The latest Land Registry report sprang a surprise when it revealed that the Orkney Islands topped the list of the UK’s best performing property markets, with an annual price increase of 18.18% in 2017.
Statistics can be misleading – in an area with a relatively small pool of properties, a handful of high-value sales may be enough to skew figures – but there’s no doubt that the Scottish archipelago has plenty to whet buyers’ appetites.
And despite last year’s price increase, the islands remain among the UK’s most affordable locations, with properties costing an average of £146,842.
Buyers prepared to invest a little more can even secure their own private island. Just nine miles from the airport and five from the town of Kirkwall, Holm of Grimbister (above) comes with a period cottage and 40 acres – all for £300,000.
It needs a little work, but that only adds to the potential – and at a price akin to what you'd pay for a one-bedroom flat in Northwood, it's hard to believe how much you get for your money.
You don't need to buy your own island to enjoy this part of the world, however. In spring and summer, marigolds, orchids and the rare Scottish primrose clothe the countryside. Miles of paths meander along the shore, taking in soft beaches and hundreds of puffins and seals.
A boat trip may reveal pods of dolphins and a journey inland will unearth giant standing stones and prehistoric villages.
‘It’s just a really nice area,’ says Tracey Duncan of Savills.
‘The views are amazing, the countryside, the fresh air… [It appeals] to people who like peace and quiet, long walks and nice scenery.’
Holm of Grimbister is for sale via Savills – see more details and pictures.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expectThe four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
-
Sign of the times: In the age of the selfie, what’s happening to the humble autograph?When Ringo Starr announced that he was no longer going to sign anything, he kickstarted a celebrity movement that coincided with the advent of the camera phone and selfie. Rob Crossan asks whether, in today’s world, the selfie holds more clout than an autograph?
-
Graham Norton's elegant East London home hits the market, and it's just as wonderful as you would expect
The four-bedroom home in Wapping should be studied for how well it uses two separate spaces to create a home of immense character and utility.
-
About time: The fastest and slowest moving housing markets revealedNew research by Zoopla has shown where it's easy to sell and where it will take quite a while to find a buyer.
-
A wisteria clad hall built by one of the founders of the Bank of EnglandCome for the history of Old Hall. Stay for the interesting interiors.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River TayCarnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in KentNorth Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streetsThis six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
