Why move to Stirling?
Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is visually dominated by Stirling Castle. Stirling also has a medieval parish church, the Church of the Holy Rude, where, on 29 July 1567, the infant James VI was anointed King of Scots by Adam Bothwell, the Bishop of Orkney, with the service concluding after a sermon by John Knox. The poet King was educated George Buchanan and grew up in Stirling. He was later also crowned King of England and Ireland on 25 July 1603, bringing closer the countries of the United Kingdom.
Modern Stirling is a centre for local government, higher education, tourism, retail, and industry. One of the principal royal strongholds of the Kingdom of Scotland, Stirling was created as a royal burgh in 2002, as part of Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee when Stirling was granted city status.
The local market
The centre of the city with its cobbled streets and traditional Victorian tenements are always in demand, either as a main residence or as buy to let investments providing student accommodation supplying the demand to the coveted Stirling university. Local housing outwith the City Centre have held their value over the last few years and remain highly sought after. In the outlying villages and surrounding areas the demand remains high for both first time buyers, and local residents looking to upsize or downsize from their family homes. With fewer properties available the market remains very buoyant resulting in more closing dates and exceptional sales results being achieved over the past few months. The market remains highly competitive.
Location
There is a complete mix of residents ranging from the transient students who may only be around for a few years to those who have lived and worked in the area all of their lives. Stirling is particularly well placed for the M80 and M90 motorway network. This means that commuting to work is a real option and the main line rail link with Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond has also added to the amount of professionals that are attracted to the city. Many who arrive in Stirling on what was originally a short term basis deciding to make it home.
Development
Outside of the city centre you will find a mix of traditional and ex local authority housing. Over the years more modern developers have changed the landscape. Some of the major developers have brought their popular designs and made modern estates of affordable housing. This has been interspersed with more bespoke developers who have carved out more of a niche market in terms of design and atmosphere. Demand remains high for flats and family homes and the majority of property that become available are being snapped up.
Shopping
There is a mix of shopping in the centre with high street chains such as Marks & Spencer, New Look and Sainsbury's rubbing shoulders with more traditional and bespoke shops. A visit to Stirling is certain to tempt your taste buds, and you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat across the City and surrounds.
Whether it's dining out at a delicious restaurant, calling into a cosy pub for a hearty lunch, or relaxing in a quaint cafe or tearoom, it's all on the menu in Stirling. Indulge in afternoon tea in a range of unique settings, or find local produce at farm shops and regular farmers' markets.
