window. Extending to over 9 acres, the grounds perfectly frame every angle of the house and meandering paths offer beautiful strolls through the garden and woodland.