Aberdeen Property

Aberdeen is a property hot-spot, with off-shore oil revenue from the North Sea making this part of Eastern Scotland much sought-after. Employment levels are very high and Aberdeen's relative affluence is reflected in its property prices. Situated in Scotland's largest national park, the bustling city offers easy access to beautiful vistas and dramatic coastline.

Prices for the largest, handsome, granite houses may reach more than 1 million, while the price of an average family home is around twice that of other parts of Scotland.

Much of the housing stock is Victorian and the roomy houses of well-heeled areas such as Cults and Bieldside are in great demand. If you're not an oil baron you may need to look beyond the AB15 postcode, but for those without deep pockets, there is an acknowledged shortage of reasonably priced family homes within a 30-mile radius of the city. Smaller terraced houses and apartments are available, but be prepared to search long and hard for a bargain. If you have money to invest, though, Aberdeen's property market is definitely worth considering.

In Scotland, solicitors play a much larger role in marketing properties than elsewhere in the UK, so you may find you do not deal with an estate agent at all when searching for your dream home. A good place to start looking is the Aberdeen Solicitors' Property Centre.