Press Release Archive News

Beautifully renovated former croft house with outstanding mountain views

Beautifully renovated former croft house with outstanding mountain views

Nestled in the dramatic landscape of Elphin in the Scottish Highlands, former croft house Cuil Breac, is a mountain lover’s dream home.

Packed with character, this cottage includes a recently completed extension which has created a wonderful living space where one can sit back and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains and lochs.

Cuil Breac would make an ideal home for outdoor enthusiasts with surrounding mountains (Corbetts and Grahams) include Ben Mor Coigach, Cul Beag, Cul Mor, Canisp and Suilven, right on its doorstep.

The mountains are a constant feature at Cuil Breac, including the garden’s outdoor seating area which takes in spectacular views. The enclosed garden is surrounded by mature trees and is mainly laid to lawn with pretty features.

The recently added extension accommodates the sitting room on the ground floor.  This room is flooded with natural light, having large windows on two sides to take full advantage of the view. There is a log burner which also makes this a lovely cosy room in the winter. The three bedrooms are on the upper floor. 

Cuil Breac is being marketed by Bell Ingram for offers over £300,000. Commenting on the property, Estate Agent, Joanne Stennett says: “This beautiful former croft house is in a peaceful and tranquil location making it the perfect property either as a permanent home or a holiday cottage”.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing contact Joanne Stennett on 01463 717799  or email joanne.stennett@bellingram.co.uk 

 

Our people

Joanne Stennett

Joanne Stennett

Associate
Estate Agency
Tel: 01463 717 799

About: Joanne heads up the Estate Agency team in our Beauly office and is focused on ensuring her clients have a positive experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. From country houses to farms and estates, she has been marketing prime residential property in the Highlands and Islands for over 17 years. Joanne is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

    Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

    Still opportunities to be had in competitive land market

    Still opportunities to be had in competitive land market

    There is no shortage of deals to be done in the current farmland market according to rural property experts, Bell Ingram.

    In recent times, we have seen land values remaining strong with many of Bell Ingram’s latest sales achieving offers over the asking price, with great demand for arable and mixed units, be it equipped or bare land.

    However, with an increasing number of farm businesses look to expand, the number of buyers looking for land continues to outweigh the supply of land coming to the market.

    Bell Ingram is urging those thinking about selling their farm or portioning off land for sale to seek advice on the sales process at the earliest opportunity, especially with this year’s harvest around the corner.

    Commenting on the market, Chartered Rural Surveyor, John Kennedy says: “With uncertainty surrounding support schemes, increasing red tape and rising input costs, selling off land may be an attractive proposition for your business. Bell Ingram’s farm sales team can talk you through the sales process for both on market and off market deals.

    “It is important to seek advice from our sales team at the earliest opportunity to discuss your circumstances and talk you through the best options. Many farmers hold off making preparations for sale until it becomes time critical and the window for photography and launching at a peak marketing point is missed. The earlier you make your enquiry allows for thorough planning and for every option to be explored, ensuring the best outcome for your business.

    “It may also be the case that we have a suitable buyer ready to go as we currently have a number of clients on the books looking for suitable land ranging from 20 acres to large scale operations.”

    If you are thinking of placing land or your whole farm on the market, John Kennedy will be pleased to have a confidential, no obligation discussion of   your requirements. Email john.kennedy@bellingram.co.uk or call 01307 462516.

    Our people

    John Kennedy

    John Kennedy

    Associate, MRICS
    Rural Land Management
    Tel: 01307 462 516

    About: John is a RICS Chartered Surveyor working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of rural estate and farm management. John joined Bell Ingram in 2021 and is a graduate of SRUC in Edinburgh with an Honours Degree in Agriculture followed by a Masters in Land Economy at the University of Aberdeen. Interests: Rural Land Management, MRICS Registered Valuer.

    Get in touch

    We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

      Press Release Archive News, Rural Land Management Page

      Race is on to find sites suitable for battery storage but farmers urged not to be blindsided by developers

      Race is on to find sites suitable for battery storage but farmers urged not to be blindsided by developers

      Renewables experts at Bell Ingram are urging farmers to think carefully about the potential impact on their business before agreeing to leasing land for renewables projects.

      As the UK works towards its target to operate a zero-carbon electricity system by 2035, the race is on to find sites available for large scale battery storage, solar, hydrogen and wind projects.

      With such high demand, farmers are being approached up and down the country by developers offering the incentive of a substantial additional income to lease their land.

      For many the approach is an attractive proposition. However, Rhona Booth, Land Agent and Senior Associate at Bell Ingram believes farmers must think about the implications on their businesses before signing on the dotted line.

      Rhona says: “The UK is completely transforming the way in which we distribute energy and this will have a huge knock on effect for landowners and occupiers across the country. As a result, we are experiencing an increase in enquiries from farmers and clients who have been approached by developers looking for land for new renewables projects, in particular solar and battery storage.

      “While there are certainly good deals to be done, especially for those looking for a solid retiral or succession plan, there is a long list of things to take into account when considering if this is the right move for your farming business.

      “Infrastructure projects such as these require land, not just for the footprint of the site, but for access, construction compounds and habitat management plans, which is a much bigger commitment than most realise. One must also consider the logistics of getting the land back at the end of the lease and the reinstatement of working crops.

      “Therefore, farmers must weigh up the effects on their current business and future plans as well as the potential for depreciation on home value and assets against the likely financial gain.”

      For more information on leasing land for renewables projects, or if you have been contacted by a developers about leasing land and want to make sure you are getting a fair deal, contact Rhona Booth on 01738 621121 or email rhona.booth@bellingram.co.uk

      Our people

      Rhona Booth

      Rhona Booth

      Senior Associate, MRICS
      Rural Land Management, Valuations
      Tel: 01307 462516

      About: Rhona is a highly experienced RICS Chartered Surveyor and Registered Valuer working across Perthshire and Angus advising on all aspects of estate and farm management, including landlord and tenant negotiations, telecommunication mast agreements, utility projects and CPO compensation claims. In addition, Rhona can undertake a range of rural valuations for a variety of purposes as a Registered Valuer. Rhona joined Bell Ingram in 2020 and has over 20 years’ experience in the sector. Interests: Rural Land Management, Valuations, Utilities, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Tenancy Advisor, MRICS Registered Valuer.

      Get in touch

      We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

        The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

        Demand for luxury energy efficient homes stronger than ever

        Demand for luxury energy efficient homes stronger than ever

        By Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency

        Set against the backdrop of soaring energy prices and a cost-of-living crisis, how to make our homes more energy and cost efficient is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

        For many, a move to a new build property is the answer as thanks to regulation for homebuilders, new build homes must meet strict thermal efficiency guidelines.

        Over the years Bell Ingram has partnered with prestigious bespoke housebuilders, who have been building energy efficient homes for many years. But as prices go up across the board, and building costs soar, this must be transferred to customers. So, are buyers still willing to pay a premium for energy efficiency?  

        In short, yes. At Bell Ingram we see green and thermal efficiency as the main driver for new build homes which is a market which remains hugely popular and is bucking the trend of regular housing.

        Working closely with buyers, our property teams recognise two key factors when it comes to energy in their home. One is thermal efficiency, or the home’s ability to retain and distribute heat from a heat source. The other consideration is the green credentials associated with generating the heat.

        For example, some buyers don’t mind if their main heat source is gas or oil, as long as the home performs well in maintaining and distributing the warmth. For others, the green credential of the energy is important, as renewable sources can drastically reduce costs.

        Bell Ingram has seen huge demand for our recent development in the Grange of Errol built by The Good House Company, as all homes available, priced from £539,000, were reserved in the first week.

        The Good House Company was founded in 2006 and is renowned for producing homes that are A-rated for energy efficiency, vital to compensate for the ever-increasing cost of fuel bills. They are super insulated and are heated by low-carbon technology. Their future aim is to build homes that are carbon-neutral and they are passionate about not sacrificing quality of finishes in order to be an ‘eco’ home – you can have both.

        4 Grange Of Errol, Perthshire, PH2 7SZ | Bell Ingram

        It is not only new build homes which have to comply with strict regulations, conversions must also reach minimum energy efficiency requirements. Bell Ingram is marketing the superb Milton Muir Farmhouse near Anstruther in Fife for offers over £650,000. The property benefits from air source heating.

        Milton Muir Farmhouse, Anstruther, Fife, KY10 3JD | Bell Ingram

        Finally, currently under construction, is 2 Castle View in Rumbling Bridge, Kinross-shire which also has air source heating and great thermal efficiency. This family home is within a small development in a semi-rural location, with uninterrupted views, for offers over £650,000.

        2 Castle Hill View, Rumbling Bridge, Kinross-Shire, KY13 0PX | Bell Ingram

        For more information on our Estate Agency services, or to browse our properties for sale click here.

        Our people

        Carl Warden

        Carl Warden

        Partner
        Estate Agency
        Tel: 01738 621 121

        About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

        Get in touch

        We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

          Article posted on 12/09/2022

          The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News, Uncategorized

          Highlands and Islands property market defies the headlines

          Highlands and Islands property market defies the headlines

          The property market in the Scottish Highlands and Islands has been booming for some years and despite signs of a slowing market elsewhere, prices remain strong in the North and West of the country.

          With mortgage rates rising and rumours of house prices stagnating, you could be fooled into believing the Scottish property market is about to crash. But our experts in Oban and Beauly are seeing no let up, with predictions that growth is to slow yet to be seen in practice.

          In fact, Andrew Fuller, Bell Ingram’s Estate Agent in Oban, recently secured a sale for a home achieving 100% over the asking price, which put paid to the fact that buyers are no longer willing to offer such large sums over the home report value as we have seen post pandemic. Most recently Andrew and his team also secured two notable sales of over £1million for homes in some challenging conditions.

          This is just one example, but it would appear to be backed up by the latest figures from Registers of Scotland that show the price of a detached home is up by 13% to £349,000 on average with the biggest increases seen in the council areas of Argyll, Highland and the Islands.

          Similarly, Joanne Stennett, our Estate Agent based in Beauly in the Scottish Highlands, is still experiencing huge demand in the region with houses regularly going to closing dates and achieving in excess of 10% over the asking price.

          Interest in both the Highlands and Islands remains strong with a constant stream of enquiries from buyers south of the border, and increasingly from the Central Belt. This demand for houses in the regions has remained strong since the pandemic and off market deals are becoming common place as buyers vie for properties before they reach the open market, such is the competition for stock.

          Despite a recent uptick in house prices in the regions, they continue to be favourable to those further south and Joanne believes this will only continue as mortgage rates squeeze buyers out of already expensive property markets.

          There is one thing Andrew and Joanne do not have on their side while working in some of Scotland’s most regions is and that is the weather. As we look towards the end of this year and early 2023, it will be the only thing holding them back.
          If you are interested in taking advantage of this strong market speak to your nearest Bell Ingram office about our free market appraisal service.

          Our people

          Andrew Fuller

          Andrew Fuller

          Senior Associate
          Estate Agency
          Tel: 01631 566 122

          About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

          Get in touch

          We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

             

            Our people

            Joanne Stennett

            Joanne Stennett

            Associate
            Estate Agency
            Tel: 01463 717 799

            About: Joanne heads up the Estate Agency team in our Beauly office and is focused on ensuring her clients have a positive experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. From country houses to farms and estates, she has been marketing prime residential property in the Highlands and Islands for over 17 years. Joanne is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

            Get in touch

            We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

              Article posted on 12/09/2022

              The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

              Legislation freezing rents and evictions is passed in Scotland

              Legislation Freezing Rents & Evictions Passed in Scotland

              The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 was been passed by the Scottish Parliament last week.

              The Scottish Government says the Act temporarily:

              • Restricts landlords from increasing the amount of rent they can charge private and social tenants, as well as for student accommodation.

              • Places certain restrictions on enforcement of evictions from residential tenancies.

              • Balances these restrictions with safeguards for those landlords who may be facing particular cost pressures or financial hardship.

              The rent cap, which applies to in-tenancy rent increases, has initially been set at 0% from 6 September 2022 until at least 31 March 2023. Ministers have the power to vary the rent cap while it is in force.

              Enforcement of eviction orders resulting from the cost crisis are prevented over the same period except in a number of specified circumstances, and damages for unlawful evictions have been increased to a maximum of 36 months’ worth of rent.

              The measures can be extended over two further six-month periods.

              You can view more information on the Act here

              https://www.mygov.scot/rent-cap-landlords

              https://www.mygov.scot/eviction-pause-landlords

              If you are landlord speak to your Bell Ingram Land Manager about how the emergency legislation will affect you.

              Article posted on 31/10/2022

              Bell Ingram In The Community News

              Guest Blog: Why teamworking is the lifeblood of Scottish Hockey

              Why teamworking is the lifeblood of Scottish Hockey

              By Barry Cawte, CEO of Scottish Hockey

              Hockey is a team sport, and all great teams are made from great people. We’re in the ‘Reset’ phase of our Reset-Build-Excel vision, and resetting how we view ourselves, and work together, as a team is part of that.

              What is a team? Using hockey as an example you might think it’s the players on the pitch, but the coaches are also part of the team, and so is the physio, and the sports scientist; and the video analyst.

              Then there are the people who deliver logistics; media support; finance; paperwork; and of course, governance. There’s so much more that could be mentioned, but the key concept of a team being a group of people coming together with a shared goal truly widens the notion of what a hockey team is.

              One of the most important aspects of team work is partnership. It’s not just about skills or talent, but about how people work together and how they can complement each other. Successful teams are made up of people who are able to work together and collaborate in order to achieve shared, and individual, goals.

              At Scottish Hockey, we now talk about being part of ‘one team’, and the team isn’t just comprised of our players, coaches, and staff. It’s everyone across the hockey landscape – clubs; umpires; officials; volunteers; parents; districts; groups and committees; and of course, partners.

              We are fortunate to have tremendous partnerships in place and are grateful to have such great partners in our team.

              Our partners help us develop athletes on and off the pitch, playing a key role in the team. Partners can literally be the difference between helping an athlete become a great player, or helping an athlete become the greatest player they can possibly be.

              Right now there are future medallists coming through our programme and it’s the support of partners like Bell Ingram, who support our women’s performance programme at every stage of an athlete’s development, which is propelling those future medallists towards their ultimate success. The team’s ultimate success.

              We also have success in the here and now as Sarah Robertson won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics as part of the GB squad. By the time this is published the EuroHockey qualifiers may have taken place where our senior Scotland teams are competing to qualify for the EuroHockey Championships next year – qualification would be a fantastic success to celebrate.

              These successes are celebrated as a team because we’ve all had a role to play, and the success that will come in the future is being built, right now, as a team.

              We’re all part of one team at Scottish Hockey, and what a pleasure it is to be on this incredible team. So, here’s to team work in partnership, and the shared success it brings.

              To find out more about our partnership with Scottish Hockey click here.

              Article posted on 05/10/2022

              sold-sign
              The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

              Carl Warden gives us the latest on markets and mortgages

              Carl Warden gives us the latest on markets and mortgages

              It was inevitable that the fall-out from the mini budget and its controversial tax cuts would manifest itself in the housing and mortgage markets because the cost and availability of credit is a significant driver of the market.

              Therefore, it comes as no big surprise to see mortgage lenders suspend many rates and deals as they gather their breath before attempting to reprice the market.

              It goes without saying that any big jump in the mortgage rate is a major concern for those who are buying houses at the moment. But, if you like the house, you can afford it and are confident you can continue to afford it, then there is no reason not to go ahead with your purchase.

              What is fairly certain is that we can wave goodbye to the historically low interest rates that we have grown used to and brace ourselves for a return to the higher levels we last saw in 2012.

              There’s also been much speculation that we could be facing a housing market crash. But while prices could fall over the longer term, there is no evidence that they will collapse like they did during the global financial crisis of 2007/8. The market in Scotland is still functioning well despite the uncertainty.  I am seeing a small number of buyers pulling out of deals as we wait for this immediate uncertainty to pass, but I don’t see this continuing and especially so at the top end of the market.

              From a Scottish perspective, it will be interesting to see if the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes MSP, replicates Kwasi Kwarteng’s Stamp Duty cuts for the Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) bands in Scotland.

              On September 23, the UK Government announced a permanent cut to stamp duty in a bid to boost economic growth. The announcement means that in England no stamp duty will be paid on the first £250,000 of any property, up from £125,000 previously.

              For first-time buyers in England the threshold is now £425,000, up from £300,000. The maximum value of a property on which first-time buyers’ relief can be claimed will also rise from £500,000 to £625,000.

              While first-time buyers in Scotland do not pay LBTT on property purchases up to £175,000, a 2% LBTT rate is paid on property valued between £145,001 and £250,000.

              It would be a big worry for the property sector should the Scottish Government not bring us more into line with the rest of the UK.  A reduction in LBTT would go a long way to giving the Scottish housing market a boost, particularly for the lower bands, as we navigate this period of economic uncertainty.

              For advice on your house move, or for a free market appraisal contact Carl Warden, Head of Estate Agency on 01738 621121 or email carl.warden@bellingram.co.uk

              Our people

              Carl Warden

              Carl Warden

              Partner
              Estate Agency
              Tel: 01738 621 121

              About: Carl heads up the Residential Estate Agency division for the company and has a proven track record within the Scottish property sector. He has been marketing property in the Perth and Kinross area for over 35 years and has vast and detailed practical experience and knowledge of selling prime residential property: from period homes to contemporary developments. Carl is well known in the local area, having developed excellent relationships with buyers and sellers. His wider role involves looking after and supporting our Agency teams and colleagues in Oban, Beauly, Ayr and Forfar. Interests: Estate Agency, Market Valuation, Negotiation.

              Get in touch

              We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                Article posted on 03/10/2022

                The Bell Ingram Blog Spot News

                The Property Expert: Portsonachan lodges hit the market

                The Property Expert: Portsonachan lodges hit the market

                Scotland’s tourism industry is thriving and no more so than the country’s stunning west coast. One particular sleepy village near the banks of Loch Awe is pulling in visitors from across the globe for its picturesque location, and outdoor credentials including ample walking and cycling trails and water sports. Located just a short drive from Dalmally in the county of Argyll and Bute, Portsonachan is home to the impressive Portsonachan hotel and its nearby chalets where our Oban Estate Agents are marketing nine beautifully presented lodges.

                These 1–4-bedroom lodges present an opportunity to purchase a holiday home for leisurely excursions with family and friends, or to run as a successful holiday let business. Here is a flavour of the properties on the market.

                Stirling Lodge

                Stirling Lodge at Portsonachan offers buyers an opportunity to acquire a beautifully presented three-bedroom wooden chalet, complete with built in sauna and external hot tub. With its modern open plan kitchen, stylish bathroom and spacious bedrooms, the lodge is perfect for entertaining family and friends. Stunning views across one of Scotland’s most picturesque locations will be sure to impress.

                Offers over £325,000.

                See more: Stirling Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram

                Carrick Lodge

                This three-bedroom lodge has many of the outstanding features as Stirling Lodge, including built-in sauna and hot tub. Set just a little further back from the loch, Carrick Lodge enjoys a pleasant tree-lined vista, enjoyed from its expansive balcony, the perfect place to sit and take in the glorious surroundings.

                Offers over £300,000.

                See more: Carrick Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram

                Eilean Lodge

                This two-storey semi-detached wooden chalet offers two ground floor bedrooms complimented by a spacious upstairs living area, with a balcony that enjoys far reaching views across to Loch Awe. The downstairs decking area is home to a welcoming hot tub.  

                Offers over £215,000

                See more: Eilean Donan Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram

                Duart Lodge

                The smallest, yet one of the most popular lodges available, this semi-detached one-bedroom lodge is the perfect couples’ retreat. Offering a blend of rustic and modern living, the kitchen is traditional farmhouse style, while the open plan living space provides ample space to sit and unwind. A large decking looks out across the gardens towards Loch Awe.

                Offers over £195,000

                See more: Duart Lodge, Portsonachan, Dalmally, PA33 1BJ | Bell Ingram

                For more information on the lodges, or our Estate Agency service on the West Coast contact our Senior Associate Andrew Fuller on 01631 567 791, or email andrew.fuller@bellingram.co.uk

                Our people

                Andrew Fuller

                Andrew Fuller

                Senior Associate
                Estate Agency
                Tel: 01631 566 122

                About: Andrew heads up the Estate Agency team in our Oban office and is focused on ensuring his clients have a first-class experience when they list their property with Bell Ingram. A resident of the Isle of Mull, Andrew is very well known across the West Coast of Scotland and has developed an excellent reputation for marketing prime residential property, including plots, crofts, island homes and lifestyle opportunities. Andrew joined Bell Ingram following almost 15 years managing several high-level private and commercial development projects in the United Arab Emirates. Interests: Residential Estate Agency, Rural Property Sales.

                Get in touch

                We'd love to hear from you, use the form below to email me direct

                  Article posted on 27/09/2022