Glasgow house buying guide

There are few areas of Glasgow that beat Bearsden on quality of life. An affluent, leafy suburb popular amongst families, Bearsden is a great choice when looking at where to buy in Glasgow.

You can spend your weekends on the green playing golf at one of the five courses. Or get your history fix exploring the ruins of the Roman Antonine Wall and military bath house. Or go on a hunt for all the sculptures of The Gruffalo - a tribute to the author, Bearsden’s own Julia Donaldson.

Transport

With quick train links into the city centre, Bearsden is perfect for commuting or for those who still want access to the hustle and bustle.

Local Schools

The area boasts a range of excellent primary schools, as well as plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy including Kilmardinny Loch Nature Reserve.

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Bearsden are 2% up on the previous year.

History

The area around Bearsden has been occupied since Roman times - there are some remains of the fort still to this day! There is also a nearby Roman bath house 150m from the town centre.

However, what became modern Bearsden started as a small agricultural hamlet called New Kirk, close to the New Kilpatrick Parish Church built in 1649. From the mid 19th century onwards, Glaswegian businessmen built countryside houses in Bearsden that were a commutable distance from the city. After that, the opening of the railway in 1863 spurred on further development of Bearsden.

With Hilhead at its heart, Glasgow’s West End is vibrant part of the city which is popular amongst students, young professionals as well as small families.

You'll have Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the spacious Kelvingrove Park on your doorstep to enjoy, as well as an array of museums, art galleries and independent shops for leisurely weekends jaunts.

Transport

Glasgow's West End is only about 30 minutes out of the city centre on public transport, or a 20 minute drive by car. You can also cycle into the centre in 25 minutes, or take a leisurely walk in under an hour and a half.

Local Schools

Top-notch education is only a stone's throw away thanks to Hillhead Primary School and Kelvinside Academy, two of the best schools in the city. There's also the University of Glasgow housed in the area, home to more than 600 academics and post-doctoral researchers.

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Glasgow's West End are 2% up on the previous year.

History

Glasgow's West End came into existence largely in the Victoria ear after the establishment of the Great Western Road. However, the area around Byres Road has been well-trodded since the Middle Ages, when Bishops of Glasgow travelled through "the Byres of Patrick" to reach their summer residence at Partick Castle.

From the mid 19th centure onwards, the West End grew substantially, including the University of Glasgow relocating to Gilmorehill in 1870.

Interesting fact: The first international football match, played between Scotland and England, was held in the West End at the West of Scotland Cricket Club!

Shawlands is an up-and-coming part of Glasgow that is home to some of the cities best bakeries, cute cafes, renowned restaurants and trendy bars. With leafy Pollok Country Park and Queens park on your doorstep, there's also plenty of chances to enjoy some green space, too. No wonder The Guardian compared Shawlands to Manhattan’s Lower East Side!

Transport

Shawlands is only a 20-30 minute journey into the city centre, either by bus or train. You can also drive within 16 minutes, or within 20 minutes by cycling.

Local Schools

Gawber Primary School is considered one of the best primary schools in the area, rated "Outstanding". Shawlands Primary School and The Mill Academy follow closely behind, both rated "Good". Secondary school wise - Shawlands Academy is frequently named one of the top schools in Scotland.

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Shawlands are 7% up on the previous year.

History

Considered the "Heart of the Southside", this southern suburb of Glasgow grew rapidly in the 19th century as the city experienced a boom from being a commercial powerhouse of the British Empire. Over the years, the largely artisanal and industrial area got a reputation as a hub for local businesses, a reputation its maintained to this day!

Interesting fact: The nearby Queens Park (dedicated to Mary, Queen of Scots, not Queen Victoria), was the site of the 16th century Battle of Langside! Today, the park has allotments, a botanical glass house, boating bond and a refurbished amphitheatre which holds open-air performances during the summer. It also hosts the annual Southside Festival, and Wee Chill Music Festival.