Median price at August 2008: £174,518

General increase since Sept 2007: 12%

Projected increase to Sept 2009: 0-2%

Five-year increase: 101% (£86,648)

Ten-year increase: 209% (£56,390)

The complete Caithness and Sutherland price guide

Market view: The sheer remoteness of Caithness and Sutherland ensures that it is both an acquired taste and a market with a primarily local focus. As such, it is exhibiting all the key trends of Scotland’s parochial locations from Stranraer to Skye this year.

According to local agent Young Robertson & Co, sales have slowed to a trickle, although prices remain steady. “The decommissioning of Dounreay [nuclear reactor] has taken a lot of money out of the local economy and we have seen a bit of an exodus this year. There is also a glut of new-builds for sale.

“However, with sellers unable to find buyers, there is a real log jam in our market. On a positive note, we have had a very nice summer weather-wise and that has helped maximise interest in available stock. We have also seen an upsurge in viewer numbers over the last few weeks, so there are signs our market could be picking up.”

The package of world-class golf at Royal Dornoch (habitually listed among the world’s top 10 courses), golden beaches, bountiful wildlife and unspoilt scenery is a match for anything on offer in rural Scotland. However, a poor road infrastructure and prohibitive travel times from Scotland’s main centres make the district pretty much untenable as a weekend destination — it appeals most to those who are looking for both a life change and a dramatic slowing of pace. Clearly there are bargains to be had, but because local employment is at a premium, Caithness and Sutherland is most likely to appeal to the independently wealthy, retirees and those looking to start their own business within the remotest corner of northern Scotland.

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