As the spotlight continues to shine on Scotland in its year of Homecoming, house buyers from outside Scotland are increasingly turning their attention to the country’s property market. According to Matthew Sinclair, director of property search agent Saint Property, the company has seen an increase in interest from buyers in countries such as Hong Kong, China, Germany and Denmark by as much as 50 per cent. But as anyone who has spent hours making calls to estate agents will know, buying a home is not only stressful but very time consuming. However, don’t be put off as there are a growing number of professionals out there willing to share their knowledge and expertise to assist you in fi nding the perfect pad.

Saint Property

Saint Property which provides professional market knowledge for property buyers worldwide, specialises in fi nding Scottish castles, country houses, sporting estates and Edinburgh townhouses. This year overseas buyers have shown particular interest in estates and land as well as residential property in areas such as Perthshire, the Borders and Edinburgh. From the hills and lochs of the Highlands to the remote beauty of the islands and its vibrant cities Scotland offers a huge array of top end properties. Buyers from overseas often return to the UK after several years abroad looking for a new family home to retire to, or as a UK based holiday retreat. Many overseas buyers are also looking to buy Scottish property as an investment, particularly now that yields from other kinds of investments have dropped so dramatically.

Matthew Sinclair comments: ‘For overseas buyers’ search agents provide the perfect solution to any problems faced with fi nding a property in Scotland and will also save the buyer a considerable amount of time and money. Saint Property is an independent specialist in the Scottish market. We use our knowledge to guide buyers through the quirks of the Scottish system and secure a fair price on behalf of the buyer. We also have access to properties which are not available on the open market and can be sold in a private deal.’ As well as time consuming, searching for an ideal property can sometimes be immensely frustrating if you are not up to speed with the latest properties on the market - or more importantly coming on the market. With a number of property search companies now operating across the country a lot of the legwork, wasted journeys and the research can be taken out of your hands by the professionals.

Macpherson Property

With a wide knowledge and contacts across many areas of the country, Macpherson Property pride themselves in locating properties that have not yet made it to the market. Their aim is to search and acquire property for all manner of purchasers who are seeking a home whether it is in the Borders or in the Highlands. Although Macpherson Property have a residential sales department this arm of the business is directed solely at the needs of the purchaser in the pursuit of their dream home or development opportunity. They can also recommend an array of professionals to help make the purchase a smooth one.

Strang Steel Property Search

Strang Steel Property Search also offers a personal and professional service operating mainly in Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Whether you are looking for a family home in the capital, an apartment in the New Town or a country estate, Strang Steel are passionate about providing a first class service. Their three main objectives are - to find the best properties, to save you time and to negotiate the best possible price. They take a proactive approach and ensure that they hear about any new properties before they come on the market, so that they can give a competitive edge over other buyers.

County Homesearch

County Homesearch is run by Martin and Sheonagh Watt who are happy to find your ideal home by tailoring their personal homefinding service to individual needs. Operating in Edinburgh, Lothians, Borders, Fife, Perth, Tayside and Aberdeen they have wide experience of the market from the oil rich city of Aberdeen in the northeast to the farmlands and rolling hills of the Borders.

Stubbs Relocation

Another company with more than 20 years experience in this field is Stubbs Relocation. If you are looking for a house in the country Heather Stubbs has a thorough knowledge of her territory all over Scotland and the North of England.

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Saint Property. Tel: 0131 478 4533 or visit www.saintproperty.com

Macpherson Property, Tel: 01896 820 226 or visit www.macphersonproperty.co.uk

Strang Steele Property Search, Tel: 0131 200 7114 or visit www.strangsteelproperty.co.uk

County Homesearch, Tel: 0131 202 0033 or visit www.county-homesearch.co.uk

Stubbs Relocation, Tel: 01768 881618 or visit www.stubbs-relocation.co.uk