Budget properties under £150,000

From April 1, properties selling for between £125,000 and £145,000 will be taken out of tax altogether, so if you are a first time buyer now is a good time to look at what is on the market in this price bracket.

In the capital, a budget of under £145,000 limits your choices, but staying away from the most expensive areas and perhaps looking at second hand modern property, ex local authority or settling for something smaller than your ideal should bring suitable properties within reach. Glasgow is more affordable and there are some great city pads under the budget. For commuters to Edinburgh, £145,000 in East Lothian might be a stretch for families but the Borders has some three and four bedroom properties in the  price bracket and the new rail link should mean these are a good investment for the future. Fife is popular too, with values tending to drop with every mile further away from Edinburgh so if you are prepared to travel, or don’t need to, you can purchase much more house for your money.

n 4/21 Robertson Gait is a bright and well presented one bedroom fifth floor flat, set in a well maintained modern factored development located in Slateford, lying west of Edinburgh city centre. The flat has a hall, living room, kitchen, double bedroom, bathroom and a south facing balcony. It has all mod cons with gas central heating, UPVC double glazing, modern fittings and good storage provisions. What’s more, owners here enjoy full use of a shared fitness suite, secure underground parking and landscaped grounds - not bad for a city property. Slateford is a short commuting distance to the city centre and the shopping parks of South Gyle and Hermiston Gait. Frequent public transport runs along Slateford Road and the city bypass, Edinburgh Airport, Forth Bridges and the main motorway network all within easy reach..

Offers around £145,000  contact Mov8 0131 253 2982.

n 15 Castlebrae Glebe is an attractive and spacious three bedroom mid terraced villa in excellent decorative order. It is part of a modern development in Craigmillar, close to good city amenities and on the main transport routes into Edinburgh city centre.

It has a good sized lounge, a kitchen dining room, with utility off and a downstairs cloakroom. Upstairs are three double bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes, and a bathroom with electric shower. The loft is floored and insulated, with power. It has gas central heating, double glazing, a mono block driveway for parking and a south facing enclosed back garden with a shed.

Offers around £145,000, contact McIntyres on 0131 669 7218.

n 2 Collier Row, Peat Inn, near Cupar is a two bedroom terraced house with two public rooms. This traditional cottage is set on the outskirts of the hamlet of Peat Inn famous for its Michelin starred restaurant and hotel after which it is named. Because of this, as well as being a great first home, 2, Collier Row could make a buy to let in this popular holiday area. The accommodation comprises reception hallway, lounge/dining room with doorway on to the back garden, a kitchen, two double bedrooms and a shower room. There is secondary glazing and electric storage heating. The property has a small garden to front and back and there is also a communal garden. Fixed price £145,000, Contact Pagan Osborne on 01334 475151

n 8 Huntshaw Place is a four bedroom property in Earlston, just off the A68 near Galashiels, so within commuting distance of Edinburgh with the new Borders rail link. The house is in a quiet cul de sac and has a front and back garden. It has a dining kitchen overlooking fields at the back, a sitting room and dining area, four bedrooms and a bathroom. It is in need of upgrading, but is in a reasonable condition so the work could be gradual and the price leaves scope for a renovation budget. Offers over £125,000 contact Hastings and Co on 01573 225999.

n West George Street is in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre and close to all its amenities. A two bedroom upper flat here is currently being marketed at offers over £150,000 so would attract minimal tax. The building was designed by William Leiper in 1895 and includes a lift to all floors. Contact Slater Hogg on 0141 278 7339.