Scottish Estate Market Review | Spring 2020
Interest in Scottish estates from UK as well as international, and particularly European buyers remains strong, and we observe that there is more optimism in the estate market this spring than in previous years. We base this optimism on what buyers tell us – and we were involved in over 40% of the estates sold in Scotland in 2019.
The fundamental reasons for aspiring to own a Scottish estate remain unchanged, despite uncertainties due to issues related to Brexit and Scottish-government policy. Most buyers value the beauty of the landscape, quality of shooting, stalking and fishing available, and owning a unique property at which to relax and entertain. The appeal of being able to own a large area – 1,000-40,000 acres – for the equivalent price of, say, a London townhouse has enduring appeal. In addition, there are new income-generating opportunities on estates.
Government-backed support for renewable energy from wind, water and biofuels has created new opportunities to generate income, which can reduce or even negate the cost of running many Scottish estates.
Furthermore, opportunities to buy large expanses of wild and beautiful terrain to conserve and promote native species, or ‘rewilding’ as it is popularly known – and to offset carbon emissions from activities elsewhere are increasingly attractive to estate buyers. Markets for ‘carbon credits’ are developing and buyers are increasingly interested in estates in Scotland for their potential to generate these credits.
To read in further detail on the Scottish estates market download our full market report.
