More single first time buyers on Scottish housing ladder

14-Sep-2007

Scottish singletons are now buying more homes than families or couples for the first time, a new study has revealed.

Warners solicitors has said that the number of homes bought by single buyers in Edinburgh and the Lothians in the first eight months of the year was up ten per cent on 2006 figures, with the number of single women buying now almost the equal of the number of men.

In total, the firm reported 403 properties being bought by single buyers between January and August, compared with 371 bought by couples or families over the same period.

"There is no doubt that an increase in the number of financially independent young women has changed the profile of the property market in recent years," commented Glasgow Solicitors Property Centre head of marketing Mark Hordern, according to the Scotsman.

"It is a trend sellers should be aware of because it is important to realise there have been changes in the sort of person who might buy their home," Mr Hordern added.

Annual house price inflation in Scotland is currently running at 16.4 per cent, the Department of Communities and Local Government reported last week.

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