Glasgow Local Property Guide
Welcome to Glasgow
One of Glasgow’s slogans, which you may see splashed in colourful graffiti paint on buildings, is “People Make Glasgow”, and it is entirely correct. While people are generally considered friendly in Scotland, there is something special about Glaswegians. The communities in and around this city are healthy, strong, resilient and fair, while meeting the changing needs of neighbourhoods to enable areas and their locals to thrive.
While it’s not the capital of Scotland (that would be the Edinburgh local house buying guide), Glasgow is the country’s most populated location. It’s home to an estimated 596,000 diverse people. The city itself sits on the banks of the River Clyde, around 20 miles from the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. This near-shore location played a significant role in the city's economic history, which was centred around shipbuilding and international trade.
But today Glasgow is home to traditional industries (such as manufacturing), as well as aerospace technology, software engineering and renewable energy. And because of Glasgow’s broad history dabbling in different trades, there is a wonderous potpourri mix of old and modern buildings.
If you’re considering moving to Glasgow, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re after edgy 1-bedroom flats or semi- or detached houses for sale in Glasgow, this guide will give you an introduction to the city as well as which in areas to consider buying. See what’s on offer and how to meet local estate agents in Glasgow. Life in Glasgow is steeped in rich history and fascinating locations – so get out there to soak it up!
Find your local estate agent in Glasgow
If you have a house to sell, you may be tempted to take advantage of the demand from those looking to move into the area. From professional photography to premium Rightmove listings and hosted viewings, the agents at Purplebricks can tailor services to suit your needs.
To talk to a local expert who knows the ins and outs of house sales in Glasgow, choose your agent and book a free house valuation.
What’s it like living in Glasgow?
As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow is a popular choice for people of all ages to call the city their home. After all, there are world-class shopping experiences to be had, nightlife to enjoy and history to soak up. Some people even go so far as calling it a ‘small London’. And they’re not far off with the sheer number of offerings from the city.
Once an overlooked industrial hub, Glasgow is now one of the hippest expat destinations. The city centre boasts architectural gems showcasing Glasgow’s heritage, while the River Clyde touts natural beauty. And while Glasgow is as built up as the next city, Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond, is right on its doorstep. This perfect balance of inner-city living and astounding Scottish landscapes makes Glasgow a hugely enjoyable place to live.
If you’re thinking of packing it all in to find your ideal Glasgow house for sale, keep reading to discover a handful of the top neighbourhoods.
Getting around Glasgow
Glasgow is a compact city – it’s easy to find your way around, whether on foot, public transport, by bike or car. But easily one of the greatest highlights about living in Glasgow is how easy it is to visit other parts of Scotland. The city has a direct route up to the Scottish Highlands, such as Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Isle of Skye. Its location is also wonderfully placed to visit the west coast, so day trips to feast your eyes on Oban and the Isle of Mull are within reach.
If you’re looking to head out of Glasgow, the international airport has frequent flights all over Europe and beyond, with more international flights than the neighbouring Edinburgh Airport.
By train
Glasgow’s network of above-ground trains traverses a much wider network than the subway, with ScotRail covering local and regional routes. The Central Station connects Glasgow by rail to the south, while the Queen Street Station operates routes mainly through to Edinburgh city and northern Scotland.
By subway
The subway (otherwise known as ‘The Clockwork Orange’ thanks to its orange hue and circular route) is the easiest way to get around the City Centre and the West End of Glasgow. The underground trains run every 4 minutes at peak times, and it takes just 24 minutes to complete the circuit of 15 stations.
By road
Although owning a car in Glasgow can be unnecessary due to the extensive offerings from public transportation, it can come in handy during rainy weather. There are also several multistorey car parks with cheap parking options. But head out of Glasgow, and you have easy access to the M8, M74, M77 and M80 that connect to the Highlands, onwards to Edinburgh, or south to England.
Glasgow also has a diverse bus system, with the main provider of services being First Glasgow. There are over 80 routes in Glasgow, so whether you want to see the sights or commute from A to B, hopping on the bus is a great option.
By bike
With over 186 miles of cycle lanes, it’s safe to say that Glasgow welcomes cyclers. The perfect way to take in the city sights on a sunny spring day is to get the gang together and hop on an OVO Bike. Glasgow offers over 170 bikes and e-bikes, and an easy-to-use pay-as-you-go scheme. With a simple turn of the pedal, you can see more of Glasgow, all while beating traffic.
Cost of living in Glasgow
The cost of living in Glasgow is undeniably cheaper than some other large cities in the UK, like London. Property, food, transport and spending are generally considered reasonable in Glasgow, with an affordable cost of living.
Even though the cost of living in Glasgow will vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle, it’s typically less expensive than other significant UK cities like London or Edinburgh. You can easily manage the cost of living in Glasgow by taking advantage of public transport offers, finding affordable Glasgow flats for sale and organising your budget accordingly.
Glasgow house sales
The Glasgow property market caters for a wide range of buyers, whether you’re looking for your first 1-bedroom flat or a roomy 4-bedroom semi-detached house for your family. The average house price currently sits at £179,386, according to the UK House Price Index, making it affordable for many individuals and families to settle.
Whatever the house type, there are affordable properties for sale in Glasgow. Take a look at the average house prices (at the time of writing, December 2023):
Detached house: £483,903
Semi-detached: £264,825
Terraced: £224,840
Flat: £149,956
So, you’re thinking of calling Glasgow home? Let’s take a look at a handful of the top neighbourhoods to consider.
Neighbourhoods in Glasgow
South Side
Average property price: £210,575
South of the River Clyde, the Shawlands area is regarded as an up-and-coming area with a rich history and a community spirit. It beckons you with limitless charm and character, and keeps you captivated with stunning architecture that reflects its historical roots. But on a practical level, it’s handy for families and young professionals to live.
There are great schools throughout the area, popular places to eat, Pollak Country Park, as well as the renowned Burrell Collection. There are plenty of properties for sale in Giffnock, lots of shops and excellent schooling. The choice is all yours.
West End
Average property price: £258,000
Let’s head on over to one of the most desirable areas of Glasgow – the West End. It’s trendy, it’s vibrant, it’s an area known for its lively atmosphere. But what does that mean? Well, it has charming cafés and shops, unique boutiques and unrivalled nightlife, all among stunning Victorian architecture and tree-lined streets. Glasgow’s West End has a unique charm, sure to capture the hearts of residents of all walks of life.
One of the best parts of living in the West End is the proximity to some of Glasgow’s best attractions, such as Kelvingrove Park with incredible green spaces to the fashionable Byres Road with boutiques and restaurants. Here, you’re never too far from something exciting.
The Hillhead district, complete with its classic red sandstone terraces and impressive buildings, tends to be popular across many homebuyer types, from young professionals to families.
The University of Glasgow is nearby, as are popular schools such as Hillhead Primary School and Kelvinside Academy. So, no matter what stage of life you’re stepping into, West End offers complete support.
Scotstoun
Average property price: £240,000
An excellent location for families at a reasonable price, Scotstoun offers many benefits for those looking to raise a family here. There are great schooling options, such as Scotstoun Primary School and neighbouring Jordanhill Secondary School (some of Glasgow's best schools).
In addition, the amenities on your doorstep are endless, from Victoria Park, the Scotstoun Leisure Centre, bowling and indoor rock climbing. You and the family will have plenty to enjoy! Considering the reasonable property prices, Scotstoun should be a contender.
Merchant City
Average property price: £177,626
Nestled in the heart of Glasgow, the Merchant City has an energy that will make your pulse race with excitement. It’s a bustling neighbourhood with a rich cultural scene and a plethora of entertainment options, whatever your passion. From galleries displaying contemporary art to historic theatres hosting top-tier performances, Merchant City is a haven for culture enthusiasts. If you’re longing for urban life in Glasgow, this is your best pick.
Merchant City makes a great choice for young professionals looking to find their feet, with affordable house prices for first-time buyers. Along with the local bars, bistros and shops, residents find that they have everything they need on their doorstep, so nothing is too far out of reach.
Have a mooch around Merchant City houses for sale.
Bearsden
Average property price: £401,000
Head a little outside of the city and into East Dunbartonshire and you’ll find Bearsden. Only 6 miles from the city centre, it was ranked second in the Sunday Times’ best places to live in Scotland. It’s an affluent, leafy suburb of Glasgow with a mix of Victorian villas, quaint semis and spacious apartments. Bearsden has a distinct suburban village feel, and its highly rated schooling makes it perennially popular with families.
Start your hunt for houses for sale in Bearsden.
Glasgow fact pack
Glasgow’s bright orange subways have been coined ‘The Clockwork Orange’.
It’s the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music.
The Glasgow City Chambers contains more marble than Vatican City.
It’s known as the ‘dear green place’ in Gaelic.
Time to London: 5hrs 15mins
Population: 635,130
Average temperature in winter: 3C
Average temperature in summer: 15C
Average house price: £170,386
Average monthly rent: £1,141
Households: 292,619
Schools: 5,052
Helpful links
All of the city services and information, including schools, parking and healthcare:
Transport in and around Glasgow:
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Glasgow property sales
Do you fancy moving to Glasgow? Whether you’re looking for city living at an affordable cost or a family-friendly area to raise your children, Glasgow has a lot to offer. Get started by exploring houses in Glasgow for sale.
And because many people are looking to move to Glasgow these days with its lower cost of living and great quality of life, homeowners may want to take advantage of the demand. If you’re looking to sell your house in Glasgow, start by talking to your local estate agent in Glasgow.
See other Purplebricks local property guides.