The steady growth, stable conditions, and positive forecast of increasing sales values in the West of Scotland property market all bode well for buy-to-let investors. There’s great potential to generate healthy rental income and long-term capital gains for landlords investing in property in West of Scotland.

At Caledonia Bureau, we manage hundreds of local properties on behalf of our landlords and we see rental yields in local residential areas are consistently healthy, much higher than national average and better than the more expensive Glasgow. There’s an increasing number of tenants looking for quality properties in the West of Scotland, particularly in areas like Paisley, Dumbarton, and Clydebank.

Rental yields in Paisley

Paisley is a popular town for families, professionals, and commuters. Offering more affordable accommodation than the larger, busier metropolitan areas, the historic town of Paisley benefits from a peaceful urban setting within comfortable commuting distance of Glasgow.

A prime example of an ideal buy-to-let property in Paisley is this two-bedroom flat on School Wynd within the ‘Old Town’. It’s presented in beautiful move-in condition and is marketed at a Fixed Price of £75,000 (Home Report of £80,000), with a potential rental income of £500-550 pcm. With the right mortgage deal, investors could make healthy short-term rental yields and long-term capital gain.

Rental yields in Dumbarton

Dumbarton is a charming coastal town in a comfortable commuting distance of Glasgow, making it an attractive option for families and professionals alike. We’ve seen demand grow steadily here recently, in both the sales and letting markets. We currently have a number of great properties that would make great buy-to-let investments in Dumbarton.

A modern, two-bedroom ground floor flat located in Riverside Court in Balloch. Marketed at Offers Over £77,000 (Home Report £80,000), with a potential rental income of approx. £495 pcm.

A fantastic two bedroom flat in Whiteford Place, Dumbarton – ideal for the small family, enjoying a pleasant cul-de-sac position. Marketed at Offers Over £39,995 with a home report value of £45,000, and potential rental income of £350 – £400 pcm.

A spacious, traditional one-bedroom flat within a highly desirable area of Alexandria. The property is situated within a red sandstone building on Smollet Street and is marketed at Offers Over £69,950 (Home report value of £75,000), with a potential rental income of £450 pcm.

Rental yields in Clydebank

Located just 8 miles from Glasgow city centre, and approximately 10 miles by road from Paisley, Clydebank enjoys a fantastic semi-rural placement with incredible scenery and a wealth of outdoor activities. Popular with families, young professionals, and students, the area caters to a range of people, so quality rental property is always in high demand. It’s so close to everything you could possibly need, providing the perfect balance of urban life and peaceful rural living.

Examples of prime buy-to-let properties in Clydebank for buy-to-let investors:

Two-bedroom traditional sandstone flat on Dumbarton Road, close to local shopping and transport facilities. Recently redecorated and presented to the market in move-in condition, the property is advertised at Offers Over £68,500 (Home Report value £70,000), with a potential rental income of £450- £500 pcm.

Dumbarton Road property: http://www.caledoniabureau.co.uk/properties/show/100673005755

Beautiful two-bedroom traditional sandstone flat on Kilbowie Road, internally refurbished throughout, and ideally located for amenities and transport. Marketed at Offers Over £55,995 (Home Report vale £60,000), with a potential rental income of £400- £450 pcm.

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.

Making the decision to buy your first home is an exciting prospect. Finding a starter home within your budget, however, often seems unachievable. It can be a challenge for first-time buyers hoping to purchase a property in the likes of Glasgow, but this is not the case in the beautiful towns and villages within commuting distance of the city. In areas such as Clydebank, Dunbarton, Helensburgh, and Paisley in the West of Scotland, there are plenty of fantastic flats and houses available on the market for under £100,000.

And when it comes to investing in that first home, you can have peace of mind the West of Scotland offers some of the best returns on investment in Scotland. To give you a better idea of what you can get for your money, here are five properties currently for sale through Caledonia Bureau for less than £100,000.

Dumbarton Road, Bowling (G60) – 2 Bedroom Flat

Fixed Price £93,000

Located within the desirable village of Bowling, close to the Bowling harbour, this two-bedroom flat is situated on the preferred first floor of a traditional red sandstone tenement.

Accommodation consists of: reception hall; spacious lounge with bay window, ample storage, and centrepiece fireplace; modern kitchen with floor standing and wall-mounted units and integrated oven hob and extractor; two double bedrooms with feature fireplace in bedroom two; modern bathroom comprising low flush WC, pedestal wash hand basin, and bath.

Fully double glazed and in superb decorative order throughout, this beautiful property has the added advantage of well-maintained communal gardens and an open outlook to the front and rear over parkland and the river Clyde. Early viewings are highly recommended.

East Argyle Street, Helensburgh (G84) – 2 Bedroom Flat

Offers Over £92,000

Enjoying a ground floor position in a traditional red sandstone tenement within the picturesque town of Helensburgh. Ideal for first-time buyers, the accommodation is in good decorative order throughout with quality fixtures and fittings.

The accommodation itself comprises: entrance vestibule; hallway with large storage cupboard; spacious lounge with feature fireplace; internal kitchen with floor and wall-mounted units, oven hob and extractor; two double bedrooms; and bathroom with WC, wash hand basin, and bath.

Features of the property include double glazing, gas central heating, secure door entry to close, and well-maintained communal gardens to the front and rear. Early viewings are highly recommended.

Saucel Place, Paisley (PA1) – 2 Bedroom Flat

Offers Over £92,000

An immaculate two-bedroom flat boasting an upper floor position within this popular modern development. Freshly decorated throughout, the property enjoys lots of natural lights and is conveniently placed in a central location, close to many local amenities in Paisley, including public transport and motorway access.

Accommodation comprises: reception hall; spacious lounge/dining room; modern fitted kitchen; two double size bedrooms; and modern bathroom. The property benefits from gas central heating, double glazing, security door entry, residents’ parking, and communal garden grounds. The perfect investment for first-time buyers or buy-to-let landlords.

Bulldale Place, Yoker (G14) – 2 Bedroom Flat

Offers Over £95,995

Rarely available, this well-presented flat in Yoker enjoys a preferred first floor placement within a very popular and convenient area. Located on the edge of Glasgow near to the River Clyde, Yoker is an extremely desirable location for commuters into the city.

The generously proportioned accommodation comprises: spacious dual aspect lounge with “Oak” effect laminated flooring; fitted kitchen with integrated stainless steel gas hob and electric fan-assisted oven; two double bedrooms with built-in mirrored wardrobes; master en-suite shower room; and good sized bathroom.

Additional features include gas central heating, double glazing, secure door entry system, private parking, and well maintained communal grounds. Local schooling, shopping, and sports and leisure facilities are also conveniently located nearby. Early viewing of this fantastic property is advised.

Gavinburn Street, Old Kilpatrick (G60) – 2 Bedroom Flat

Offers Over £77,950

Situated in the village of Old Kilpatrick, this delightful ground floor traditional flat enjoys open outlooks onto the park and benefits from a fantastic placement on the edge of the River Clyde, with popular walks along the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Ideally suited to first-time buyers and those looking to downside, the internal accommodation of the flat comprises: reception hallway with large storage cupboard; lounge with dining area; kitchen with floor and wall-mounted units; two double bedrooms with integrated wardrobe space; and family shower room with WC, wash hand basin, and shower cubicle.

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 worst thing that you can do before the winter season strikes is not to prepare your home for the extremities that can strike. If the recent weather patterns are anything to go by, the winter season will be tumultuous. Britain has been hit by storm Aileen already, and a few more are expected as we roll into the season. Considering that your house is by far the biggest investment that you might have, the least you can do this time of year is to gear your house to tackle the irregular twists in the weather.

Perform an Evaluation of Your Home

You won’t know what is wrong with your property unless you run a thorough evaluation. You might already know where potential problems might be, but a thorough check with a list of priorities to tackle is recommended. Hire experts to take on the bigger jobs well before the bad weather comes, because you don’t want any last minute hiccups during gale force winds.

Inspect and Maintain the Roof

Your Roof is your biggest protection from strong winds, rain and occasional snowfall. Get your roof inspected and maintained and see whether the chimney needs a sweep. Change any broken tiles and give the gutters a good clean so they work properly when needed.

Seal Your Windows and Doors

If there are gaps between sidings and door frames than you should think about having the sidings sealed. Try to use silicon for the job, as it won’t shrink under the pressure of the wind. Add door guards to protect you from potential damage from flooding. Thoroughly check your windows and doors to make sure that you are not leaving something unattended. During strong storms it is recommended you stick cling film to your windows as it provides further insulation and also keeps the window from breaking dangerously into pieces.

Check Your Heating System

As soon as the temperature starts dropping, you will need your heating system to be in full flow. To achieve this perfection, you will need to give your boiler a check and take on any repairs to keep it in good working order when you really need it. If you go away on holiday during the cold season, leave your boiler running on a low setting to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

Restock All Essentials

You should restock all essentials in good time so winter doesn’t take you by surprise: salt for the driveway, scrapers and de-icing sprays for your car, covers for outdoor furniture, flashlights and batteries, etc.

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.  

It can be hard to decide whether the time is right to make a property move. It may be something that you have been considering for a while, either looking to move to a bigger family home or downsize to a retirement property. Or, market conditions might mean that financially it would make good sense for you to either sell up or stay put. Sometimes home improvement sounds like the better choice. But is it? We consider the key points to keep in mind below.

First step – know the value of your home

First things first, if you don’t have an accurate idea of what your property is worth, having your home valued can help you decide whether it’s the right time to move or whether a few improvements could make a big difference to how much your home could sell for in the future. Approach a reputable estate agent who can accurately place a value on your home in the current market and in its current state. Once you have this knowledge and have discussed any plans with your estate agent, you will be in a better position to decide on your next step, helping to safe guard from any potential losses. At Caledonia Bureau, we provide free, no obligation valuations for property owners in the west of Scotland, applying our extensive local knowledge and expertise to provide an accurate home value, as well as providing advice on how to increase value for homeowners.

Moving – pros and cons

This year we have enjoyed a steady sellers’ market across Scotland, with mortgage approval levels being up and interest rates being very low, providing the ideal climate for anyone thinking of selling. If the value of your home has grown and there is lots of buyer interest in your area, it may well be the right time to sell up. You may even choose to sell when you had previously not considering it a serious option, taking advantage of high property values and increasing demand from buyers. Releasing capital can make sense financially, enabling you to invest or otherwise spend, perhaps buying a bigger property. If you have been hoping to move for a while, steady market conditions may mean that the time is finally right for you to find your next dream home – speak to your local estate agent for their opinion and to start making plans. For those who decide to sell, here’s some advice from us on how to prepare your home for a quick, successful sale.

Improving – pros and cons

Seeing your own home with fresh eyes can be difficult, so approaching a good local estate agent for an up-to-date valuation and home improvement advice on the best ways to boost value should be your starting point.

Look at your property as a whole, considering not only interiors but how the exterior space provides that hugely important first impression. Remember gardens can add a whopping 20 per cent valuewhen well-maintained.  Alongside boosting curb appeal, home improvement priorities in terms of keeping surveyors happy, include making sure any structural issues are resolved – a top priority. Structural repairs, such as roof leaks and cracks in walls, tiles or beams, are likely to be amongst the most expensive work required in a renovation project but, in terms of adding value, they are absolutely essential. If your structure is sound, adding to living space with a loft conversion, extension or conservatory can also add significant value if well executed on budget. Kitchens, the heart of the home for many, should also be a priority when it comes to home improvements and working with what you already have. Updates to work surfaces, tiling and flooring and improvements to the layout of a kitchen can make a huge difference – just keep in budget matching to the rest of your home as a high spec kitchen in a mid-value home will only lose you money. Completing small jobs and giving a fresh lick of paint can all make a big impact on viewer interest too.

If looking to add value, doing your home improvements on a careful budget is encouraged and this often means taking on any projects DIY style and saving on costly contractors. Be honest with yourself and ask whether you have the time, skills and knowledge required (plus the patience!) to tackle improvement projects yourself and if not, do you have enough in the budget to hire professionals and, importantly, still be adding value? For those tackling jobs themselves, here are a few DIY tips to help keep you planned, prepared and safe.

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.  

Autumn can be a beautiful time of year to spend some time outside in nature but as the nights draw in, we also look to fill our evenings and spending more time cosying up indoors! We’ve found a few events happening into September and October in the local Dunbarton area, with chances to get out in the fresh autumn air as well learning new skills to keep you busy over the winter months!

Murray and Fearchara’s Firelight Show

For something a bit different, check out Murray and Fearchara’s Firelight show coming to Clydebank Town Hall 30 September, and be transported back to the carnivals and sideshows of the Wild West! The 2 x 50 minute show will be packed with magic tricks, fearsome stunts and mindreading that will have you truly baffled! With spooky goings on, sword wielding and live Russian roulette, this isn’t a show for the easily scared or faint-hearted – suitable for kids over 6 years only. Will Houdini make his escape during the milk can trick climax?! Book tickets online via Eventbrite or in person at Clydebank Town Hall. 7pm Doors Open, 7.30pm Show starts. Please note that guns are used during the show.

Autumn Wild Food Foraging

Foodies who like to get out into the outdoors and close to nature will love this autumn wild food foraging event with RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond, Gartocharn, happening on Sunday 1 October, 2 – 4:30pm. Fruits, berries, nuts and fungi are all in abundance at this time of year and the expert guides will show you which ones to safely pick and where to find them on a lovely walk around Loch Lomond. There will also be recipe sharing to inspire you in the kitchen when you take your goodies home as well as tasty treats to try on the day too. Booking is essential £10 (RSPB members £8). For more information and to reserve spaces contact Emma Martinelli on loch.lomond@rspb.org.uk , 01389830670.

Figure drawing evening class with Coll Hamilton

An evening class can be a great way to keep social during the darker autumn and winter months. Those who are feeling artistic may well be interested to join this figure drawing evening class hosted by tutor Coll Hamilton. Having built a reputation for his figurative drawing through exhibits across Glasgow at Art Pistol and the Royal Scottish Academy, Coll Hamilton will be teaching an expressive approach to life drawing, great for those looking to improve their sketching skills. It’s also a perfect chance to draw from a model (nude) to add to a portfolio for art school or college. Thursday 5 October, 7 – 9pm at Clydebank Town Hall. Book via Eventbrite or in person at Clydebank Town Hall. £15 or £8 concession – students or unemployed.

The essence of place: An outdoor film screening by candlelight

Dig out your hats, gloves and scarfs and wrap up warm for an evening of outdoor film watching by candlelight, hosted by RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond, Saturday 21 October 7:30 – 10pm. A unique event, this is the culmination of artist in residence Susannah Ramsay’s time spend studying and documenting the nature and landscape on the Loch Lomond shores as part of her PhD research at the University of Stirling and Glasgow School or Art. Take a candlelit walk through the woods and come across Susannah’s film poem, a short film that lasts 5 minutes and that presents the changing wildlife and landscape of the area throughout the seasons. The film will play on a loop from 7:30 – 9:30pm, on a large open air screen – expect an unusual and magical evening that explores our connection with nature. Booking is essential at Eventbrite, £10 – £13. Parking for the event is at Ross Priory where you will be met and transferred the short distance to RSPB Scotland Loch Lomond by mini-bus. Contact emma.martinelli@rspb.org.uk for more information. If purchasing an RSPB members rate ticket, bring your membership cards with you.

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.  

Situated on the north bank of the River Clyde, and just 8 miles North West of Glasgow city centre, sits the West Dunbartonshire town of Clydebank. An affordable option for families and commuters alike, the overall average price of a property in Clydebank is £100,809 according to RightMove – more expensive than nearby Mountblow (£95,425), but cheaper than Duntocher (£111,320) and Hardgate (£115,761) in the surrounding areas.

Only just beyond Glasgow’s west end, following Dumbarton Road west or via the handy M8, there are also great rail and bus links between Clydebank and the city, giving you the proximity to city life but at a much more affordable price. For this reason, first time buyers, young professionals and those with families all find Clydebank to be a great, in-budget option. Offering up its own local amenities, shopping and leisure facilities, as well as excellent primary and secondary schools, Clydebank has potential for home buyers as well as savvy property investors.

Here’s a selection of some fantastic Clydebank properties we are currently marketing for home sellers in the area.

Kilbowie Road, Clydebank, G81 6QT

Offers over £159,995

This ideal-for-families, 3 bed semi-detached villa is in walk-in condition, located in the sought after area of Hardgate on the edge of Clydebank. The generous accommodation includes a dining lounge and breakfast kitchen, providing the flexibility needed for family life, plus a well-kept garden with patio area to the rear. Quality fixtures, fittings and floors throughout and offering plenty of storage space, it’s a bright and welcoming property that we recommend viewing fast.

Shakespeare Avenue, Clydebank, G81 3HB

Offers over £94,995

Families, couples or those looking for a place to settle in retirement will all be comfortable in this upper three bedroom cottage flat, with a lovely garden space complete with decking and a large garden shed to the back. Dining areas are found in both the kitchen and living room, with good-sized bedrooms and a quality tiled bathroom, providing a very pleasant living environment.

Albert Road, Clydebank, G81 3BQ

Offers over £74,995

Located in a very popular area, the convenience of your location means that properties in the area rarely come on the market. Viewing is therefore recommended for this very well presented first floor 2 bedroom flat, decorated to a high standard by current owners. All rooms provide spacious accommodation and there are private gardens to the rear.

Greer Quadrant, Clydebank, G81 2AY

Offers over £66,995

First time buyers and property investors will be attracted to this affordably priced, first floor flat in very good decorative order throughout and enjoying an elevated position with open views across the town. The attractive interior is complemented by practical features such as gas central heating, double glazing, secure door entry and on-street parking, making this a must-view.

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.  

Summer may be disappearing but don’t despair! There is plenty of action to catch in Paisley as we head into September and the autumnal months begin – from exploring the town’s architectural heritage, to markets, comedy and music events. Here are a few highlights of what’s happening locally this month.

Renfrewshire Doors Open Days

It’s no secret that Paisley has a many historic architectural gems to be proud of. Why not take the chance to take a sneak peek inside some of our best buildings and learn more from the many guided tours organised for Doors Open Day 2017. The annual event, which opens the doors to various private and public buildings, many of which are usually off limits to the public , happens across Scotland with over 50 buildings taking part in the Renfrewshire area. Highlights include Renfrew Victory Baths, a beautiful example of Edwardian architecture, the A listed Anchor Mill, Paisley’s Best- Kept Secrets walking tour and, new for 2017, a chance to take a look inside 5 A High Street and learn about the UK City of Culture 2021 bid.  It all kicks off on 02 – 03 September and what’s even better, it’s all for free. More information at doorsopendays.org.uk.

Starman – The David Bowie Story

Bowie fans won’t want to miss the chance to celebrate the many personas of the late legend at this tribute event coming to Paisley Town Hall. Songs from all stages of David Bowie’s career will be performed by a fantastic group of musicians, led by theatre star Michael King as a convincing Ziggy Stardust! Throw in big screen audio visual footage plus various costume changes and you have an awesome show taking the audience on a highly entertaining and emotional journey through the career of one of the UKs most celebrated artists. Dig out your platforms and head out to see them touchdown at Paisley Town Hall on 02 September, 7:30pm. More information and tickets available at renfrewshireleisure.com/arts.

Paisley Farmer’s Market

Recognised by BBC Good Food as one of the best Farmer’s markets in the UK, the Paisley Farmer’s Market can be found at the newly refurbished pedestrianised Country Square on the second and last Saturday of each month – 09 & 30 September from 10am – 2pm. Those looking to shop more locally will love the Scottish, seasonal produce on offer including Aberdeen Angus beef, Ayrshire lamb, delicious pies and seasonal game, fresh fish and seafood, poultry and eggs, organic veg ,Scottish cheeses and confectionary – plus plenty more to fill your cupboards. Other stalls sell plants, crafts and homemade cosmetics and some weekends see cooking demonstrations and live bands to add to the hustle and bustle. Oh, did we mention the local award winning beers and whiskies too?

A Buddy Good Laugh

Paisley’s favourite comedy club is back with a line-up of award winning comics! Dead Sheep Comedy will bring the hysterics to Paisley Arts Centre on 28 September, 8pm. Bringing the laughs will be Jamie Dalgliesh, recounting his colourful Glaswegian upbringing, and Rossco McClelland a psychedelic storyteller, both Scottish Comedian of the Year winners. Add in the dark humour of Scott Gibson, one of the hottest new Scottish comics and an Edinburgh Comedy Award winner and you’re guaranteed some laughs! Tickets are £10 plus booking fee and are available 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.  

Tidying up is easy, it’s maintaining tidiness that’s the hard part. It’s even more challenging when you live with children and pets. They’re skilled little creatures when it comes to turning an organised space into an impressive mess in just the blink of an eye. In most homes, the hallway tends to be the biggest red zone for this sort of disorderly conduct. Bags and jackets are tossed to the floor, shoes are kicked off, rain and dirt are dragged in… it can be a real pain in the proverbial! To help minimise this sort of mess, here are some simple ideas and solutions for a tidy, organised hallway that should make your life a little easier and minimise the time you have to spend clearing up after everyone.

Coat rack or hooks

A free-standing coat rack or wall-mounted hooks are essential for a tidy hallway. If there’s a dedicated place for everyone to hang up their jackets, bags and scarves, it will make such a big difference to the organisation of your hall. Whether your coat rack or hooks are placed in a vestibule, in a corner of the hall, or along one of the walls in the main hall area, this is a simple solution that yields excellent results. If your children are very young, you could colour code the hooks to remind them where to hang their things. Get everyone into the habit of hanging things up as soon as they enter the house and it will soon become second nature.

Shoe racks and cabinets

If you live in an apartment or tenement building, you may have a bit of space in the main hallway outside your front door where you can place a stylish shoe rack. If you live in a house, this can be placed in the vestibule or to the side of the front door as you enter the hallway. Depending on the space, you may wish to use a simple rack or a shoe storage cabinet. Whatever you choose, making sure everyone removes their shoes as soon as they enter the house and places them there will minimise the array of strewn footwear and dirt in your hallway. A place for everything and everything in its place is the key to minimising clutter and maintaining your sanity!

Storage baskets

A large storage basket or storage bench is a great solution for a tidy hallway. If there are lots of people living in the home, you could have a dedicated basket for each person to keep their items. Things like bags, school gear, outdoor kits, umbrellas, hats and gloves, toys, and dog leads and accessories can be kept in this type of storage solution so that everything is out of sight and everyone knows where to put and find their stuff. If you have a storage bench, it also doubles as a place where people can sit down to put on and remove their shoes when they’re coming and going. Sitting on the floor is not always comfortable or ideal!

Hall table

If you’re like most of us, you probably misplace your keys more often than you’d care to admit, and your mail organisation skills may also need a little work. Placing a stylish console table, desk, dresser, or some other kind of practical yet aesthetically pleasing unit in the hallway will provide a practical place for a key dish and a mail rack, and you can also put a beautiful vase of flowers or plant and some other decorative accessories atop to create an inviting, homely feel when you walk through the front door.

Good door mats

In certain households, the standard door mat is not sufficient to clean wet, muddy shoes and paws. The rough, bristled mats are great to have outside the door to remove excess dirt and debris, but it’s also a good idea to have an absorbent mat within the porch or on the floor in the inner hallway. Usually made of microfibre, these smooth, thin mats are great for soaking up extra water and mud from shoes and furry paws, thus minimising the dirt that is transferred to your hall floor. They’re typically machine-washable, too, so you could get a couple of them and alternate when one is being cleaned.

These simple ideas and solutions for a tidy, organised hallway are also incredibly beneficial if you’re selling your home and about to start inviting potential buyers for viewings. First impressions are so important because people usually make a decision about a property within 30 seconds or less. When you walk up to a home and the front door is opened, you’ll either get a welcoming and homely vibe or you’ll feel a bit uncomfortable and not drawn to the property, simply due to the way the space is presented. But even if you’re not planning to sell your property, a lovely tidy hallway will make you much happier and relaxed every time you come home.

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.  

Commuting and mornings. One of the worst combinations to have ever been created. Alas, travelling to work each day is unavoidable for most people, unless you’re lucky enough to work from home and need only commute across the hall from the bedroom to the study. What a joy that must be! Still, it takes a lot of motivation just to get out from under the cosy duvet each morning, especially when you look outside and see…. rain. We are rarely awoken in Scotland by the gloriously warm face of the elusive fiery star that is rumoured to exist pretty much everywhere else.

If you’re looking for a way to make your early rise a little more bearable and improve your morning commute to work, there are a number of simple things you can do. It mainly centres around routine. The more we do something, the less we have to think about it, thus our actions are not as stress-inducing. There’s no guarantee that you’ll arrive at the office as chipper as Julie Andrews, but you’re likely to feel less frazzled whilst getting ready and travelling to work. As a result, you hopefully won’t be as stressed throughout the day.

Get up earlier, at a set time

This may sound drastic and downright offensive to even suggest, but it works. One of the worst things we can do in the morning is leave ourselves with as little time as possible to wake up and get ready. By doing so, you’re guaranteed to end up rushing about and getting stressed on your way to work. Give yourself time to relax into the day by setting your alarm that little bit earlier and at the same time each morning.

After a while, you’ll start to wake up just before your alarm and it won’t be such an effort to get out of bed. You’ll have time to just ‘be’ and then enjoy a more leisurely commute. Try to get out of bed and into the shower as soon as your alarm goes off, rather than hitting the snooze button 15 times, falling back asleep, and then re-enacting the opening scene from Four Weddings and a Funeral when you realise the time.

Set out your clothes the evening before

One of the most infuriating things to experience in the morning is being unable to find anything to wear. There are so many ways in which this can transpire—your required outfit is in the laundry basket; your shirt needs ironed; you discover a ladder in your one remaining pair of tights; there’s a stain on the top you want to wear; or you simply have no idea where the heck any of your work clothes are. So many things can go wrong. To avoid a traumatic event such as outfit failure, check the weather for the next day, choose something appropriate, and lay everything out before you go to bed. That way, if you encounter any unexpected problems, you have time to rectify the situation, so you won’t have to rush about in a panic in the morning and experience a horribly stressful commute.

Take or buy a coffee

This only works if you like coffee. If you don’t, it really won’t improve your morning commute. But there is always tea or hot chocolate? Either way, preparing a cup of ‘something’ to take in the car or train, or buying a tasty takeaway drink on your way to the office, will likely perk you up and it’s a good way to get some fluids into your system.  Again, this type of habitual practice will put you at ease in the morning—familiarity is comforting and relaxing.

Switch up the journey

Whilst routine is good, sometimes it’s beneficial to mix certain things up. If you usually drive to work, consider taking the train or bus instead. This will allow you to zone out because you won’t have to concentrate on the roads or gesticulate wildly at all of the terrible drivers out there. It may seem more convenient to just take the car, but it’s often more stressful. Take your coffee, listen to some music or a podcast, prepare your to-do list for the day, start knitting, practice mindfulness, read a book, subtly look at other travellers and try to figure out what they do… It’s simply an opportunity for some ‘you time’ before a busy day at work.

If you have to take the car, perhaps go a different route to enjoy a change of scenery. This type of change can be refreshing and may to reduce the monotony of the morning commute. If you’re feeling particularly daring (and it’s feasible), you could cycle to work. The fresh air and exercise will wake up the brain, get the endorphins flowing, and put you in a good mood for a productive day. It’s also an excuse to scoff more biscuits when it’s time for your elevenses.

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. 

Dumbarton is a charming town in perfect commute distance to Glasgow, which makes it an attractive options for families and professionals alike. We’ve seen demand grow steadily recently, with more house hunters showing an interest in buying property – particularly two- and three-bedroom houses – in this picturesque coastal town. Significantly more affordable than Glasgow, the overall average price of property in Dumbarton is currently £125,346, making it an ideal place for first-time buyers, families, and commuters. (find out more on Dumbarton property market here)

Recently SOLD Property in Dumbarton

Here are a few successful recent sales from Caledonia Bureau Dumbarton.

Barnhill Road, Dumbarton G82 2SD – SOLD

Offers Over £127,000

Delightful three bedroom mid terraced villa within a popular development with lovely views over Dumbarton.

The property has the added advantage of a lock up garage. Garden areas to the front and rear; front garden laid principally to lawn with planting section. Rear has slabbed patio area, bedding area and garden shed.

Mary Fisher Crescent, Dumbarton G82 1BF – SOLD

Offers Over £175,000

Immaculately presented three bedroom Semi Detached Villa within one of Dumbarton’s most sought after locations. The property comes with the added advantage of an integral garage. Gardens to the front are laid principally to lawn with planting and shrubbery area, multiple vehicle mono block driveway leading to side pathway with leads on to the rear gardens which are south westerly facing; this area has been landscaped with flagstone slabbing patio and again lawn and planting sections bounded by timber fencing.

Carrochan Crescent, Balloch G83 8PX – SOLD

Offers Over £225,000

***SOLD AT CLOSING DATE*** Truly outstanding three bedroom semi detached villa located within this sought after Balloch pocket. This larger style semi would be an ideal family home and offers flexible living space formed over two levels. Early viewings are highly recommended to appreciate this superb property.

Kirkton Road, Dumbarton G82 4AS – UNDER OFFER

Offers Over £375,000

Offering to the market this superb family size detached villa located within an extensive mature garden and close to the town centre. The property offers well presented accommodation over two levels and an early viewing will be beneficial.

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.