Hello
My wife and I have talked about downsizing when kids are older/ at college. Some time away still as one is 13, other 17.
We both live in Ireland, rurally, nice house etc. Where we live can be very hot - more so in last few years. We are in a rain shadow so 22 - 25 degrees for past two weeks with another 2 weeks to come. No breeze. Its like Essex, flat, hot. Last summer similar.
We both like the coast. I did a trip to scotland earlier in year and it was so nice. Great scenery, nice coastline etc. What I really liked was coolness, under 15 degrees with a breeze. It was so nice as I hate hot weather. If we were to look at a second home in scotland with cool summer weather where should I look? Will we get eaten alive by midges?? Any thoughts welcome. Ideally we would use house in summer period and Ireland outside of that.
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Any advice on moving to Scotland?
Gardendad · 04/06/2023 18:34
BonnieGlasses · 04/06/2023 18:38
People buying properties as second homes is a huge issue for many communities in Scotland. My advice would be not to add to this problem.
BonnieGlasses · 04/06/2023 18:38
People buying properties as second homes is a huge issue for many communities in Scotland. My advice would be not to add to this problem.
PuffinsRocks · 04/06/2023 19:08
Why not buy one in Donegal? The temperatures are comparable, house prices are cheap and there are plenty of homes for sale as well as good access to all the things you'll need as a retiree like access to healthcare that you have insurance/a medical card for. Also the Ulster midges can give you a slightly milder version of that same Scottish experience ;)
Gingerwright · 04/06/2023 19:09
My community has been decimated by second homes. Fortunately it is also midge infested (NW coast), so you will presumably not fancy it!
If you absolutely must have a second home when so many locals don't even have one, can I suggest a township which is not already overrun with them?
buddhasbelly · 04/06/2023 19:47
The thing with a lot of coastal communities is that a lot of folk have bought as second homes in “not so touristy areas” and now we have settlements that are more than half empty come the winter months.
I can’t really think of anywhere that hasn’t been affected by it unfortunately.
That’s not to get at you OP and your plans, it’s just the reality of what communities are facing. It’s created a lot of tension in some areas.
Awrite · 04/06/2023 19:57
What about the Ayrshire Coast? Definitely no midges and not too far from ferry link (Stranraer). Close to Glasgow for culture, theatre, gigs etc. I don't think there's an issue with second homers.
qualitychat · 04/06/2023 20:30
I live in Ayrshire on the coast and I can assure you there are midges. A lot of people from England have bought second homes here, it's not a major problem though. I live in an extremely popular tourist town, although come the winter it is pretty dead. I suppose where you move to will depend on your budget. At the moment the market is very buoyant and people are paying over the odds for houses. You also need to remember that you will have to pay 6 per cent additional dwelling supplement.
bloodyfootprint · 04/06/2023 23:07
Why not look for a lodge in a park where you can't live all year round so you're not contributing to the harm of second home buying but actually bringing something to the area? Some lodges are really lovely and in stunning settings.
Gardendad · 04/06/2023 23:14
Yes. Also thought about long term letting a local holiday cottage so money goes to a local person.
bloodyfootprint · 04/06/2023 23:07
Why not look for a lodge in a park where you can't live all year round so you're not contributing to the harm of second home buying but actually bringing something to the area? Some lodges are really lovely and in stunning settings.
bloodyfootprint · 04/06/2023 23:24
But that holiday cottage could have been a family's home if it hadn't been snaffled up by an investor for twice the price a local could afford. Your rent money almost certainly wouldn't be going to the local community at all, other than the few scraps thrown to the cleaner and maybe a meal in the local pub, if it's not closed down yet because the community's all been priced out and gone.
Gardendad · 04/06/2023 23:14
Yes. Also thought about long term letting a local holiday cottage so money goes to a local person.
bloodyfootprint · 04/06/2023 23:07
Why not look for a lodge in a park where you can't live all year round so you're not contributing to the harm of second home buying but actually bringing something to the area? Some lodges are really lovely and in stunning settings.
Gardendad · 04/06/2023 23:41
I disagree. Lots of locals in my area do holiday rents and its important summer income for them. Usually a barn conversion or a small flat. Tourism income also important. Housing for locals also important but they need jobs too.
bloodyfootprint · 04/06/2023 23:24
But that holiday cottage could have been a family's home if it hadn't been snaffled up by an investor for twice the price a local could afford. Your rent money almost certainly wouldn't be going to the local community at all, other than the few scraps thrown to the cleaner and maybe a meal in the local pub, if it's not closed down yet because the community's all been priced out and gone.
Gardendad · 04/06/2023 23:14
Yes. Also thought about long term letting a local holiday cottage so money goes to a local person.
bloodyfootprint · 04/06/2023 23:07
Why not look for a lodge in a park where you can't live all year round so you're not contributing to the harm of second home buying but actually bringing something to the area? Some lodges are really lovely and in stunning settings.
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