The number of people living outside of Scotland buying expensive homes in the north-east has almost doubled, new figures have shown.
Research carried out by Savills estate agent reveals more people from other parts of the UK are choosing to relocate to the north-east.
And there has been a particular spike in the sales of houses worth more than £400,000, which has contributed to an overall improvement in the property market around Aberdeen.
The head of Savills’ Aberdeen branch, Fiona Gormley, said: “We are witnessing more interest from outside Scotland.
“One such property was Knockinglews, near Inverurie, which offered substantial living space and superb countryside views.
“It sold for £435,000 this year to a buyer from New Zealand.
“We recently launched Tillycorthie Mansion House, a stunning example of a fully re-instated residence near Ellon.
“Even at Offers over £1.5 million, it continues to receive interest from local parties as well as London and Australia.”
According to the UK House Price Index, Aberdeen City’s average house price fell by 19%, from £199,000 in September 2014 to £162,000 in February 2017.
However, that gap has now narrowed to just 16% with the average house price reaching £165,000 in September.
Aberdeenshire’s average house price fell from £203,000 in April 2015 to £187,000 in March 2017, but there was an increase to £192,000 in September.
Savills attributes the rise in interest to the “gently improving energy sector”.
But experts believe that high levels of property on the market will limit the growth of prices and that the recovery “remains fragile”.
