How your commute might impact your property options

Since so many Scots have been working from home and avoiding public transportation over the past couple of years, it’s a factor that many of us haven’t had to consider in a while. But as everyone returns to work, your commute may play a significant role in determining where you ultimately choose to live.

If you’re looking in Scotland’s three largest cities—Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen—you shouldn’t have too much trouble with public transport as they are all renowned for having excellent transportation options, whether it be by train, bus, or—for those who are driving—via motorways. Greenock, Motherwell, East Kilbride and Paisley are excellent commuter towns for Glasgow. Livingston, Falkirk, and North Berwick are ideal for Edinburgh, and Ellon, Stonehaven and Inverurie are ideal for Aberdeen.

However, there are a number of other aspects to think about when relocating to areas with excellent transport options.

Location

If you’re trying to buy or rent right in the heart of the city, you might find that the larger city areas have higher selling prices. The price increases the closer you are to the top eateries, pubs, stores, and tourist attractions. Therefore, if you work in one of these large cities, you might want to look at the suburbs for a place that is less expensive yet has good transport options.

For instance, the average house price in North Lanarkshire is £165,553, saving you 25% compared to the average house price in Glasgow of £222,698. Similar results may be found for Edinburgh, where the average home costs £330,747; however, moving a little farther out to West Lothian, home prices fall by 35%.

A deposit of just £10,749 could be needed to buy a home in West Lothian under the existing mortgage guarantee system, which offers 95% mortgages. You may use all of these savings to lower your commuting expenses.

Working Days

Due to having to leave home earlier and inevitably returning home later from work, commuting might also result in a longer workday. However, numerous businesses are implementing new flexible hours because of Covid restrictions, so you might be able to plan your travel to align with slower commute time.

On the bright side, if you don’t mind using public transport and you can find a seat, you might work on your day while riding the train or listen to your favourite podcast or new book. Having your favourite book or music with you could help relax your mind if you’re worried about travelling.

Higher Cost

We already know that leaving the city and relocating to a commuter town will save you money on real estate, but what does that mean in terms of property size? In most cases, it only means you receive greater value for your money. For instance, if you’re a fan of classic homes like tenement flats, you could get a 2-bedroom apartment in Paisley for under £100,000; yet, if you move farther into Glasgow’s city centre or the west end, you can expect to pay roughly twice as much for the same type of apartment. But in Motherwell and Greenock, you might have a 3-bedroom detached property with a garden for less than £200,000.

In Arbroath, farther north, 3-bedroom properties price about £200,000, yet you might pay the same amount for a 2-bedroom apartment in Aberdeen’s downtown.

Therefore, it can be wise to spend more time and money looking elsewhere.

Travel expenses

You should also consider an increase in your travel expenses if you’re thinking about moving further outside of the city to take advantage of the lower real estate prices. According to reports, the one-way annual rail ticket cost between Glasgow and Edinburgh climbed by £116 last year. However, with UK petrol costs at an eight-year high, the bus or train may be the more affordable choice for you, forcing you to leave the car at home. However, there is good news for those under the age of 22: Transport Scotland provides nationwide free bus travel up to this age. This new plan means that a third of the population in Scotland will be entitled to free transport of some kind in addition to free bus travel initiatives for older and handicapped persons. Will the general public, however, accept these further savings in exchange for a longer commute? Time will only tell.

If you’re planning your next real estate move or you are a home buyer, looking for the best new homes in Glasgow to purchase or rent, contact Western Lettings Glasgow TODAY! Our Real Estate Professional can assist you.