Houses for sale Aberdeenshire
Houses for sale Aberdeenshire: everything you need to know
From breathtaking castles to rolling mountains and rivers – Aberdeenshire is full of hidden gems. Stretching from the famous Cairngorms to the rugged North East coastline, the region offers plenty of diversity.
With lots of open space, quaint seaside towns and bustling suburbs, Aberdeenshire presents a high-quality way of life for both families and couples alike.
Take a look at our new build houses for sale in Aberdeenshire
Benefits of living in Aberdeenshire
- High standard of living
- Lots of incredible scenery to admire
- Low unemployment rates
- Variety of walking and hiking trails
- Close to the sea
- Good transport links
Living in Aberdeenshire
The high standard of living and abundance of glorious countryside trails waiting to be explored are only a few of the reasons why Aberdeenshire is a fantastic place to call home.
Renowned for its strong economy, reliant upon industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture and tourism, Aberdeenshire presents a wealth of job opportunities – ideal for professionals looking to relocate to a region that encourages career progression and stability.
Alongside its growing job prospects, Aberdeenshire has a range of schooling options and is home to several state and independent schools dotted throughout the many towns and villages, with some of the most popular including Portlethen Academy, Mackie Academy and Robert Gordon’s College.
In terms of transportation, Aberdeenshire has a range of carefully developed transportation networks allowing residents and visitors to easily travel across other parts of Scotland and beyond. For example, there are a number of train stations dotted across Aberdeenshire, spanning from Huntly to Stonehaven. In addition, Aberdeen Airport serves as a hub for those looking to explore further afield, from relaxing on the beaches of Corfu to exploring the beauty of Amsterdam.
Overall, living in Aberdeenshire offers residents the ideal balance of outstanding natural surroundings, rich history, welcoming communities and an abundance of amenities designed to cater for their daily needs.
Popular locations in Aberdeenshire
You’re certainly not short of choice in Aberdeenshire as there are plenty of thriving suburbs and villages to choose from. Whether you enjoy the peace and tranquillity of coastal living or prefer the hustle and bustle of a growing town – there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
Chapelton
Located only five miles south of Aberdeen, Chapelton is an idyllic town nestled in the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside. Incorporating the perfect mix of features found in traditional Scottish towns with modern comforts, Chapelton boasts a strong sense of community and caters to a wide range of buyers including couples, retirees, growing families and more.
With a thoughtfully designed layout, beautiful walking trails, a commitment to sustainability and an impressive community spirit, Chapelton has become a sought-after location for many in Aberdeenshire as it offers the best of both worlds; beautiful scenery and easy commuting distance to the city or wider Scotland.
Westhill
Situated near the prestigious Royal Deeside and a short commute from Aberdeen city centre, Westhill is a thriving Aberdeenshire suburb filled with a plethora of local amenities including various primary schools, a golf course, local restaurants and supermarkets.
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Banchory
Known for its natural beauty, Banchory is a beautiful town located on the banks of the River Dee and benefits from a range of recreational activities found right on the doorstep. Offering an excellent quality of life with its breathtaking landscapes, quaint town centre and various schooling options, Banchory is a popular choice for those looking to embrace the tranquillity of the countryside while still being within commuting distance of Aberdeen.
Photo by Anton Kossmann on Shutterstock
Things to do in Aberdeenshire and near Chapelton
If you’re looking to delve deeper into Scotland’s rich history then Aberdeenshire is the perfect place to do so. The area is home to over 260 castles, some of the most notable including Dunnottar Castle, Balmoral Castle and Slains Castle.
For those on the hunt for the perfect weekend activity, Aberdeenshire has a selection of activities suitable for all of the family. Deeside Activity Park and Lochter Activity Centre offer a range of entertaining activities including go-karting, archery, fishing and raft building.
There are also a wealth of picturesque trails to enjoy such as Clachnaben, Balmoral Cairns, the Chapelton Trail and Bennachie. Perhaps you prefer a walk accompanied by beautiful coastal views? Aberdeenshire is home to numerous scenic beaches including Balmedie, Newburgh and Stonehaven.
Also home to some of the finest whisky and beef in the world, Aberdeenshire is the perfect place to indulge in some delicious local food and drink. From charming cafes and coffee shops to fine-dining restaurants such as Eat on the Green – you’re never far from some tasty grub.
Searching for your dream home in Aberdeenshire
1.) Know your requirements
Before you begin your search, it’s vital that you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in a home, whether that be a large five bedroom home designed to cater for all the family or a two bedroom flat with an impressive central location. Factors such as budget, size, layout and location all play a crucial role in searching for your new property, which is why it’s essential you spend time discussing and considering your options.
For example, it may be useful to create a prioritised checklist of features that you feel are important in your search for a new home including anything from schooling options and public transportation to outdoor space and number of bedrooms.
2.) Look at online listings and property sites
Nowadays, online listings and property portals have become invaluable resources for homebuyers searching for houses for sale in Aberdeenshire. Offering an array of property options, handy search filters and the opportunity to be notified of any new listings on the market, these tools have revolutionised the way in which we search for properties. In terms of Aberdeenshire, there are a couple of popular resources available such as ASPC, Zoopla and Rightmove.
3.) Visit local estate agents
There are also a selection of local estate agents to choose from in Aberdeenshire and the surrounding areas, each offering in-depth knowledge and advice on the Aberdeenshire housing market. By speaking to an estate agent, you can gain a better insight into local property trends, upcoming developments and general advice on purchasing a home in Aberdeenshire.
Don’t be afraid to speak to multiple different estate agents, as each company may have something different to offer, giving you a wider scope of the options currently available.
4.) Word of mouth
A quick and easy way to help your hunt for a new home is to leverage the use of tools such as social media and word of mouth. By notifying friends, family or colleagues that you’re looking to move home, you potentially run into opportunities or information that was otherwise not available online, such as off-line listings or hidden gems.
You never know who might have a connection or contact relating to a property that may end up being your forever home!
Step by step guide to buying a home in Aberdeenshire
Buying a new home is one of the largest financial steps that most people will take in their lifetime, therefore you want to equip yourself with the right information ahead of the process. To help you with your journey towards buying a new home in Aberdeenshire, this useful step by step guide will break down the key steps involved in purchasing a new home.
Step 1: Define your budget and secure funds
The first step in buying a new home is to consider how much money you’re willing to spend and what you can actually afford. To do this, we recommend getting in touch with a mortgage adviser who will be able to look at your finances and calculate the amount of money you’ll be able to borrow from a lender. Alternatively, you can also speak to a financial adviser such as David Butler, who is local to Chapelton and can provide impartial mortgage advice.
Once you’ve agreed upon a suitable budget, you ideally want to secure a mortgage agreement in principle from your chosen lender before you progress any further in the process. A mortgage in principle from a lender indicates the amount of money they are willing to lend you as a borrower based on your financial situation. When viewing properties you can show this documentation to owners or developers to confirm you’re able to afford the property.
Step 2: Consider the location
Arguably, searching for your dream home is the most exciting part of the home buying process, however, it’s equally important that you consider the location of the property. Aberdeenshire spans a large region of the north east and comprises many different towns and villages, each offering their own unique selling points.
For those who already know the local Aberdeenshire area well, it may be worth starting by creating a list of towns or villages that appeal to you as a place to live in order to narrow down your search. Contrastingly, if you’re new to Aberdeenshire it may be useful to talk to your mortgage adviser about the different areas within the region and discuss what each area has to offer in terms of factors such as schooling, amenities and transport.
Step 3: Appoint a solicitor
In Scotland, solicitors play a large role in the home buying process as they are legally required to complete the process of conveyancing on your behalf. It’s very important that you find a reputable solicitor that you trust, as their legal expertise will guide you through the process and help to make your experience as seamless as possible.
Step 4: Conduct viewings
Now that you’ve appointed a solicitor and begun your search, it’s time to start getting out there and viewing some properties. Nowadays, buyers have the opportunity to visit properties in person and virtually. For example, you may virtually view six to seven properties online and then decide to pick two or three of your favourites to go and view in person. When viewing properties, we also recommend that you select a handful to view and not just one as this limits your ability to compare.
Step 5: Note of interest
Once you’ve found a property that sparks your interest and ticks your boxes, you should let your solicitor know as they can then notify the seller of your interest. It’s important to note that other people may also note their interest in the same property, potentially leading the seller to set a closing date. This date signifies a deadline for all interested parties to submit their best offer by a specific date and time.
Step 6: Offer and acceptance
After deciding upon your dream home, it’s time to make an offer. During this stage, you should work closely alongside your solicitor to draw up a formal offer which will include information regarding the purchase price, any conditions and legalities, and a proposed date of completion. Your solicitor will then present the offer to your seller’s solicitor and negotiate the offer on your behalf. Once everything has been agreed upon, the seller’s solicitor will then respond to the offer with a document recognised as a ‘qualified acceptance’.
Step 7: Finalising the mortgage
Once your offer has been accepted, you should then get in contact with your mortgage adviser who will help you secure the best mortgage deal possible and walk you through the application process. It may take lenders a couple of weeks before confirming your mortgage offer, which may slow down the process of your solicitor being able to deal with the missives, therefore it’s essential you act as quickly as possible.
Step 8: Exchange of contracts and completion
Exchanging contracts signifies the legal commitment made between the buyer and seller. Once all the terms and conditions are agreed upon, both parties’ solicitors will exchange the signed contracts. From this point onwards, you have the security of knowing that the seller is now legally obliged to sell the property to you.
The final stage in the process is completion, this is where the ownership of the property is officially transferred. On the agreed completion date, your solicitor will transfer the funds to your seller’s solicitor who will then confirm that the exchange has been completed and that the keys are ready to be handed over. At this stage, you now become the legal owner of the property and can begin to organise moving-in dates.
Step 9: Congratulations, you did it!
As the keys reach your hands you can finally begin to celebrate the achievement of successfully purchasing your new home in Aberdeenshire.
“The layout of the town, local facilities and abundance of green space makes it really easy to meet and socialise with neighbours in a safe way. Everyone has been incredibly friendly and we know that we’ll be living here for years to come. It’s a special place made even more special by the fact that it’s right next to where we were married.”
Kelsey and Iain, Residents at Chapelton
