A town once notorious for its bleak urban image has dramatically turned the tables to become Britain’s fastest property-selling location.
Cumbernauld, in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, was twice the recipient of the ‘Plook on the Plinth’ award for being Scotland’s ‘most dismal town’, back in 2001 and 2005.
But now, data from estate agent Rightmove reveals that homes in Cumbernauld typically sell within just 15 days, significantly quicker than the UK average of 64 days.
Designated as a New Town in the 1950s to alleviate housing shortages in Glasgow, Cumbernauld developed a reputation for its brutalist concrete architecture, exemplified in the 1981 film Gregory’s Girl.
According to Rightmove, the average house price in the town stands at approximately £159,253, considerably below the Scottish national average of £194,000.
This affordability could be a key driver behind the rapid pace at which homes change hands.
And the Rightmove study into Britain’s quickest home sales uncovered a notable dominance by Scottish towns.
Alongside Cumbernauld, commuter towns around Glasgow including Renfrew, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Paisley, Motherwell, and East Kilbride, display high rates of property turnover.
Towns further afield such as Kilmarnock and Irvine in Ayrshire, plus Dunfermline in Fife, also rank highly, where homes commonly sell within three and a half weeks.
One factor contributing to Scotland’s brisk property sales is the statutory requirement for sellers to produce a Home Report.
These reports provide buyers with comprehensive information on the property upfront, facilitating faster, more informed purchasing decisions.
Things to do around Cumbernauld
Beyond low property prices, Cumbernauld boasts an array of nearby attractions and several green spaces.
Cumbernauld Glen is a favourite amongst locals, offering scenic walking trails and woodland habitats, while Palacerigg Country Park, located south of the town centre, features a children’s play area, a golf course, and hosts seasonal outdoor events and community activities.
For culture lovers, Cumbernauld Theatre serves as a hub for local arts, presenting drama, music, and community performances, and Cumbernauld Museum delves into the town’s past, reflecting on Cumbernauld’s development as a New Town, showcasing local history, industrial past, and urban planning innovations.
Nearby, the Castlecary Roman Fort offers archaeological insights, while the world-famous Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular site for history buffs.
Glasgow can be reached in just 10 minutes via train from the station in nearby Croy, or residents can drive to the city in roughly 20 minutes and enjoy the extensive shopping opportunities, museums, theatres, and vibrant nightlife offered by the city.
Approximately 40 miles northwest of Cumbernauld is Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, perfect for hiking, boating, fishing, and exploring some of Scotland’s most breathtaking scenery.
What locals say about Cumbernauld
Despite its undesirable reputation, locals are quick to jump to Cumbernauld’s defence on Reddit.
In the subreddit r/UrbanHell, one user described it as ‘the UK’s most horrible place to live’ after viewing it on Google Maps, but they were quickly shot down by people who’ve lived in the town.
One user replied: ‘I live here. It is tremendously ugly, but like anywhere, some parts of it are very pleasant.’
They added: ‘To call it the UK’s worst place to live is a ridiculous claim. There’s plenty to enjoy here, parks and shops and restaurants etc. And it’s a relatively safe place to live, with quick public transport connections to the major cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh.’
Another user said: ‘The pictures here paint a negative picture, but Cumbernauld itself isn’t awful. [There are] far, far worse areas in Glasgow,’ while one local simply offered, ‘Some of Cumbernauld is very nice’.
Meanwhile, in the subreddit r/glasgow, one user wrote: ‘I’ve moved to Cumbernauld and I bloody well love it!’, adding that ‘the people are super friendly’.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
