Accommodation in Glasgow

Prospective residents of Glasgow will discover that the city has a huge variety of housing options available for both renting and purchasing. Most expats opt to rent rather than buy accommodation in Glasgow, at least initially. The good news is that Glasgow tends to be an ideal choice for those looking to make the most out of a relatively tight budget.

Areas and suburbs in Glasgow

Glasgow is vast and filled with a variety of areas and suburbs, from the buzzing city centre to tree-lined neighbourhoods and everything in between.

Situated at the heart of Glasgow, Merchant City is a vibrant area with something for everyone. Here, you'll find shops, bars and restaurants aplenty, not to mention art galleries, museums and entertainment venues. With several train and subway stations in the area, getting around in Merchant City couldn't be easier.

Hillhead, home to the University of Glasgow, is a lively area in the West End. Great for students, this buzzing neighbourhood has independent boutiques and restaurants galore. It also has some of the city's loveliest green spaces, including Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park.

Slightly further afield is Shawlands, just south of the River Clyde. This quiet area is close to the 360-acre Pollok Country Park, a sprawling green space with plenty to see and do. This family-friendly neighbourhood also has some excellent schools, making it an ideal place to settle down.

Bearsdon is about 20 minutes from the city centre and is also favoured by families. Housing here is expensive but top quality, and local schools are highly rated. With Kilmardinny Loch Nature Reserve right on your doorstep, a breath of fresh air will never be far off, and quaint bakeries and cafés in the area offer respite from the Scottish rain.

Types of accommodation in Glasgow

As is the case with many similarly sized cities affected by urban sprawl, certain types of property are associated with particular districts and neighbourhoods in Glasgow.

Many areas close to the city centre contain tenements, most of which have been updated and modernised. More modern apartment buildings are interspersed throughout the city, and often make for an affordable option for newly arrived expats.

Outside the city centre, the suburbs tend to be more family oriented with traditional housing options and are typically populated by those who commute to work every day. Many of these housing estates have a cookie-cutter design serving a more functional role, while the older areas have character homes either custom-built or of an older design – and are typically larger and pricier.

Much of Glasgow's rental accommodation is offered fully furnished, which is a great option for those who may be waiting for overseas shipments or those starting over in their new location with no household belongings. If you prefer to bring or buy your own furniture, it's usually fairly easy to arrange for unfurnished accommodation. There are also several major furnishing stores in and around Glasgow, including IKEA.

Finding accommodation in Glasgow

Several resources are available to expats seeking accommodation in Glasgow, including online property portals and local newspapers. Social-networking sites such as Facebook can be useful for connecting with other expats who might have recommendations on areas or information on upcoming vacancies.

Expats may also want to make use of the services of a letting agent, as these professionals have extensive knowledge of the various areas and types of housing available in Glasgow. They can offer advice and guidance throughout the process of finding a home.

Useful links

• s1homes
• Rightmove
• Zoopla

Renting accommodation in Glasgow

Applications

Once you have found a suitable property, you'll need to submit an application. References and credit checks will typically be required to ensure that the tenant can afford the cost of renting. Sometimes confirmation of employment and income is enough proof of this, but expats may be asked to secure a guarantor.

Deposits

The typical deposit is the equivalent of one or two months' rent, with two months being the legal maximum.

Leases

The standard length of a lease is six or 12 months. Before signing, expats should ensure that they understand the lease agreement fully, including the terms and conditions associated with the rental.

Utilities in Glasgow

When budgeting, expats should ensure they're clear on what's included in the rental price and what isn't. Council tax and utilities, including electricity, gas, water, telephone, internet and cable, are usually provided at an additional cost to the tenant.

Electricity and gas

When moving into your new home, check the electricity and gas meters and take down the numbers displayed. In most cases, the previous tenant will have ended their contract with their electricity and gas provider, leaving you to choose your own. 

There's a wide range of electricity and gas providers to pick from in Glasgow. Different packages are available, so it's advisable to shop around to find a deal that suits your electricity usage habits. Some providers prioritise carbon-free electricity or have other environmentally friendly initiatives, such as buybacks for excess solar power. Scottish Power and Octopus are two widely used providers.

Solar panels are becoming more common throughout Scotland, as the government provides significant incentives for those who opt in, including grants to cover installation.

Council tax

Council tax is calculated annually and paid for in several payments spread throughout the year. The amount paid covers costs for aspects such as street lighting and road maintenance, as well as rubbish and recycling collection. 

Water and sewerage

Most of the drinking water in Glasgow comes from Loch Katrine in Stirling District. Scottish Water provides water and sewerage services, and costs for these are included in the council tax bills.

Rubbish and recycling

In Glasgow, you'll be provided with a set of bins for different types of waste, including recyclables. The bins are collected regularly according to a schedule set up by the local council.

For more details, see Setting up Household Utilities in the UK. 

Useful links

• MyGov – Paying Bills
• My Gov – Bins
• Citizens Advice Scotland – Council Tax