A unique and tranquil cluster of islands has been named the UK’s latest property hotspot as house hunters are flocking to live there. The cost of buying a home has continued to increase across the UK, but house prices are soaring higher here than anywhere else in the country.
According to the latest figures from the Land Registry, Shetland, also called the Shetland Islands, has the highest house price growth over the last year. The sought-after area now has an average house price of £225,587 – which has climbed 28.2 percent in the last 12 months.
Lying between Orkney, the Faroe Islands, and Norway, the beautiful Scottish islands sits at the northernmost region of the UK. Made up of around 100 islands, only 16 of them are inhabited, with a population of around 23,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.
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The largest island is known as the Mainland, and to the north of the Mainland are the North Isles of Yell, Fetlar and Unst. In the sea to the south is the island of Fair Isle, with a population just over 50 people, while Foula to the west and Out Skerries to the east are even more sparsely populated.
These quaint islands have lots to offer people wanting a more peaceful life. With low crime, far from the Shetland TV series, it is a place where children can roam freely and where many homeowners live with beautiful views of the sea.
House hunters are flocking to the islands -Credit:Getty Images
Due to its location, the islands are only accessible by ferry or flight with an airport located in Sumburgh as well as a port and emergency airstrip in Lerwick.
Despite short daylight hours, with Shetland having the UK’s shortest day at the winter solstice with just six hours of daylight, winter is one of the busiest times of year for socialising, enjoying food and drink and embracing the season, its website says.
House prices are rising on the picturesque islands -Credit:Getty Images
From the spectacular tombolo at St Ninian’s Isle to the pristine sands of Meal Beach in Burra, Shetland’s beaches are always on the quiet side, and in winter it’s likely you’ll have one all to yourself.
The islands are known to be one of the best places in Europe to see bird life and sea mammals, and is home to the highest density of otters in Europe. On land, Shetland ponies are a frequent sight around the islands through 4,000 years of roaming the exposed hills and moors.
As well as its picturesque pulls like its rugged coastline, rolling hills and mirrie dancers (the northern lights which turn clear skies a shimmering green), Shetland also has thriving communities, career opportunities, and an array of fantastic festivals and activities.
A house that is currently on the market in Shetland -Credit:Harper Macleod / Zoopla
What houses you can buy in Shetland right now
This three-bed detached house is currently on the market in Yell at offers over £193,000. The traditional property is set in a ½ acre garden in a south-west facing situation enjoying great views over Mid Yell Voe, for sale with a 7.3 acre owner-occupied registered croft.
Set in a half acre garden, it is south-west facing and enjoys gorgeous views over Mid Yell Voe. The family home is arranged over two floors with three double bedrooms (one with an en-suite), a good-sized living room, a kitchen, a dining room and a family bathroom.
Inside the five-bedroom house -Credit:Arthur & Simpson / Zoopla
Also on the market, for a bargain price of £650,000 , is this detached house in Scalloway in the Mainland. The large new-build property is set in an elevated position with panoramic views over Scalloway, Trondra and Burra.
Inside it boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms. Estate agents say it is “quite simply one of the finest modern homes in Shetland.”