Property and housing in Orkney

Like much of the UK, Orkney has seen dramatic increases in house prices in recent years. However, prices remain fairly reasonable compared to other areas of the country, and for many people moving here, this comes as a pleasant surprise! As an example, the median house price in Orkney in 2008 was £95,500, compared to £117,750 in the rest of the Highlands and Islands and £114,500 in Scotland.

Orkney has a wide range of housing to suit all requirements - from modern or Norwegian style properties to traditional stone-built houses, either in one of the main towns, of Kirkwall or Stromness, in the smaller villages, or out in the country.

Outwith the main towns, many properties will also have land and often outbuildings. A good range of affordable housing is available with many new developments underway throughout Orkney. A variety of rented accommodation is also available and reasonably easy to find outwith the main visitor season.

Please note that the legal procedures for house buying in Scotland are quite different from England.

In Orkney house sales are undertaken through the local solicitors all of whom can send you up-to-date lists of property on the market.

For more information on property, local solicitors and estate agents include:

Orkney Property Centre
13 Bridge Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1HR
Tel: 01856 877 866

Lows Orkney
5, Broad Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1DJ
Tel: 01856 873 151 Fax: 01856 875 450

Drever & Heddle
56a Albert Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1HN
Tel: 01856 872 216 Fax: 01856 872 483

J E P Robertson & Son
26, Victoria Street, Stromness, KW16 3AA
Tel: 01856 850 232

Orkney Housing Association
39a Victoria St, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1DN
Tel: 01856 875 253

 

 

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Map of Orkney