Lying 25 miles northwest of Glasgow, Helensburgh is a delightful Victorian town and popular holiday spot on the River Clyde. Boasting an exquisite coastal setting, it is ideally placed to enjoy the Highlands to the north and the Central Belt and Lowlands to the South—the variety of landscapes on offer is one of the town’s biggest draws for visitors and residents alike. Consequently, Helensburgh is one of the most desirable areas to live in Scotland, with local property consistently in demand with young professionals and families alike.

An affluent commuter town, Helensburgh is a fine example of a planned Scottish town. With a wonderful selection of beautiful villas and conservation areas—including Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House and William Leiper’s Red Towers—Helensburgh’s charming character is further enhanced by its many tree-line streets.

Helensburgh is also home to Faslane—one of three of the UK’s operating Naval Bases. Serving as the largest employer in the area, Faslane attracts workers from all over the world. The base is a source of significant income for Helensburgh and contributes to its booming property market. Whether you’re looking to buy your next home or invest in buy-to-let property in Helensburgh, the town’s placement and amenities offer high quality living in an idyllic semi-rural locale in the West of Scotland.

Average property prices in Helensburgh

The average price of property in Helensburgh, according to Zoopla estimates, is currently £229,906 (November 2017). This represents a rise of 0.74% since August 2017, and a rise of 6.92% compared to the same time last year.

The average sale price of flats in Helensburgh is at present £140,889. Terraced houses in the town currently have an average sale price of £153,248. Based on these figures, property in Helensburgh has a higher average sale price than Glasgow, reflecting local demand and the strength of the market.

Property for sale in Helensburgh

West Abercromby Street, Helensburgh (G84)

Four Bedroom Conversion

Offers Over £249,995

A truly delightful and extremely spacious lower villa conversion in Helensburgh. Enjoying a prestigious upper West End address, the property commands superb open aspects and is set amidst generous mature gardens with a secure garage and off-street parking.

The views are absolutely breathtaking. This property would be perfect for a wide range of buyers, including families, young professionals, or someone looking to downsize. This is a must-see traditional property and early viewings are highly recommended.

Offering flexible family accommodation over one level, with a private entrance on the ground floor,  the property comprises: large bright and spacious entrance hall leading to impressive bay windowed lounge; open-plan dining room with refitted kitchen and range cooker; utility room and cloakroom/WC; family room; four bedrooms, two with adjoining shower cubicles; and refitted family bathroom.

The property further benefits from many traditional features, double glazing, and a new roof that was replaced just three years ago.

East Argyle Street, Helensburgh (G84)

Two Bedroom Flat

Offers Over £89,500

Situated on the ground floor of a traditional red sandstone tenement, this two bedroom flat in Helensburgh is ideally suited to young professionals, down-sizers, or first time buyers.

The accommodation itself comprises: entrance vestibule; hallway with large storage cupboard; spacious lounge with feature fireplace; internal kitchen; two double bedrooms; and bathroom.

Boasting well-maintained communal gardens to the front and rear, the flat is in good decorative order throughout, with quality fixtures and fittings. Early viewings are highly recommended.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

You are probably aware legislation for letting property is changing in Scotland from the 1st of December. The new law is called Private Residential Tenancy law. We have asked our experts to give us a few highlights of what is changing, so landlords can prepare in good time.

• Starting the 1st of December 2017, leases will have start date and no end date.
• There is a required minimum 28 days’ notice from either landlord or agent.
• As of 1st December 2017, the first tear tribunal will replace the repairing standards and will be responsible for evictions, rent increase disputes etc.
• Current legal documentation for let properties such as the AT5, AT6, Section 33 etc. will no longer be required and instead will be replaced with a simple notice to leave.
• A new lettings agent code of practice will be in place from 31st January 2018, all agreements and procedures must comply at all times.

As a direct effect of the aforementioned changes, the standard lease agreement will change at 1st December 2017 as will the lettings agents terms of business for all new landlords

ALL EXISTING SHORT ASSURED TENANCIES CURRENTLY IN PLACE WILL CONTINUE AS SHORT ASSURED TENANCY UNDER THE HOUSING (SCOTLAND) ACT 1988 WITH THE SAME TERMS AND CONDITIONS UNTIL OFFICIALLY ENDED BY EITHER PARTY.

Further to the above changes:

• Each self-managed landlord and lettings agent staff must complete at least 20 hours formal training per annum.
• Each self-managed landlord and lettings agent staff must have lettings SVQ level qualifications in place before 30th September 2018. And must be renewed every three years.
• Each self-managed landlord lettings agent staff must register under the new government registration scheme which is set to come into effect in January 2018 with all landlords agents complying to be registered no later than 30th September 2018. There will be an annual premium not yet in place that must be paid as set out by the scheme (monthly, quarterly, yearly, is unknown at this time)
• Each form of advertising from landlord or agent must show the registration number from the new implemented scheme, including boards, window cards, newspaper ads, online ads etc.
• Each property must comply with no less than an energy efficiency rating of A to D anything above is deemed unacceptable and action must be taken to rectify the rating.

As you can see, there are quite a few significant changes that we at Caledonia Bureau are prepared to take on board for our landlords. Please contact our friendly Caledonia Bureau Letting team with any questions you might have: whether you are self-managing or if you require advice/help or just want to understand a little more about what’s going on.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

According to research, UK renters spend an average of 18 months in a property before moving on and a landlord takes an average of 22 days to find a new tenant. The void period resulting will translate into an average of £547 loss of rental income. (source)

If you are in the situation of being a landlord, then you must have a plan in place for reducing the cost of void periods. Working with an expert letting agent like Caledonia Bureau ensures you keep void periods to a minimum.

If your property has been struggling to rent out recently, this is what you should be looking at:

Is The Property Priced Correctly?

There is always a fine balance between positioning the monthly asking price for your letting property too low so to lose income and setting it to high so to deter potential renters. That is why the advice of an experienced estate agent like Caledonia Bureau can make a big difference in your successful let. If priced correctly, your property will bring the right amount of interest and rent for the best possible price.

Is the Property in Good Condition?

A rental property needs to meet certain health and safety regulations by law, but beyond that, a property must look sparkly clean and in good working order to attract renters quickly.

Do You Offer Good Customer Service to Your Tenants?

If your tenants enjoy their home, they will be less tempted to leave. That is why at Caledonia Bureau we take every possible step to ensure renters are settled and happy. We try to encourage landlords to be flexible and accommodate reasonable requests as that will encourage overall good relations amongst all interested parties.

Do You Budget for Void Periods?

When calculating your income and expenses it is important to add some provisions for void periods. You might provision pessimistically, but then at the end of the year, you will have a nice surprise. At the same time, if tenants leave unexpectedly at least you are not left struggling.

Another way of dealing with the cost associated with void periods is taking landlord insurance, which can cover for void periods.

Is Your Property Correctly Marketed?

Working with Caledonia Bureau will offer you the peace of mind that you are extending a wide net across the rental market so your property has maximum potential exposure. We work with major property portals as well as have our own vetted database of potential clients. That will help find the right tenant as quickly as possible.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

The university town of Paisley, located less than 10 miles from Glasgow city centre, is a popular residential choice for young professionals, families, students, commuters, and those simply looking for a more peaceful urban setting within close proximity to the city and countryside alike. Continue reading Paisley Property Market Update →

Ever since 2002, all properties up for sale have to produce an Energy Performance Certificate or popularly known as EPC. Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) are needed whenever a property is built, sold or rented. You must order an EPC for potential buyers and tenants before you market your property to sell or rent.

In Scotland, you must display the EPC somewhere in the property, eg in the meter cupboard or next to the boiler.

An EPC contains information about a property’s energy use and typical energy costs as well as recommendations about how to reduce energy use and save money. An EPC gives a property an energy efficiency rating from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) and is valid for 10 years.(Source)

A domestic energy assessor will usually come to your home to inspect the energy efficiency and prepare a report based on what is seen. Before the inspection happens, you can implement numerous alterations to ensure that you get the best possible rating. These alterations will not only help you receive a good rating, but will also raise the overall value of your home.

What’s more, an improved EPC is going to help you save on energy bills long term.

Heating Controls

You can improve your heating controls by changing the old used boiler or by introducing modern controls such as a boiler programmer and room thermostats. The addition of these controls will have a positive impact on your rating because it helps better control the environment temperature and save on heating when and where it is not needed.

Lighting

Your choice of lighting will impact your EPC. If you have costlier lighting in the form of halogen or non LED’s, you should get them replaced with Low Energy Lighting. Opt for fluorescent lights and LEDs to imp[orve on your EPC rating.

Roof Insulation

The roof is where most of a home’s heating is lost, that is why taking steps to insulating it will add value to your home and help save money on energy bills. To get a good EPC rating, you need to ensure that your roof insulation is no less than 270 mm in depth.

Wall Insulation

If your home has cavity wall construction, you can get it filled through an inexpensive way. The fillings will have a huge impact on the EPC.

Renewable Technology

The use of renewable technologies, such as solar panels and biomass boilers will help propel your EPC rating upwards.

For more information and to find your current energy rating, visit the Energy Saving Trust Home Energy Check here.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

As the cold season kicks in, we love all the celebrations that bring cheer, laughter and light in our homes – whether it’s the spooky Halloween festivities or – dare we say it yet? Christmas!

If you welcome little guisers this year you will need to dress your door appropriately spooky and in that the big pumpkin tradition must be given at least a nod.

This year on Halloween, you won’t have to go through the hassle of looking clueless in front of your kids or break your fingers trying to carve the perfect pumpkin lantern. Here we present some of the most simple and brilliant ideas to execute for the best pumpkin decoration.

Painted Funny Faces Pumpkins

Take the paints out and let your imagination go wild. Funny or spooky, colourful or minimalistic, your family can each personalise their own pumpkin with a bit of paint and brushes.

Glitter Ball Pumpkins

For the more glamorous of us, the glitter ball pumpkins sound like an easy, fun idea. Buy a selection of pumpkins, glitter and glue and/or metallic spray paint. Make sure you cover your worktop and get to painting. A bit of sparkle will make your decorations definitely stand out!

Mummy Pumpkins

Raid your first aid kit and get all the white bandages out. Wrap your pumpkin in the white bandage and create eyes by glueing small black circles. Make it scary or fun, up to you! You can go all out on gory details or keep it light hearted and fun.

Mini Spider Pumpkins

Buy mini pumpkins – easier to carry home first of all. Then, together with the kids, attach spider legs (by the means of black and hairy pipe cleaners) and lots of googly eyes. Arrange tastefully on your porch. Done!

Will you be decorating your home for Halloween this year? Share your pictures with us on Facebook!

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

Work in Glasgow but don’t like the property prices? There are many things to take into account when looking for a new home, including quality of schools, community and amenities, but the journey time to work is often a top consideration.

One of the great things about Glasgow is that it’s a vibrant yet relatively small city, from which you can easily reach plenty of countryside and the various commuter towns in the surrounding areas. The West of Scotland offers a variety of affordable commuter areas, many of which are our own local branch areas at Caledonia Bureau. All average house prices are quoted from Rightmove.

Paisley

Historic Paisley is one of the larger towns and nearest places to the centre of Glasgow, a short 10 mile journey on the convenient M8. There are also 3 train stations with regular services taking you into Glasgow in around 10 minutes, plus plenty of bus links, making it an easy morning commute.

The average property price is £111,000, with a variety of areas and properties to choose from, from traditional, detached family villas to modern flats ideal for young professionals, as well as property to let. The town itself offers up plenty in terms of shopping, amenities and culture, and is brimming with historical architecture tied to its industrial history during the textile boom, adding to its charm and heritage. Many of the traditional and old industry buildings have been converted into modern accommodation, offering up unique and beautiful living spaces that remain affordable compared to city center prices.

Clydebank

Follow the River Clyde North West and you will find Clydebank, an important town when it comes to the areas shipbuilding history. Though just beyond Glasgow’s west end, following either Great Western Road or Dumbarton Road, it is a much more affordable area to settle with average property prices at around £102,000 compared to around £120,000 in Nightswood, £160,000 in Anniesland and £187,000 in Partick.

There are regular trains to Glasgow Queen Street, getting you into the city in around 25 minutes or cyclists could bike into work at just over half an hour. The area presents a wide variety in terms of property, in Clydebank itself and the surrounding villages of Duntocher, Old Kilpatrick, Hardgate and Yoker, amongst other popular areas.

On weekends you are just a short trip to the hills or to Loch Lomond National Park, with Clydebank town offering local shops, schools and sports and recreation options.

Dumbarton

Slightly further North West is Dumbarton, with its impressive castle atop Dumbarton Rock, and an affordable average property price of £120,000.

Dumbarton Central railway station is complemented by Dumbarton East and Dalreoch stations nearby, getting you into Glasgow in just over 30 minutes via a regular service every 10 minutes. Driving via the M8 or Great Western Road/A82 will get you into town in just over 30 minutes.

Local amenities include Dumbarton Common, Meadow Centre and St James Retails Park and popular villages in the surrounding areas include Bowling, Renton and Alexandria. There is a rich history to the area, once being a Royal Burgh between 1222 and 1975 and many properties enjoy fine views over the Clyde and River Leven.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

Are you one of the many homeowners dead tired of the rising energy bills? By slightly changing your habits and routines you can slowly reduce your energy bills to more budget-friendly levels. Here we mention five ways you can save on your energy bills.

1.    Cardigans, Please!

Heating is a major contributor towards energy bills, which is why it is imperative to cut down on it to see a reduction on your bills. The best way to reduce heating expenditures is to wear cardigans when you are home. Most families set the heating at 20 degrees Celsius and move with a blouse or a t-shirt on. So, get your cardigans on to get your heating bills down.

2.    Lights Off!

Lighting accounts for more than 20 percent of the overall electricity expenditure in the UK. Thus, to reduce electricity costs, it is advised that you shut all the excess lights off.

3.    Boiler Efficiency

Replacing an old worked up boiler for a newer one can result in numerous benefits. You will be surprised to find out the decrease in energy bills once you replace your old boiler for a more up to date, energy efficient one. But if a replacement is not in the books, maintenance can still help. Making sure your boiler is in ship shape not only helps you avoid unpleasant surprises – like having no heat on Christmas day, but can also help make sure it works at the best of its potential.

4.    Switch Providers

Shopping around annually for the best available deal can make surprising differences to your energy bills. Nowadays, it is fairly straightforward to compare rates with an online comparison website, find the best deal and switch providers.

5.    Check Your Progress

An energy monitor can help you keep track of where and how you use energy, so you can switch off the biggest consumers or swap them for more energy efficient ones.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

There are lots of activities, happenings and events in the West of Scotland this month for small and big kids alike, and lots that are completely free too! Here’s a roundup of our top picks, helping to keep us all entertained as the nights start drawing in.

Broadloan Community Gardens Mums and Toddlers Group

Wrap up and pop along to Broadloan Gardens every Monday morning from 10am – 12 noon throughout October and into the winter months, joining other mum’s and toddlers for a social gardening session. Improve your gardening skills whilst meeting other local parents and try your hand at growing your own fruit and veg! Gardening groups open to all also held on Wednesdays and Saturdays – more info here.

Sunday Jazz Session

Paisley folk should pop along to the Canal Station to enjoy a laid back Sunday afternoon of jazz, with their resident 5-piece band. This new weekly event will have you tapping your toes along to jazz, easy listening and American songbook classics. Food and drinks available all day from the bar – why not make a lazy day of it!

Free October Half Term Events

The October week is fast approaching already and parents may be searching for ideas to keep the kids occupied. The team at What’s On Glasgow have been very helpful, drawing together a list of events on offer, many of which are free. Kelvingrove Gallery, Glasgow Museums Resource Centre and the GOMA all have special school holiday workshops and drop in sessions for kids to join in. Little Harrys and Harmiones won’t want to miss Wizard School at Scotland Street School Museum and there are outdoor events and activities in Pollok Park in the Southside too.

Classic Car Show, 22nd October

Car fanatics will not want to miss seeing some beautiful classic cars at this free event being held at Castle Semple Visitor Centre, Lochwinnoch on Sunday 22nd October. It’s all being organised by Clyde Muirsheil Regional Park, with donations taken for St Vincent’s Hospice for anyone wanting to display their car. Those just looking for a gander on the day should pop along between 11am and 3pm – limited parking in the visitor centre carpark with additional space at Lochwinnoch Annex or Lochwinnoch village.

Paisley Halloween Festival, 27 – 28th October

Prepare for a scare over a weekend of ghostly goings on at Paisley Halloween Festival! The frightening fun begins on Friday 27th October with a Halloween Ball in Paisley town hall (ticketed) plus Museums at Night events at Paisley Museum and Art Galleries. Saturday offers some spooktacular free activities for the family, including a fancy dress parade through the town centre with the fantastic Spark! LED drummers. Halloween crafts and capers, including free face painting and a Halloween market will be held in the town hall all day. Add in a cinema yurt, fire garden and fire stage featuring Flame Oz, a funfair and street food vendors and you are guaranteed to have a frightfully good time! More info here.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.

At the turn of the season, as we head into the autumnal months, it’s a good time to have an update from our local offices. After a busy summer at the Clydebank office, we’ve had lots of offers made, properties sold and lets agreed of late! At present, offers are in for this especially well-presented detached villa on Lewis Place, Old Kilpatrick, this appealing villa on Mountblow Road, Clydebank  and a let has been agreed for this 2-bed luxury flat on Millar Street. We expect to see a continued busy spell as people catch up with themselves after summer and look to make a move. Here are a few sales and letting highlights that we have on our books at present.

Antonine Gardens, Hardgate G81 6BQ

Offers over £339,995

At the turn of the season, as we head into the autumnal months, it’s a good time to have an update from our local offices. After a busy summer at the Clydebank office, we’ve had lots of offers made, properties sold and lets agreed of late! At present, offers are in for this especially well-presented detached villa on Lewis Place, Old Kilpatrick, this appealing villa on Mountblow Road, Clydebank  and a let has been agreed for this 2-bed luxury flat on Millar Street. We expect to see a continued busy spell as people catch up with themselves after summer and look to make a move. Here are a few sales and letting highlights that we have on our books at present.

Antonine Gardens, Hardgate G81 6BQ

Offers over £339,995

This semi- detached villa is decorated in a simple, fresh and modern style, located in the sought after suburb of Old Kilpatrick. Two double bedrooms with mirror wardrobes, a large lounge with bay window and a modern fitted kitchen provide the perfect setting for your first family home. Comfort in ensured with gas central heating, double glazing and an alarm system, plus there are private gardens to the rear enjoying a view out to open fields. Excellent school and amenities are on your doorstep too.

Iona Crescent, Old Kilpatrick G60 5NU

Offers over £134,995

This charming and cheerful mid terraced villa offers well-proportioned living space over two floors. Downstairs, the lounge is airy and bright, with the adjoining dining room enjoying a pleasant view out to the paved garden via patio doors. The modern fitted kitchen has a gas hob and electric fan oven. Upstairs you’ll find three bedrooms of a good size, with the master offering plenty of storage options and there is a family bathroom with a shower over the bathtub. A lovely home for families and young professionals alike.

Milton Mains Court, ClydebankG81 3NL

£595 monthly

Fresh, light and modern, this spacious, second floor luxury flat is part of this Turnberry Homes development. The property comes unfurnished providing a blank canvas for new tenants to make their own. Quality hard flooring throughout, the accommodation offers two good sized bedrooms, a bright living room and an attractive modern fitted kitchen, with gas hob, extractor fan and wooden work surfaces. An en-suite with the master bedroom and an additional bathroom with bathtub completes the flat, which also enjoys secure door entry and private residents parking.

As one of the West of Scotland’s longest-standing estate agents, we have had lots of experience managing the ups and downs of the housing market in recent times, so you can be confident you’ll be in safe hands when working with us. With an expert team by your side and a variety of properties on offer, including both property to let and homes for sale, Caledonia Bureau are confident that we can match you with the right home. Give our friendly team a call today, choosing from our offices in Clydebank, Helensburgh, Dumbarton and Paisley.