CKD Galbraith, one of Scotland's leading independent property consultancy, believes that a generally flat residential property market over the last few years has now created a situation where large rural houses are offering prospective purchasers 'outstanding value for money'.

John Bound, a senior partner with the firm, said: "We are now seeing signs of cautious optimism relating to the residential market. A number of recent reports and analyses are suggesting that in more desirable areas of the country, property sales could pick up this year and start moving in the direction that vendors want.

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"In the rural market there is no question that large houses, with a relatively small amount of land, have suffered disproportionately over the last few years and there have been remarkably very few sales over the £1 million pound mark.

"In our view, we could be looking at 2013 as being the right climate for the big house bargain – properties that would have commanded significant premiums in the past and which now offer outstanding value for money for purchasers.

"These are country houses, rather than estates which consistently remain in demand due to their unique characteristics. The most likely purchasers of country houses with an easily manageable amount of land will have the necessary capital at their disposal and will be in a position to acquire properties at what are at present very attractive prices, given their size and location."

(GK)