ABERDEEN

Student population: 40,000

Price of a two-bed student flat: £95,000

Tony Dawson, of solicitor James & George Collie, says the first obstacle parents come up against when seeking a student dwelling in the granite city could be the preferences of their child.

“Parents and kids often have different ideas on the best place to live and that is particularly the case in Aberdeen,” he says.

The city centre with its pubs and clubs is obviously attractive to teenagers, but Dawson says established student locations, such as Elmbank or Garthdee, also appeal to young people because of their preference for homes within walking distance of their campus.

Dawson says that although there has been no downturn in prices, there has been a reduction in activity as a result of mandatory Home Reports, and the associated costs and reduced supply. Lack of choice is the enemy — alongside squeezed mortgage lending liquidity.

Over the past two years, students have led a resurgence in demand for Aberdeen’s granite tenement flats, historically a poorly performing sector.

According to Dawson, the flats are proving more popular than new homes — despite the deals that can be struck with balance sheet-mindful builders.

“You’d expect that shiny new flats, with low maintenance and off-road parking, would win hands down with students but that isn’t universally the case,” he says.

One to consider: No 554 George Street is a three-bed refurbished flat within a traditional building; £129,000, J&G Collie, 01224 572777

DUNDEE

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