CKD Galbraith recently commissioned the University of Strathclyde to undertake an extensive research study into the implications for the property market of the growing energy and environmental agenda, writes Calum Innes.

According to the research findings, homeowners and house buyers are becoming increasingly aware of energy matters but are only willing to pay a small amount to reduce their properties´ carbon footprint and are not ready to fully embrace a ‘green’ property agenda.

In particular:-

• Only between one third and two-thirds of property buying public are aware of energy matters and view inefficient properties negatively.
• The public appear willing to pay £5 to £10 a month on green energy measures for their homes but not much more.
• Some homeowners with high disposable incomes are willing to spend significantly on the latest ‘green gadgets’ but the majority are not ready to make a big financial commitment.
• Rural homeowners are more willing to adopt energy saving measures.
• There has been a very low take up of energy certificates as part of property valuations.

Professor Jim McDonald, whose research team from Strathclyde´s Institute for Energy and the Environment carried out the study says: "There has been a lot of hype around this subject. Simple energy saving measures such as insulation, more efficient appliances and a change in behaviour are the most cost effective way forward but there is a long way to go before the majority is willing to invest in radical forms of energy production.

"That said people are becoming increasingly aware of energy efficiency and with rising fuel costs that will continue. In commissioning this piece of research, CKD Galbraith has demonstrated the importance for property professionals to be aware of the fast changing market developments."

Rising energy costs and advances in renewable technologies are encouraging commercial property owners and developers to look closely at alternative forms of heating and cooling. The evidence would suggest that a longer-term commercial view of the benefit of renewable energy sources and energy saving measures is being taken on commercial property.

At CKD Galbraith it appears to us that this study explodes some of the myths surrounding property, energy and environment. It also delivers some very important messages to the property industry about the way forward.


Some technologies and behaviours are quite well advanced and are being taken up by people who are looking after property on a commercial basis. We work with a number of people who are involved in innovative schemes and using exciting technologies.

However, in general the public are not familiar with these measures at this time and are not making this type of commercial decision when buying a house. The general market has some way to catch up but energy efficiency awareness is increasing and it will be interesting to see things developing over the next several years.

For a copy of the full report and for further information please contact Calum Innes of CKD Galbraith on 01738 451 111 or calum.innes@ckdgalbraith.co.uk




CKD Galbraith has strengthened its residential agency department by opening a new office in Castle Douglas.

Demand for rural properties has grown dramatically over the last few years with property values increasing continuously and a rising numbers of city dwellers keen to move out and benefit from country living. This has led to a keen growing interest among potential buyers both in rural areas within commuting distance of main towns and cities as well as remote areas.

Simon Brown, who heads up CKD´s new office in Castle Douglas covering the South West says: “We have recently seen considerable growth in and around the Dumfries and Galloway area. Many properties that we have handled recently in the area have achieved unprecedented levels of interest and have concluded in closing dates where excellent sale prices were achieved.”

For further information regarding the new Castle Douglas office and for advise on your property needs in the Dumfries & Galloway area, please contact Simon Brown on 01556 505346 or simon.brown@ckdgalbraith.co.uk




Fortunes of the buy-to-let property market have varied widely over the last few years with lucrative investment opportunities declining recently due to over-capacity in the marketplace and rising interest rates.

However, Scotland´s buy-to-holiday-let property market is proving a popular long-term investment plan according to Sue Bourne of Cottages & Castles Ltd, CKD Galbraith´s specialist holiday lettings agency. Many young families and couples have become enticed into the ‘second-home’ industry and have entered into the market based on solid business and financial plans.

Cottages & Castles Manager, Sue Bourne says: "The buy-to-holiday-let investment trend in Scotland is an extremely attractive opportunity, for those who can afford it, as a means to supplement poor retirement savings. Astute business couples and young families have realised this potential and are buying into the second-home market in rural areas of Scotland, where property prices remains strong.

"The rewards for holiday lets are significantly better as you benefit from a more generous relief from capital gains tax when you come to sell your property and if you reinvest the proceeds from the sale into another holiday lettings home, you can become exempt altogether."

Cottages & Castles has many outstanding holiday properties available for let throughout the whole year. All properties are available through the Cottages & Castles website www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk.




CKD Galbraith is one of Scotland's leading independent property consultancies, offering a full range of services across the residential, commercial and rural property sectors.

We are a national firm offering unrivaled local knowledge through our offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Cupar, Inverness, Aberfeldy, and Ayr and an associate firm in London. Specialising in quality property and serving the needs of private clients, our consultants have long established reputations for providing outstanding personal service in many areas including; estate agency, commercial property, rural estate sales and management, building surveying, architectural and building services, holiday cottages and homes, and sporting holidays.

• Sourcing Properties
• Surveys
• Appraising and valuing
• Negotiating purchases on the best possible terms
• Residential Property
• Commercial Property
• Forestry Property
• Sporting Lettings

For more information please visit www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

Edinburgh
17 Dublin Street,
Edinburgh EH1 3PG
tel: 0131 556 4422
fax: 0131 550 7190
edinburgh@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Glasgow
3 Main Street
Milngavie,
Glasgow G62 6BJ
tel: 0141 953 3070
fax: 0141 953 3071
glasgow@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Perth
Lynedoch House,
Barossa Place,
Perth PH1 5EP
tel: 01738 451111
fax: 01783 451900
perth@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Inverness
Reay House,
17 Old Edinburgh Road
Inverness IV2 3HF
tel: 01463 224343
fax: 01463 243234
inverness@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Ayr
7 Killoch Place,
Ayr KA7 2EA
tel: 01292 268181
fax: 01292 292300
ayr@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Aberfeldy
25 Bank Street,
Aberfeldy,
Perthshire PH15 2DE
tel: 01887 829446
fax: 01887 829450
aberfeldy@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Cupar
73 Bonnygate,
Cupar, Fife KY15 4BY
tel: 01334 659980
fax: 01334 659218
cupar@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Castle Douglas
120 King Street,
Castle Douglas, DG71LU
tel: 01556 505346
fax: 01556 503729
castledouglas@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
London
CKD Kennedy Macpherson
49 Hay's Mews, Mayfair,
London W1J 5QH
tel: 020 7409 1944
fax: 020 7409 1904
london@ckd.co.uk

CKD Galbraith is a trading name of CKD Galbraith LLP, a limited liability partnership, registered in Scotland No SC 300208
Registered office 17 Dublin Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3PG, telephone 0131 556 4422, facsimile 0131 550 7190
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