There’s a real buzz in the Highland capital, and it’s not just because football team Caley Thistle are on a roll.
The team has made it to the final of the Scottish League Cup and will take on Aberdeen FC on Sunday, March 16.
But the historic sporting event is not the only talking point in the city. There’s a great sense of optimism in the air which can be traced to the property market which is looking pretty healthy.
Kevin Maley, of Strutt and Parker, said: “There is little doubt that a resurgence in market activity has been stimulated by government-backed lending schemes like Help to Buy, rippling out to the mid and upper ends of the market place.
“Our data shows a 20% increase in registered applicants in January 2014 compared with the same period last year, the highest level since 2009.”
The most popular homes continue to be those with flexible living accommodation such as annexes, as well as ready to move in homes with fully modernised kitchens and bathrooms.
Phiddy Robertson, of CKD Galbraith’s Inverness office, also believes now is a good time to be putting properties on the market.
Between October and December last year, the firm completed twice as many sales compared to the previous quarter of 2013.
She said: “A growing trend in the Highland market was the increase in the number of closing dates being set due to the level of interest from prospective buyers.
“Most notably our Inverness office has sold a number of properties recently between £500k and £1m and, on the whole, these have moved fairly quickly.”
Regarded by many home owners as a dream location, the combination of a compact city centre and big retail shopping parks just a few minutes’ drive from the centre make Inverness a popular choice.
Property-wise, Inverness is a happening place, with people moving here from all over the UK, some relocating for business, others moving to be closer to family and friends and those who are retiring, and all require quality homes.
The building of the new University of the Highlands and Islands campus, which is well under way, will also draw people to the area from all over the world.
There is a good range of homes available from affordable family houses to fabulous, aspirational homes.
Many residential areas are within easy walking distance of the city centre, but there are also several new developments on the outskirts which are well served with local amenities and have good road links.
Inverness is home to a host of eateries, including world-class restaurants, but there are also plenty of pubs and cafes offering reasonably priced meals, sometimes from less than £7 for a two-course lunch.
The city also has a lively nightlife with many pubs and hotels offering live music, often on a nightly basis.
Theatre fans are well catered for thanks to Eden Court which works hard to offer a programme to suit all tastes.
In the space of a week, you can find a comedian, a national dance or ballet company or a top-ranking singer on the bill.
Another big plus for residents is the number of parks in the city including The Ness Islands, a series of islands linked by bridges, which are a popular haunt with locals and visitors alike, while the area around Bught Park is home to everything from rugby and football pitches to an ice rink and state-of-the-art sports and leisure centre.
Whin Park is the ideal place for families as there is everything from miniature train rides and boats to climbing equipment to help tire little ones out.
The Caledonian Canal is within easy reach of the city centre and the footpaths are ideal for a stroll or a bike ride while watching yachts, fishing boats and luxury liners sail by.
Sports fans are also well catered for with three golf courses and a driving range while there’s plenty of opportunity to take part in, or watch, rugby, shinty, curling, tennis and athletics events, although at the moment it’s football, football, football all the way.