In Aberdeen we experienced a busy first quarter for industrial and retail – secondary / neighbourhood. The industrial market was particularly resilient given the economic impact the windfall tax continues to have on the local energy sector. It is particularly strong for detached modern units 10,000– 20,000 sq. ft that benefit from secure yards and…
General market conditions in the Forth Valley area have been relatively strong over the past 12 months. The Industrial market continues to perform extremely well, with demand still appearing to out-strip supply. Some new industrial developments are starting to appear, which will hopefully ease some of the recent supply issues, however, evidence would suggest that…
The Tayside office and retail market has generally performed reasonably well over the last few years, particularly with premises that are compact and as such relatively affordable. Both rental and capital values had been improving within the Tayside market. The general lack of any new privately owned space being available within the Tayside office market…
The Inverness office market has seen increased activity and enquiries over the past 12–18 months. Demand is strongest for modern, well-located offices up to 2,000 sq ft, particularly those with good parking. Smaller suites between 500–1,500 sq ft are especially popular, attracting interest from professional firms, public sector bodies, and businesses serving the wider Highland…
The Scottish Property Market has long been a dynamic and evolving landscape and 2024 has certainly been no exception. This year has experienced unprecedented economic factors which have drastically impacted the market, most notably the cost of living crisis, stabilisation of interest rates and the costs of doing business. The political landscape has also changed…
Following the adoption of the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) in February 2023, new development has required to consider how it promotes Local Living, and specifically the 20-Minute Neighbourhood concept, by Policy 15 of the NPF4. Given Scotland’s diverse urban form, community structure, and patterns of living and working, it has not initially been clear…
Who will drive the evolution of the Scottish town centre? Graham + Sibbald Partner, Keith Watters, highlights the key players. When you look across Scotland it is clear that the future of the town centre is up for grabs. The challenge of online shopping and the pandemic means that retail is no longer the…
How do you get the life back into Scotland’s high streets? Graham + Sibbald Associate, Peter Fleming, talks revitilisation. It’s a sad truth that for the last 20 years the Scottish high street has been in decline as a place to live, shop and work. This has happened in tandem with the development of…
What role will planning have in driving the recovery of Scottish town centres? Kerri McGuire, Head of Planning at Graham + Sibbald, looks at the crucial role that planners will play in the process. Planning could help unlock a vibrant and sustainable future for Scottish town centres, if a flexible planning policy approach is…
Climate change is coming to a town centre near you. Graham + Sibbald’s Director of Building Surveying, Daniel Little, looks at the impact it will have. Tackling climate change is a global challenge that might seem far removed from the average Scottish high street. However, this is far from the truth. It is already…
