Property Investment in Glasgow: Where to Spend Your Money

Interested in property investment in Glasgow? Here Cairn profiles the most popular areas of the city.

Investing in buy-to-let in Glasgow is a no-brainer. A bustling, modern European city with a vibrant student population, a thriving economy, vital transport links, and huge rental demand, Scotland’s largest city represents a golden opportunity for property investors. 

But where should you spend your money? Let’s explore Glasgow in a little more detail.

Property Investment in Glasgow — Area by Area

Glasgow Fast Facts

• Population: 633,120 (2019)
• House Price Avg: £193,000 (2020)
• Monthly Rent Avg: £636 (2020)
• Rental Yield Avg: 7.8% (the UK average is 4%)

1. The City Centre

Home to both traditional properties and modern new-builds, Glasgow’s city centre boasts plenty of choices, no matter your target market. Although many people working in the centre prefer to live outside of its boundaries, many more call it home. This is especially true of Glasgow’s student population. 

The fashionable Merchant City is worth exploring if you’re looking to rent to young professionals, while areas like Townhead, Charing Cross, and Cowcaddens are all within walking and public transport distance of the city’s universities. 

2. The West End

The best West End estate agents rarely have trouble letting properties in this stunning part of the city. Popular with young families thanks to its green space, young professionals thanks to its transport links, and students, thanks to its bars, cafes, and proximity to Glasgow University, demand for rental properties here is through the roof. 

Of course, this level of demand has a knock-on effect, with many of the properties in the West End among the most expensive in Glasgow. But if you find something that works for your budget, you could be onto a winner. Consider areas like Hillhead, Kelvinside, Dowanhill, Yorkhill, and Partick for any of the target markets mentioned above. 

3. The East End

Home to Dennistoun, recently named the 8th coolest neighbourhood in the world (the WORLD!), the East End of Glasgow is chock-full of character. From the iconic red sandstone tenements to thriving independent businesses, the East of the city is particularly popular with students and young families. 

Thanks to regeneration activities brought about by the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the East End is beginning to catch up with other parts of the city after years of neglect. Yet it remains cheaper than the city centre and the West End, so you could nab yourself a buy-to-let bargain.  

4. The Southside

When you venture south of the River Clyde, you’ll find a mixed bag of property investment opportunities. A traditionally industrial area of the city, riverside regeneration has brought a modern feel to many areas, while others remain affected by social problems. 

Areas like Govan, Ibrox, and the Gorbals offer a variety of affordable property types boosted by vital transport links. Meanwhile, the likes of Shawlands, Newlands, Queens Park, and Langside have a trendy vibe popular with young families and professionals. These properties are pricier, but always in demand.

Cairn: Property Investment in Glasgow

Whether you’re looking east, west, south, or central, you’ll have plenty of choice in Glasgow Do you want to learn more about investing in buy-to-let properties in the city? Get in touch with our property investment experts today. We’re here to help!