What it is: A traditional, stone-built, four-bedroom house in Bearsden. It has an open outlook to the front, with a panoramic view. Inside there is a spacious lounge, dining room, kitchen and a bathroom. The agent concedes, however, that the house is “in need of internal modernisation and upgrading”. It also points to the “quirky layout”. But this is no tumble-down wreck. It has gas central heating and double glazing. There are front and rear gardens and storage in the loft and under the stairs.

The problems: The location and relatively good condition make this look fairly expensive for a property that needs work. That may rule out many who hope to invest sweat capital in a property to increase their stake in the housing market. It is also the kind of property for which developers are often on the hunt - although the cooling market is making life easier for private buyers. Such purchasers will almost certainly need a good stock of cash, however. Lenders were not keen on properties that required work when they were giving out mortgages to all and sundry. In these straitened times, don't expect finance to flow without a substantial deposit.

The advantages: Renovation opportunities in established professional neighbourhoods are few and far between. Most houses that come to market in such areas have been so extensively renovated that there is little chance to stamp your personality on a property - much less add value. Not only is there scope to re-engineer this house, there is also the possibility of extending the living space, subject to planning consents. So, for an impecunious buyer keen to add to their capital, it has it all. You can move in now in some comfort and upgrade at your leisure. Bearsden is a familiar middle-class bolthole for successful Glaswegians.

The views and surrounding homes make this address especially favoured.

Castle Residential, 0845 337 5718, www.castle-residential.co.uk

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