Glasgow vs St Andrews for Property Investment
Glasgow leads on gross yield at 6.5%, while Glasgow has the lower entry price at £185,000. Here is how the two markets compare on yield, price, deposit and tenant demand.
Glasgow vs St Andrews at a glance
| Metric | Glasgow | St Andrews |
|---|---|---|
| Average gross yield | 6.5% | 4% |
| Average property price | £185,000 | £395,000 |
| Implied monthly rent | £1,002 | £1,317 |
| 25% deposit | £46,250 | £98,750 |
| Stamp duty (additional property) | £9,250 | £27,000 |
| Population | 635,000 | 20,000 |
| Region | Scotland | Scotland |
| Investor rating | Excellent | Average |
Glasgow
Typical stock is a mix of terraces, ex-council semis and a growing number of apartment conversions closer to the centre. Tenant demand is underpinned by public-sector employers including hospitals and councils, local employment in services, healthcare and logistics, supported by a population of around 635,000. On the average £185,000 purchase, a 6.5% gross yield implies roughly £1,002 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. Scotland's largest city with diverse economy and high yields.
- Strong fitStandard buy-to-let
- WorkableHMO / rent by the room
- Strong fitFirst-time landlord
St Andrews
The market skews towards period houses, detached family homes and premium new-build apartments, so entry prices sit well above the national average. Tenant demand is underpinned by a large student population, local employment in services, healthcare and logistics, supported by a population of around 20,000. On the average £395,000 purchase, a 4.0% gross yield implies roughly £1,317 per calendar month in rent — a useful sanity check when you are reviewing a listing. University and golf town with premium market.
- Consider carefullyStandard buy-to-let
- Strong fitHMO / rent by the room
- Consider carefullyFirst-time landlord
Which is the better investment?
If monthly cash flow is your priority, Glasgow is the stronger option on paper at 6.5% gross. If you want the lower capital commitment, Glasgow needs around £46,250 as a 25% deposit. Averages only take you so far, though — run the actual listing through PropertyROI before you offer.
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