Savills Portugal

As the vaccine rollout gathers momentum and lockdown begins to ease, analysis of our new homes buyer data reveals a surge in buyers looking for spacious urban apartments. Those with outdoor space – including balconies, terraces and private or shared gardens – top wish lists. Apartments in vibrant, greener cities, with proximity to public parks are also in demand.

And in line with consumer trends around improving our personal health and wellbeing and protecting the environment, our buyers are prioritising the ability to reach work and local amenities easily on foot or by bike. Meanwhile a growing number of buyers are ‘rightsizing’, re-thinking spaces to suit their needs, for example creating dedicated home-working areas thereby reducing the need to commute. Additional bedrooms are being earmarked for hobby rooms or as spare rooms for visiting family – particularly in the case of downsizing buyers favouring city living over traditional retirement locations.

While all of these trends align with the concept of the 15-minute city being promoted by policy makers in leading European cities like London, Paris and Milan, two of Scotland’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities encapsulate these characteristics too. Indeed, Glasgow has more green spaces per capita than any other city in Europe and Edinburgh consistently tops eco-friendly city league tables.

Here is our selection of the finest apartments currently on the market in Scotland’s 15-minute cities.