Independent property consultancies, CKD Galbraith, is cautiously optimistic that 'cash-buyers' will help drive recovery in the Scottish property market over the forthcoming year.

The firm has also experienced an increase in the number of prospective purchasers across its network of 12 offices from the North East to the Borders.

CKD Galbraith currently has in excess of 4,500 prospective purchasers on its advanced marketing database who are all actively seeking a wide range of properties north of the border.

Of the 4,500 registered home-seekers, 14% are registered as 'cash buyers' who already have funds in place and are not reliant on selling another property before proceeding with a purchase. This figure is up from the same time last year, when only 9% claimed to be in a similar position.

2009 was a significantly more stable year than anticipated, with some much needed confidence returning to the marketplace. The business encountered a significant increase in property viewings, with over 2,470 separate viewings arranged in the last six months of the year, compared to 1,950 for the first six months, an increase of 26%.


Of the more sought after properties, the return of the traditional closing date system in the late spring of 2009 was particularly encouraging, and highlighted the resilience of the market for problem-free houses, in good locations, which were sensibly priced and just as importantly, well presented.

During the year, a number of notable sales were achieved, with levels of activity and volumes of sales far higher than the pessimistic projections delivered at the end of 2008.

Understandably, high quality properties at the lower end of the market, below £350,000, proved to be particularly popular. CKD Galbraith sold Balcomie Cottage, a delightful cottage in the Speyside village of Aberlour within nine days, and Aytounhill Cottage, a 'fairy tale' cottage set deep in the woods outside Cupar, Fife, which quickly proceeded to a closing date at which several good offers were received.

Going forward into the year, it is likely that the general market trends established in the second half of 2009 will become more pronounced and embedded.

Given the Home Report, which is now well established and operating to the benefit of the market, combined with the forthcoming general election, widely expected by May, CKD Galbraith anticipates that business will be reasonably brisk in the early part of 2010, before a probable lull immediately before and potentially after the eventual chosen date for the election.

(GK/BMcC)