Housing and Accommodation in Dundee, Fife, and Perthshire: Quick Guide
Dundee, Fife and Perthshire, located in the heart of Scotland, offer a diverse range of housing and accommodation options to suit various needs and lifestyles. Whatever your stage of life and circumstances, these areas provide options ranging from urban living to rural retreats. Here are some ideas on the housing market, rental accommodation, and some key considerations for those looking to relocate or invest.
Dundee
Dundee, Scotland’s fourth-largest city, has undergone significant regeneration over the past decade, making it an increasingly attractive place to live. With its vibrant cultural scene, growing screen and tech industries, and excellent transport links, Dundee is a city on the rise.
Housing Market
Average House Prices: Dundee’s average house price is approximately £175,000, offering excellent value for city living.
Types of Housing: The city features a mix of traditional tenement flats, modern apartments, and suburban homes. The West End and Broughty Ferry to the east are particularly popular, known for its historic buildings and proximity to the Universities of Abertay and Dundee.
Regeneration Areas: The Waterfront development has transformed Dundee’s housing landscape, introducing modern apartments with stunning views of the River Tay.
Rental Market
Young Professionals: The growing tech sector in Dundee attracts young professionals, with areas like the West End and Broughty Ferry being popular. Rents for one-bedroom apartments in these areas range from £600 to £800 per month.
Students: The University of Dundee and Abertay University contribute to a robust student rental market. Dundee’s student accommodations vary from university-owned halls to private rentals, with prices averaging around £550 per month for a one-bedroom flat.
Fife
Fife, known for its stunning coastline and historic towns, is a popular choice for families and commuters. The Kingdom of Fife boasts a rich heritage, with towns like St Andrews, Dunfermline, and Kirkcaldy offering a mix of traditional and modern housing options.
Housing Market
Average House Prices: As of 2024, the average house price in Fife is around £180,000, making it relatively affordable compared to nearby Edinburgh.
Types of Housing: Fife offers a wide range of properties, from Victorian terraced houses in towns like Cupar to modern developments in coastal villages.
Popular Areas: St Andrews is highly sought after, particularly due to the University of St Andrews, which influences both property prices and rental demand. Coastal towns like Anstruther are also popular for their scenic beauty and charm. The south coast including the newly 'crowned' city of historic Dunfermline offer easy access to Fife College's multiple campuses and facilities, industrial and business space and fast commuting to Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and beyond
Rental Market
Student Accommodation: St Andrews has a high demand for student housing, with options ranging from university halls to private rentals. Average rent for a one-bedroom flat in St Andrews can be around £750 per month.
Family Rentals: Towns like Glenrothes and Dunfermline offer family-friendly rental options, with three-bedroom homes typically renting for £900-£1,200 per month.
Perthshire
Perthshire, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Highlands,” offers the city of Perth, urban centres like Crieff and Dunkeld and rural retreats with easy access to some of Scotland’s most stunning natural landscapes. The area is known for its picturesque villages, historic towns, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Housing Market
Average House Prices: Perthshire has a diverse property market, with prices averaging around £210,000. The region offers everything from quaint cottages to grand country estates.
Types of Housing: The region is known for its traditional stone-built homes, but there are also modern developments, particularly in the larger towns like Perth and Crieff.
Popular Areas: Perth is the administrative capital and central hub, while smaller towns like Pitlochry and Aberfeldy are popular for their scenic beauty and community feel.
Rental Market
Rural Rentals: Perthshire’s rural areas offer charming rental properties, including farmhouses and cottages. Prices vary widely depending on the location and property size, but a typical three-bedroom home in a village like Dunkeld might rent for around £1,000 per month.
City Living: Perth offers more urban rental options, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging £600 per month.
Key Considerations
Commuting
For those working in larger cities like Edinburgh or Glasgow, commuting from Fife, Dundee, or Perthshire is a viable option. Fife has excellent train links to Edinburgh, while Dundee and Perth are well-connected by road and rail to both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Education
All three regions offer good educational facilities, including reputable primary and secondary schools, both state and private. St Andrews in Fife and the universities in Dundee are renowned for higher education.
Quality of Life
Fife, Dundee, and Perthshire all offer a high quality of life, with access to beautiful natural landscapes, cultural amenities, and vibrant communities. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life or the tranquility of the countryside, these regions cater to a wide range of preferences.
Fife, Dundee, and Perthshire each offer unique advantages for those seeking housing or accommodation in Scotland. From the historic charm of Fife to the urban vibrancy of Dundee and the natural beauty of Perthshire, there is something for everyone. As these regions continue to grow and develop, they remain attractive options for both buyers and renters looking to experience the best of what Scotland has to offer.