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Scotsnet

Welcome to Scotsnet - discuss all aspects of life in Scotland, including relocating, schools and local areas.

Original poster

Where to move to in Scotland?

53 replies

theycallmebon · 30/08/2023 15:32

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We are looking to relocate to Scotland and because we are self-employed we can live anywhere (well where budget allows - cost of living amirite?) Which of these areas would you recommend for a family of 4 - children’s ages 6 and 12, so looking for good public and secondary schools. We wont need to commute for work, and we like a leafy suburban feel with restaurants and shops relatively close (within driving distance). Beach within 45 min drive a bonus. Budget to buy a 3 bed, 1 bath semi-detached £230,000 but terraced is good too. On the list we have (but are open to more areas as we know nothing about Scotland):

Dundee
Dunfermline
Perth

Any helpful advice would be appreciated for this soon-to-be honorary Scot married to a Scottish lass’ son. TIA. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

OP posts:
Barbiegirl2013 · 30/08/2023 23:21

When looking at houses bear in mind that most are still selling for significantly over the advertised price, particularly in that price bracket. A friend of ours offered asking price on a house recently and was rejected immediately, despite being the only offer they had as they were looking for at least £20,000 over. It sold for even more than that over. This is in the Highlands though so maybe different elsewhere.

Original poster
theycallmebon · 31/08/2023 07:31

You have all been so amazing in your answers and tips, thank you. I may be able to stretch the budget (but not by much) so you have given me a lot to think about which I'm super grateful for. I have lived in England and also abroad but my heart is in Scotland for many reasons (environmentally, politically and the fact that you can be at the beach, in the mountains or in a city within a short time - what a treat and have I mentioned the amazing Scottish people?) but all that's a convo for another day. Thanks again everyone!🙏

OP posts:
Original poster
theycallmebon · 31/08/2023 07:33

theycallmebon · 31/08/2023 07:31

You have all been so amazing in your answers and tips, thank you. I may be able to stretch the budget (but not by much) so you have given me a lot to think about which I'm super grateful for. I have lived in England and also abroad but my heart is in Scotland for many reasons (environmentally, politically and the fact that you can be at the beach, in the mountains or in a city within a short time - what a treat and have I mentioned the amazing Scottish people?) but all that's a convo for another day. Thanks again everyone!🙏

Excellent advice - I will bear that in mind for sure.

OP posts:
Original poster
theycallmebon · 31/08/2023 07:34

Barbiegirl2013 · 30/08/2023 23:21

When looking at houses bear in mind that most are still selling for significantly over the advertised price, particularly in that price bracket. A friend of ours offered asking price on a house recently and was rejected immediately, despite being the only offer they had as they were looking for at least £20,000 over. It sold for even more than that over. This is in the Highlands though so maybe different elsewhere.

Excellent advice - I will bear that in mind for sure.

OP posts:
AgnesX · 31/08/2023 08:03

fifteenfifty · 30/08/2023 20:42

Meaning?? Lived both places and not at all sure what you mean.

Show quote history

She means that there's a different culture and social systems like education. It's not the same as England or Wales (and definitely not like NI) although the language is the same.

stargirl1701 · 31/08/2023 09:43

Have you considered the Moray Coast?

EveryKneeShallBow · 31/08/2023 09:52

Would also recommend Fife. Cupar or the villages surrounding, Pitlessie, Ceres, Peat Inn, Ladybank. Lovely area, and lovely people. Moved from England 20 years ago with two kids about yours’ ages, and no regrets.

TravellingJack · 31/08/2023 16:32

Look at South Queensferry - although a lot of housing there is way over that budget, there are also some nice properties if you don't mind something on the smaller side or on a less attractive street. The area is gorgeous, surrounded by beaches and country estates with good walks/bike routes. Choice of decent primary schools and the high school is as good too. Lovely community, plenty to get involved in if you want, some nice restaurants on the High St with views over the Forth, a 15min train ride into Edinburgh and a short taxi to the airport... also on the right side of Edinburgh to easily drive to Glasgow, Stirling, Perth etc. There are downsides too of course! But it is a lovely place to live.

caramacyears · 31/08/2023 19:24

AgnesX · 31/08/2023 08:03

She means that there's a different culture and social systems like education. It's not the same as England or Wales (and definitely not like NI) although the language is the same.

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Exactly thanks

Barbiegirl2013 · 31/08/2023 22:26

Good luck OP! I’m sure you’ll be happy wherever you settle, Scotland is a fantastic place to live 😊

shibhon · 31/08/2023 22:31

caramacyears · 30/08/2023 19:51

Brave move if you know nothing about Scotland. As people will tell you, it's not England

What does this mean?

caramacyears · 01/09/2023 10:50

shibhon · 31/08/2023 22:31

What does this mean?

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Read my posts

NotMadeOfStone · 01/09/2023 10:52

I've only ever lived in Scotland so am really interested in what's different: I suppose I think of England being pretty much the same as here with a different accent!

caramacyears · 01/09/2023 11:01

NotMadeOfStone · 01/09/2023 10:52

I've only ever lived in Scotland so am really interested in what's different: I suppose I think of England being pretty much the same as here with a different accent!

Apart from devolution - devolved versus reserved powers, the legal system, laws, the education system, the planning system, building regulations, arts, music and culture, history, priorities, politics, religion, environment, languages, the independence movement - nothing really

NotMadeOfStone · 01/09/2023 11:05

Well yes of course. I sort of mean in daily life how these differences present themselves.

caramacyears · 01/09/2023 11:23

NotMadeOfStone · 01/09/2023 11:05

Well yes of course. I sort of mean in daily life how these differences present themselves.

They manifest themselves when you try to buy a house, build a house, take a prescription to the chemist, get a bus pass, go walking, engage in legal proceedings, get invited to a Burns Night supper or a ceilidh, enrol your child into school, get involved in politics, engage with what are currently reserved issues, and above all talk to people here about what matters to them. This is just a small selection in no particular order.

shibhon · 01/09/2023 11:56

NotMadeOfStone · 01/09/2023 11:05

Well yes of course. I sort of mean in daily life how these differences present themselves.

They don't really. It's just like moving to a different city. Different procedures and protocols...that's all.

caramacyears · 01/09/2023 12:43

shibhon · 01/09/2023 11:56

They don't really. It's just like moving to a different city. Different procedures and protocols...that's all.

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With respect, I think devolution is more than just a protocol

Calmdown14 · 01/09/2023 12:52

I'm English and have lived up here nearly 20 years. I don't think there is that much difference, well not comparing like for like.

I think Liverpool is quite different to Manchester for example, having lived in both. But find a lot of similarities between Glasgow and Liverpool in terms of how friendly the people are and that they are quite different to those from only 20 miles away.

Living in Wick or Ullapool is very different from living in the central belt but people who grew up on the north Yorkshire Moors would perhaps find more common ground with these communities than Govan.

To me Scotland is as different within itself as it is different to England.

Of course there are differences in law and education but realistically when you buy a house your solicitor handles that and if you did highest and standard grades then national fives mean little to you until you have a child doing them anyway. I did GCSEs but have no idea what the current numbers system means!

shibhon · 01/09/2023 12:57

Calmdown14 · 01/09/2023 12:52

I'm English and have lived up here nearly 20 years. I don't think there is that much difference, well not comparing like for like.

I think Liverpool is quite different to Manchester for example, having lived in both. But find a lot of similarities between Glasgow and Liverpool in terms of how friendly the people are and that they are quite different to those from only 20 miles away.

Living in Wick or Ullapool is very different from living in the central belt but people who grew up on the north Yorkshire Moors would perhaps find more common ground with these communities than Govan.

To me Scotland is as different within itself as it is different to England.

Of course there are differences in law and education but realistically when you buy a house your solicitor handles that and if you did highest and standard grades then national fives mean little to you until you have a child doing them anyway. I did GCSEs but have no idea what the current numbers system means!

Completely agree. I'm Scottish and have lived overseas and now in England for over 20 years. Some Scots are very nationalistic though and the SNP have changed the culture in Scotland to its detriment sadly.

shibhon · 01/09/2023 13:02

caramacyears · 01/09/2023 11:23

They manifest themselves when you try to buy a house, build a house, take a prescription to the chemist, get a bus pass, go walking, engage in legal proceedings, get invited to a Burns Night supper or a ceilidh, enrol your child into school, get involved in politics, engage with what are currently reserved issues, and above all talk to people here about what matters to them. This is just a small selection in no particular order.

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These are hilarious. Particularly like taking a prescription to the chemist, going to a Burns supper, enrolling at school....actually they are all ridiculous things which are not even worth a moment's thought.

caramacyears · 01/09/2023 13:47

shibhon · 01/09/2023 13:02

These are hilarious. Particularly like taking a prescription to the chemist, going to a Burns supper, enrolling at school....actually they are all ridiculous things which are not even worth a moment's thought.

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They are just some of the things which I had to learn about. Others were endless SNP bashing from people like you

Moodwill · 01/09/2023 14:32

Hello OP, we are also moving to Scotland shortly from England with a 13 year old. We've just bought a house in Dunfermline as it ticked all our boxes (a detached 5 bed for 275!).

The offers over system nearly did me in, so stressful as we didn't really have anything to 'offer over' iyswim. But we struck lucky and now can't wait to move.

Private message me if you want to chat since we're in the same boat!

Photio · 01/09/2023 16:56

The offers over system nearly did me in, so stressful as we didn't really have anything to 'offer over' iyswim.

Yes it's important to use a local solicitor where you're buying as they'll have the local knowledge of how much over the o/o price things are going for so can advise you what to offer.

It's often 10% but in some popular areas its 20% over.
It can take people new to Scotland a while to realise that great value house at o/o £260k is actually going to sell for 300

Moodwill · 01/09/2023 17:10

Yes @Photio is absolutely right. It's a lot to get your head around.

My solicitor has been amazing. My brother in law used the firm when they bought, so he recommended them to me. They're called Harper Macleod. I can tell you who I am specifically working with if you want to PM me :)