Property expert Maree takes on new post amid booming Highland market and rising interest in working from home
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A busy Highland property sector has prompted estate agent Galbraith to expand its Inverness team with the appointment of Maree Johnstone to its sales team.
Phiddy Robertson, head of residential sales for Galbraith in Inverness, said: “Maree has 15 years’ experience in property, and her expertise and detailed knowledge of the market in Inverness will be of great value to our clients. Our estate agency team continues to grow across the Highland region.”
In turn, Ms Johnstone commented: “Galbraith has an excellent reputation and I’m delighted to join the firm.
“Currently the market is exceptionally strong, and most properties are selling quickly. The key residential areas in Inverness remain the Crown, Culduthel, Island Bank Road, Ness Bank and Ness Walk, which offer an outstanding quality of life, including excellent schools, attractive traditional architecture and easy access to the countryside.
“The Highland region is unsurpassed for the beauty of its scenery and the range of outdoor pursuits on offer. The rise in home working has significantly boosted demand for rural property in the region, and houses with a view will often attract offers well above the asking price.”
Galbraith reports an increase of 22 per cent in the number of properties sold in 2020 compared with the preceding year and average prices increased by 11 per cent, with significant competition for homes in scenic locations.
A premium of up to 30 per cent in excess of the asking price is being paid in some cases due to the extraordinary interest in rural homes.
Galbraith has a network of thirteen offices across Scotland and northern England, handling residential property sales worth £51.7 million per quarter.