The process of selling property in Scotland by fixing the asking price on an "Offers Over" basis is alive and kicking writes Bob Cherry, Partner in charge of CKD Galbraith´s Ayr Office.

The system, whereby the guide price indicated is the equivalent of a reserve at auction, is sometimes criticised by those not used to it. However, it works and is widely understood by the market as demonstrated by our house sales in 2006.


On average, our sales took 15 weeks to complete from the time that the property was first put on the market. In 2005, it took an average of 17 weeks.

Sale prices averaged 16% above the "Offers Over" asking price.

These figures are based on CKD Galbraith´s total residential sales of £120 million in 2006 (2005: £86 million).





A shortened average sale period in 2006 and a healthy sale price above the asking price emphasises the importance of having good applicant lists so that applicants can be immediately advised once the property comes on the market. On average, 129 applicants were personally notified at the commencement of marketing for each property sold by CKD Galbraith in 2006.
















There are still more buyers than sellers, particularly for good quality and well located houses. However, with interest rates edging up, buyers are price sensitive and increases in value are likely to be more modest than in recent years.


CKD Galbraith has acquired one of Scotland´s oldest firms of chartered surveyors specialising in agriculture and has formed an alliance with livestock auctioneers United Auctions to deliver a wide range of property services to the agri-business sector.






CKD Galbraith and United Auctions now work closely together on farm, property and land sales and other services such as development consultancy, valuation and compensation work.

The alliance is a result of the acquisition by CKD Galbraith of Macdonald Fraser, the chartered surveyors and rural land and property consultants.

Tim Kirkwood, Chief Executive of CKD Galbraith, said: "This development has considerably enhanced our service to the rural sector and is a clear message that we value agricultural business. Macdonald Fraser has been a trusted ally to generations of farmers throughout the country and with our own rural expertise we hope to be the consultancy of choice."


CKD Galbraith has strengthened its Inverness residential division with the creation of a dedicated townhouse department.

There has been a steady growth in demand for top quality townhouse properties in the Inverness area. Last year the firm sold seven Inverness townhouses commanding an average price of £410,000 and a further £4million of period townhouses throughout Inverness and Moray.





Neil Cameron (pictured right) has been appointed to head up the new townhouse department. Neil, who lives in Cawdor near Inverness, is an experienced professional in the residential property field having previously worked for CKD Galbraith for eight years. He is rejoining the firm having worked for a short period launching Bell Ingram´s Inverness office.

Neil Cameron said: "The sale of townhouse properties in the Inverness area deserves a specialist service as this area of business has been very much solicitor-led in the past. I am delighted to be launching our bespoke department as an alternative. CKD Galbraith will be the first property consultancy offering a dedicated service in the City and beyond."

For further information regarding the new townhouse department, please contact Neil Cameron on 01463 224343 or neil.cameron@ckdgalbraith.co.uk


(click here to visit the website)


Cottages & Castles, our specialist holiday accommodation service, has launched its new website and bespoke booking service.

www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk boasts a range of new features including ‘real time availability’ of any property which significantly reduces search time.

A ‘Holiday Shortlist’ has also been added allowing prospective holidaymakers to save a shortlist catalogue of their interested properties which can then be sent to friends and family. Furthermore, there is a new password protected ‘Owners Section’ allowing property owners to access their own property ‘Owner´s Diary’ that keeps track of payments made and facilitates accounting requirements. This section will also allow Cottages & Castles to communicate directly with owners on any new regulations and legislation.

Whether you are looking to book a holiday at a cottage, large country house, mansion or castle or if you are looking to let a holiday home please visit 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: 01783 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
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
To unsubscribe to this newsletter please click this link to be removed from the mailing list.