West End walkout: More than 20 properties for sale or to let in once thriving area of Aberdeen

We reveal the full list of properties lying vacant on four prestigious streets including Carden Place and Rubislaw Terrace.

By Chris Cromar

April 10 2024, 5:27 pm

For sale or to let signs are a common sight in the West End of Aberdeen. Image: Chris Cromar/DC Thomson.

In its hey-day, the West End of Aberdeen was packed with companies eager to call the prestigious area its home.

Today, more than 20 properties on just four streets – Carden Place, Carden Terrace, Queen’s Terrace and Rubislaw Terrace – are laying vacant, with for let/ sale signs scattered throughout the neighbourhood.

Many of the buildings are in a state of disrepair, with rubbish building outside doors.

One Aberdeen property expert has said the reason a number of West End offices are empty is due to building “quality” issues.

West End flag to let sign. — Some of the buildings have seen better days. Image: Chris Cromar/DC Thomson.

He added that the situation is also down to “flight to quality” – a financial market phenomenon where investors begin to shift their asset allocation away from riskier investments and into safer ones.

Of all the available properties on the market, only one is under offer – with the rest being for sale or to rent.

‘Home-working doesn’t help – but isn’t to blame’

A number of businesses and organisations do remain loyal to the area, including charity Barnardos, construction and engineering firm Costain, Leeds Building Society and hairdresser Pink Lily on Carden Place.

Carden Place, Aberdeen. — Carden Place is located in the West End of Aberdeen. Image: Kath Flannery/DC Thomson.

Queens Terrace and Rubislaw Terrace include restaurant Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish, No. 10 Bar and Restaurant, Parx Cafe and Russell Gibson Financial Management.

John MacRae, the chairman of Aberdeen Solicitors Property Centre (ASPC) – which offers the largest selection of property for sale or rent in the north-east – said it’s “unlikely” the situation is an after-effect of the oil and gas downturn in 2015.

He added that staff working from home and hybrid work patterns as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have had “some effect” but is “not the main reason” for the demise.

He told The P&J: “In my view, the main reason is a flight to quality. Tenants want modern amenities, particularly in IT compatibility and communications, along with green compliance in the thermal efficiency of buildings and energy efficient heating and ventilation.”

In terms of the long-term future of West End streets – once a hotbed of thriving businesses – Mr MacRae believes that it is a “distinct possibility, if not probability” that these empty commercial offices will be turned into homes.

Although he admits: “Time scale is perhaps medium to long-term”.

Covid-19 has ‘absolutely’ played a role

Head of estate agents and solicitors Aberdein Considine’s commercial real estate department, Paul Jennings added that Covid-19 has “absolutely” played a role in companies downsizing their offices.

He said: “Businesses need smaller, more hub-based spaces to reflect introduction of more flexible and collaborative working practices.”

Mr Jennings also thinks there is scope to develop commercial premises into resident properties, saying: “We’re seeing this happening elsewhere in the city and planners seem keen to encourage it.”

In January, it was revealed that the Aberdeen offices of abrdn (previously Aberdeen Asset Management) on Queen’s Terrace were to close, with all 90 staff to work from home as a result.