Glasgow - south side or west end?

[SouthorWest]

DH and I are planning to move to Glasgow from the south-east in the next year or so. However we can't decide where we want to focus our search.

We want a large tenement - ideally 3 beds as I will be working from home and ds will be with us in uni holidays etc. Big kitchen diner, etc etc. Our budget would be around £400k

Our original plan was to stick to the west end or Finneston both of which which we know well and love, but I am increasingly taken by the idea of areas like Pollockshields or Strathbungo in terms of what you can get for your money. But, they don't seem to have quite the same buzz as areas we know north of the river - am I right or just being narrow-minded? We want good restaurants, bars, shops, cultural stuff etc on our doorstep. I also need a great yoga studio! On the other hand the southside seems to have more in the way of green space which is also a big plus as we have a dog.

We're going up next week to have a recce around areas we don't know so well. Any tips for areas we should focus on - or avoid?

I suppose what I'm asking is, which is better?

Both areas have what you are looking for. Southside has been becoming more popular for the last decade or so. You would get a lot more for your money in Shawlands/Stathbungo area and there are some really great eating places in the area. Now probably isn't a great time to get a true feel for both the areas as quite a few shops, bars etc are still closed due to covid. Enjoy your visit and I'm sure you'd love whatever area you decide on.

West end if you can afford it

For you, sounds like west end. South side is great, slightly cheaper, but as nice as Shawlands, Strathbungo etc are they aren’t the west end in terms of stuff on your doorstep. For your budget you’ll still get something lovely in the west end.

I live on the south side, but that’s a schools / family / suburbia trade off for me over the west end. If it was purely us and no kids, west end all day long.

@user1487194234 - can you elaborate? That's my instinct but I'm not sure it's right?

If you're looking for the 'feel' I'd say west end. Strathbungo does have a nice feel and as you know you would get a lot more for your money but the feel doesn't cover as large an area if you know what I mean. If you want to be enveloped in that west end culture/buzz and you can afford it then the west end is the winner.

You'll get quite a bit more for your money in Southside, there are some beautiful properties there too and it does have a bit of a "buzz" about it.
However, for £400k, you'll get a good tenement in West End and the amenities on your doorstep are better and far more abundant.
I've lived in both areas and for me, west end wins hands down every single time without a doubt.

Unless you could afford this house, that would swing it for me:

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-67808148.html

Are you familiar with the offers over house buying system in Scotland?

That is indeed rather lovely @Ohhaipete. Not sure we'd be up for quite that much work though!

Yes, familiar with offers over. I'm getting used to mentally adding another 15% to the stated price so I don't get too carried away...

I know, it's hard capping your budget as you search when you know you technically have more! Good luck, it's exciting making such a move. You've got me in a rightmove wormhole just now haha, and I'm seeing a few lovely flats in your budget around Dowanhill/Hillhead. I think you'll find something great in your budget, good luck!!

Thank you! I'm really excited now

Good luck with your move! The link that @Ohhaipete sent is a wonder. I think this would be my dream home...it seems to be under offer already but what a beautiful home...

I think most people prefer the West end,but sometimes have to compromise because of budget,schools (although Tay tends to mean moving out of Glasgow to the suburbs
For me the West end has everything,

I grew up Southside and my first flat was Shawlands. I'd pick it over the west end any time but then it's what I've always known. That said, I'm sure all my west end friends wouldn't ever think of moving south.

I think both have a very different feel so wander round both and see what you think. I'm definitely one for gut instinct when it comes to these things.

I was back in Shawlands just recently and can't believe how much it's changed in the space of a few years. Definitely a "buzz" about it even with post lockdown restrictions not quite eased. Loads of new bars and restaurants have opened up so I'm sure you'd never get bored of eating and drinking out. Can't believe I didn't take full advantage of staying so close to these places.

Both have pros and cons. West end definitely "buzzier" - but is also student land and you run the risk of having flats of noisy students all around you when you're trying to work. Parking is a nightmare in many areas.

South side - arguably easier parking and fewer students. Easier parking. But less "buzz".

If you don't mind stairs, this one is a cracker. www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-82418800.html

For £400k you'll get a beautiful tenement in the West End but the prices are crazy.

In the Southside you'd get something like this: www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-70765338.html for well within your budget and there are some lovely period terraces as well which will easily be within your price range.

wow that apartment is georgous

Both of those flats are gorgeous - interestingly though neither has room for a proper table in the kitchen which is my absolute deal-breaker must-have. Can't be doing with islands and barstools

Slightly in love with all of these though - any thoughts on the areas?

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-72006762.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-94522295.html

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-72127251.html