A good time to buy 'doon the watter'

Once upon a time, people would leave Glasgow and its surrounding areas in droves and head ‘doon the watter’ for their holidays – nowadays it is househunters hungry to buy properties.

Inverclyde is a particular house buying hotspot at the moment. A recent report from Halifax Estate Agents pinpointed Greenock as one of only four hotspots in Scotland and one of just ten in the UK earmarked for house price growth in 2008. It claims that a combination of lower than average house prices and good transport links into Glasgow is attracting buyers into the area.

Other new figures also support the Halifax’s report, showing that neighbouring Port Glasgow is also at the heart of an inward property boom, despite growing concerns in other parts of the UK of a freeze or downturn.

And let’s not forget the key component to the growing popularity of this west coast region – regeneration. This is the name of the game and at present, Inverclyde is benefitting from a £3.7 million investment package which will support a range of local projects.

This investment, coupled with a number of quality housebuilders who are bringing high-quality new homes to the area, is attracting buyers from out-with Inverclyde into developments like George Wimpey’s ‘Kingston Dock’ in Port Glasgow.

Kingston Dock is located on Port Glasgow Road and since releasing the first homes in April last year, George Wimpey has seen an influx of buyers at this 92-property development, which is located in an enviable location, overlooking the River Clyde.

Michelle Logie, sales and marketing director for George Wimpey West Scotland said:

“Our range of luxurious and spacious four-bedroom detached villas, three-bedroom townhouses and terraced properties have been selling at some pace. Buyers constitute a mixture of local residents looking for a new, high-spec home, as well as new-comers to the area, mainly from Glasgow requiring a larger home that offers better value-for-money per square foot than they would get in the city.

“We also recently opened two showhomes, which really demonstrate the level of craftsmanship and flexible living space our homes offer.

“Our levels of customer satisfaction are impressive and we offer a comprehensive after-sales service which includes 7, 14, 21 and 28-day visits to your new home with our site manager and sales executive to ensure you’re 100% happy with your home.

“Port Glasgow’s regeneration programme is very impressive and we’re not surprised to see the number of buyers we’ve had to date at Kingston Dock. This is a great place to live and with the ongoing plans – it will reach new heights in a couple of years time.

“The present market indicators are showing positive signs that Port Glasgow will be a good area to invest in. And particularly for families and professional couples looking for a quality, three or four-bedroom property, that’s well-designed and spacious. But we are advising those interested in buying here, to move quickly, as our properties are selling fast.”

In terms of amenities, everything is within easy reach and commuting to Glasgow’s city centre is very accessible. The train station is only a mile away, with regular trains to Glasgow Central, Paisley and the towns dotted along the west coast, and Glasgow Airport is about 35 minutes away by car. There are also good local schools, shops, supermarkets and leisure facilities.

Kingston Dock currently has four bedroom detached homes and four bedroom townhouses available. Prices start from £195,000 for The Mease, four bedroom townhouse.

For more information on Kingston Dock, visit Georgewimpey.co.uk. Alternatively, come and visit the newly opened showhomes any day between 10am and 5pm.