ST ANDREWS, Scotland – A growing number of properties in the historic Scottish town of St Andrews are being purchased by individuals and firms from outside Scotland, leading to concerns about a crisis in affordable housing. Research indicates that almost 20% of property titles in the KY16 8 and KY16 9 postcodes are registered to addresses outside Scotland.
The study, based on Registers of Scotland statistics obtained by the BBC, found that 5,494 property titles were registered to Scottish addresses, representing 81% of the total. An additional 845 titles went to addresses in the rest of the United Kingdom, while 444 originated from overseas, spanning 51 countries and crown dependencies.
Buyers from the United States represent the largest group of international purchasers, accounting for 164 titles, or 37% of all overseas registrations. Other significant international buyers include those from Switzerland, with 30 titles, and Hong Kong, with 28.
St Andrews, known for its ancient university and prestigious golf courses, has long attracted international visitors. However, these attractions are increasingly being cited as factors contributing to the town's housing pressures. The university, which saw a surge in popularity after being attended by Prince William, has maintained a cap of approximately 10,000 students for nearly a decade due to strain on local housing and amenities.
Fife Council has acknowledged that securing reasonably priced housing in St Andrews is a substantial challenge. The council has implemented measures such as requiring quotas of affordable housing in new developments to address the issue.
Property firm Rettie reported in July that the average house price in St Andrews over the past year was £482,879, more than double the Scottish average and an increase of 10% since 2020. According to a report by the firm, the town's appeal lies in its "blend of historical charm, academic excellence, and recreational opportunities."
Average advertised rents in St Andrews over the last year stood at £1,702 per month, compared to the Scottish average of £1,245 per month, based on data from property firm Rightmove. This disparity has contributed to a housing market characterized by a lack of supply, according to Amy Elvins of the St Andrews University Students’ Association.
Elvins told the BBC that high rents give landlords considerable power, potentially forcing students to seek full-time employment. She added that the understanding that all available housing will be occupied regardless of standard or price disadvantages community members. "What we ultimately need is more affordable rentable housing," she said.
PhD student Francesca Bisi shared with the BBC her experience of commuting from a nearby village due to an inability to find affordable accommodation in St Andrews. She described the process as "really stressful" and detrimental to her studies and mental health.