5 Tips for Buying a House in Glasgow

If you are buying a new house in Glasgow, take a look at our tips below to make sure you buy the right house for you.

Purchasing a new house is an exciting prospect. Whether it is a first home or your next home, you have to make sure that you make an informed decision, as it is one of the biggest investments you can ever make.

If you are looking to purchase a new home in Glasgow specifically, there’s plenty to know. First off, when it comes to purchasing a home here, it is important to consider hiring solicitors in Glasgow. They will assist with the purchase and ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

Otherwise, here are five other things you should consider…

First Time Buyer Grants and Schemes

If you’re looking to purchase a new home in Scotland but don’t have the full funds, there are several government initiatives that can help you achieve your goal.

For existing homes, the Open Market Shared Equity program offers to finance up to 90% of the cost, with the Scottish Government covering the remaining amount. Alternatively, the New Supply Shared Equity scheme covers 60 to 80% of the cost for brand new homes being constructed.

For those with lower incomes, the Shared Ownership scheme allows you to own a portion of the home, from 25% to 75%, with a housing association owning the rest. The occupancy charge covers the cost of living in the property.

Finally, the Help to Buy (Scotland) Affordable New Build program assists with purchasing a newly built home, with the Scottish Government taking an equity stake of up to 15% that can be paid back at any time.

Consider the Safe Areas

Glasgow offers several safe and desirable neighbourhoods for home buyers. These include:

• The suburb of Bearsden, known for its low crime rates and quality schools.
• The affluent neighbourhood of Langside, with its historical homes and tree-lined streets.
• The bustling area of West End, popular for its cultural attractions and independent shops.
• The east-end neighbourhood of Dennistoun is also a safe and affordable option, with a diverse community and plenty of local amenities.

Regardless of personal preferences, Glasgow has options for safe and enjoyable places to live.

Consider the Cheaper Areas

For those looking for affordable housing options, Glasgow has several areas with relatively low-priced homes. These include the neighbourhoods of Easterhouse, which has seen recent regeneration projects and improvements, and Drumchapel, known for its public transportation options and community spirit.

The outskirts of the city, such as Bishopbriggs and Coatbridge, also offer lower-priced homes while still providing easy access to Glasgow’s city centre. Additionally, the neighbourhood of Castlemilk has a mix of affordable homes and new developments, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious home buyers. Ultimately, there are several options for budget-conscious home buyers in Glasgow.

Think About Transport Links

Glasgow offers an extensive network of public transportation options for its residents. The city has an extensive bus network, operated by First Glasgow, that serves the Greater Glasgow area and offers frequent services.

Additionally, the Glasgow Subway provides an efficient and reliable mode of transportation, serving 15 stations across the city. For those travelling further afield, Glasgow Central and Queen Street railway stations provide regular train services to destinations throughout Scotland and beyond.

The city also has excellent road connections, including the M8 motorway that links Glasgow to Edinburgh and other major cities. With these options, residents of Glasgow enjoy convenient access to the city and beyond.

Consider Schools

Whether you have a family or are considering starting one, it always helps to think about schooling. Every parent wants the best for their children and Glasgow has some top schools that you might want to consider.

Glasgow has several top schools that offer high-quality education. Some of the notable schools include The High School of Glasgow, Glasgow Academy, Kelvinside Academy, and Glasgow School of Art. These schools have a strong reputation for academic excellence, with highly qualified teachers and a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities.

The High School of Glasgow and Glasgow Academy, in particular, are known for their rich history and strong traditions. Glasgow School of Art is a leader in the field of art and design education, and Kelvinside Academy has a strong focus on science and technology.

All of these schools have a long-standing commitment to providing their students with the best possible education and preparing them for success in their future endeavours.

Make the Right Purchase

Glasgow has a lot to offer and there is a lot to think about when purchasing a home there. This vibrant city has excellent transport links, it also has brilliant schools and areas where crime rates are low.

Be sure to seek the help of a solicitor to take you through the next steps, once you’ve found the house of your dreams.