Greenock/ Port Glasgow

[Gakatsbsk]

As anyone trying to rent in Glasgow atm will know there is incredibly high demand. 6 months of viewings has yielded nothing. That’s across the city, southside and parts of Renfrewshire and SL/NL.

We have been forced to branch out. I am well aware of the deprivation and substance misuse in these areas and of all the semi derelict buildings in port glasgow but we do need somewhere to live.

PG and Greenock and both by the Clyde, scenic ish views across the water and very affordable.

We are sick of the big city grind and bustle. I already commute 20 minutes (shift worker so not as affected by traffic). An extra 2-10 minutes is fine.

So yeah I’m looking for an honest account of these areas, good and bad.

We both come from what would be seen as ‘shithole’ parts of England so we have no delusions of grandeur.

Thanks

Is there anything you can do to make yourselves more attractive tenants? Guarantor or something?

@massistar thanks

@KingsleyShacklebolt we can both provide guarantors and pay 2 years of rent up front, this hasn’t helped us

Helensburgh?
It would be illegal to reject you because you're English.

You can't walk more than 10 feet in Helensburgh without hearing an English accent!

@Gakatsbsk

Thanks everyone. We are considering it but availability of housing is low.

We are limited in that it needs to have good public transport links as well.

Renfrew is already being considered and we have applied for a few. I dislike paisley for the roads. We have applied for a few in Johnstone/Linwood.

We have considered and been rejected from Yoker , drumchapel, Clydebank, Knightswood, Partick, Govan, Cessnock, Rutherglen, Mt Florida, Parkhead and Carntyne.

For work commute reasons we don’t want to go too far up towards Cumbernauld etc.

We weren’t keen on Motherwell or Hamilton. We are considering uddingston (been rejected a few times).

We have asked for feedback and had a few vague excuses and one very honest, that we are English and a mix professional:student which looks high risk

A rental company rejected you because you are English?! How are you finding the flats? I've lived in several and never had an issue. I certainly don't think you need to go to Port Glasgow/ Gourock simply to get a flat. Have you spoken with the big rental agencies?

@urbanbuddha

As the daughter of a property lawyer I am only too aware. However it is impossible to prove.

Will consider Helensburgh thanks

We’ve spoken to every rental agency in Glasgow. There is a lot of demand and most people I’ve spoke to are / have found it difficult recently. I’m sure we will get something eventually

Sorry OP, I wouldn’t live in Linwood either although it’s us getting nicer!

Greenock has decent bits, but hard to determine what bits are what and an absolute nightmare to get in and out of at rush hour/in the rain.

Bishopton is midway and if you would be driving, I’d also consider Erskine for access reasons. I’d also reconsider Paisley, although again, only certain areas.

The last part was meant to answer @StarryEyeSurprise x

@Yellow85

Thanks very much.

Erskine and bishopton are on the list (and seem nice) just not loads available

I have lived in Greenock for almost 10 years. I’ve lived all over and it has its good points and bad ones. The nearer to Gourock you get the better it gets. Loads of stuff to do here, cinema, ice rink, swimming pool and easy to get to Paisley and Glasgow.

What about Renfrew?

I did consider Gourock for a move. Greenock would be okay. Very unsure about Port Glasgow as only heard bad things. Ended up outside of Helensburgh. Lots of English accents here.

@ISpyCobraKai very much being considered and hoping to get a flat here x

I work in gourock and live in Glasgow. The commute on the m8 can be horrible sometimes. Train service is ok but bishopton half the distance and some nice areas. There are some lovely houses in Gourock and the views are stunning. The whole area has grown on me. It has some very deprived areas - like most cities do.

@Canigoonroblox

Thanks very much. Having just driven what would be the commute 6 times I can see if busy it wouldn’t be ideal. I’m hoping if we do move there the 6am traffic would be minimal

@Gakatsbsk Greenock definitely wouldn’t be my first choice. Although, I’d take it over Port Glasgow. As others have said, Gourock is nicer but there are some not bad areas in Greenock the further out towards Gourock you go.

Have you considered North Ayrshire instead of Inverclyde?

Where will you be working? ( Sorry if I've missed it.)

Also, I don't understand how you can be a 'risky prospect. Students rent flats all the time and you have a decent budget of £1,000 with one tennant working .

Dd and her Bf rent a flat and they were 19 and 20 when they got it, they are both students.

@Gakatsbsk
I love the wee park in Renfrew, I go there often to feed the ducks there's a great Indian restaurant too, right down by the water.

[quote ISpyCobraKai]@Gakatsbsk
I love the wee park in Renfrew, I go there often to feed the ducks there's a great Indian restaurant too, right down by the water.[/quote]
Green Gates? Amazing

@StarryEyeSurprise

Where will you be working? ( Sorry if I've missed it.)

I think this is key. I will admit to being biased, I'm in Lanarkshire and totally understand you don't fancy this area but if you're trying to get to the city centre I think it's a lot quicker than Inverclyde. Depends on your drivers. Seaside. Commuting. Schools. Etc etc.

Yes Yellow that's the one

Yes I was also going to mention ease of commuting to your work.
Sorry I don't know that area as I'm through towards the east.
But pre- COVID the rush hour traffic into Glasgow and Edinburgh was starting earlier and earlier.
With flexible working there's lot of people now start at 7.30 or 8 and finish anywhere between 4 and 6.

I know you said you're a shift worker but I suppose I'm saying it does depend on shift pattern.
If you're 2-10pm you'll be fine in lots of areas but if you're 6-6 could find yourself coming home from work in rush hour.

Inverclyde is an area with significant levels of poverty and deprivation. Far worse than many areas of Glasgow.

I’ve worked there in the past and there is a strong community spirit and some lovely places to live. Stick to the west end of Greenock or Gourock if you can. Inverkip also lovely.

If you are commuting to Glasgow though I would say there are probably better options for you.