2 minute read
Ayrshire Prime coastal living without the premium price tag
But coastal homes in Ayrshire –where I live – offer all the advantages of sparkling sea views, fresh air and the wealth of leisure opportunities on the water or on the beach, while remaining reasonably priced compared with many other coastlines up and down the country.
That’s not to say that coastal homes here do not command a premium –indeed they do – but average prices in Ayrshire remain good value, at £186,893 for all types of property combined, far below the average UK house price of £294,000.
The sandy sweep of bay from Troon all the way down to Ayr is a good example of the natural beauty on offer in Ayrshire. Stretching almost seven miles, there is abundant space for walkers, joggers, kite-surfers, paddleboarders, windsurfers and even the occasional horse rider.
The views are second to none, with the granite outcrop of Ailsa Craig off the coast of Girvan and the Isle of Arran visible from most of the region’s beaches. A wonderful day trip in the summer is the ferry to Arran from Ardrossan, lunch in one of the many lovely pubs and cafés on the island and back the same day.
There is an active sailing community here, with excellent marinas at Troon and Largs. The west coast of Scotland is a major draw for experienced sailors, with its challenging waters, isles, inlets and miles of coastline to explore from Arran to Bute, Tarbert or Campbeltown.
Ayrshire has excellent golf courses too – links courses including Trump Turnberry and Royal Troon are extremely popular. In South Ayrshire the local authority has established a number of council-run golf courses which are inexpensive and provide a fantastic alternative to the world famous hotspots.
The region is also well-connected, with easy access to Glasgow via the M77 and Glasgow Airport, while Prestwick Airport is an excellent facility for Ayrshire, offering scheduled international flightsusually without the interminable queues!
Also at Prestwick, the International Aerospace Park is home to a US firm manufacturing satellites and space systems, expected to create 575 skilled jobs in the next few years.
This will provide a further boost to the region and is certainly one to watch.
As I write, the property market is just opening up after the traditional winter lull. Buyers looking to secure a coastal property are prepared to wait, sometimes even for years - but will act very decisively when the right property becomes available. Buyers registered with us include those who have prioritized quality of life, those who are now able to work from home more than they could previously, and those planning ahead for a property that will ultimately be their main base after retirement. The most sought-after coastal properties are those that are also within commuting distance of Ayr or Glasgow, offering the ideal combination of seaside living and accessibility
Plots of land close to the coast are also very popular, offering the ability to build a home entirely to the owner’s specification and style. One plot with planning permission and sea views that we sold recently went under offer just five days after coming to the market. n
Jake Shaw-Tan 07919 182 474 jake.shaw-tan@galbraithgroup.com
Some of our recent coastal sales in Ayrshire include:
