Glasgow’s West End: the middle age magnet

Glasgow’s West End is well known for its huge student population and popularity with hip young professionals. However, a recent report from the Evening Times has found that those in their 50s whose children have left home are being drawn to the area too.

A new luxury property development in the Park Circus area of the West End, Park Quadrant Residences, has seen record numbers of empty nesters up sticks from houses in suburbia to flats in this bustling inner-city area.

These new residents are drawn to the stunning location and the host of premium amenities the apartments offer: underground parking, private terraces and lifts. Byres Road, Finnieston and Great Western Road are on the doorstep but it’s not far from the city centre.

Ken Andrew, a councillor for the area, thinks this demographic’s desire to move is triggered by the lure of the relaxing cafe culture that the West End is famed for. Older people with disposable incomes want the best coffee and avocado toast in town too!

It’s the very fabric of these properties which are attractive as well. Many middle-aged homeowners will be drawn to downsizing to a new energy efficient home as a way to reduce their utility bills. There will also be less maintenance to worry about.

Perhaps this trend will continue and drive up the popularity – and therefore house prices – of the West End of Glasgow even further. After all, fellow estate agents Savills predicted that prices here will increase by almost 19% over the next five years. Watch this space!