THE VOICE OF PROPERTY - Beverley Brown

Its analysis shows that, after the previous stamp duty concession ended in December 2009, the spike in sales of exempted properties that pre-empted the end of the concession was matched by a corresponding slump afterwards. The CML believes the withdrawal could distort the pattern of monthly transactions in a similar way, which would be unhelpful, given the fragile state of market confidence.

Commenting on the CML’s announcement, Dr John Boyle, head of research for Rettie & Co, said: “Any tax on a market, particularly one that is struggling such as the FTB market, is likely to dampen demand. However, the main factors holding back FTB demand are the weak economy, the size of deposit required and the fear of falling prices – a saving of 1% is likely to be of little use if the value of the property declines by more than this soon after.

“Looking at the data suggests there has actually been a small 2% fall in sales in the market below £250,000 since the stamp duty concession, only a very small pistol in the overall armoury needed.”

Faisal Choudhry, Savills’ head of research in Scotland, was more succinct: “Given that figures for the third quarter of 2011 reveal all lending in Scotland is 7% lower than the same period last year, it would be more helpful if the CML would call on its members to increase the provision of mortgages in the first instance.”

And so say all of us.

Perfect Christmas gift

All I want for Christmas is … my own private island hideaway. And the uninhabited island of Balnagowan in Cuil Bay, on the west coast between Oban and Fort William, would do nicely. Less than one mile from the mainland where the village of Duror has a primary school, hotel and local shop, the 36-acre island has breathtaking sea loch views on all sides and, as it benefits from the Gulf Stream, the climate is surprisingly mild.

Wildlife is abundant, the fishing is excellent, and it’s only 18 miles north of the small airport at North Connel, from which Hebridean Air Services operates scheduled flights to other islands.

Planning permission has been granted for a bothy, and while there are no mains services on the island, it does have a fresh water spring. Balnagowan Island is for sale with CKD Galbraith’s Stirling office at offers over £395,000. No need to wrap it, Santa.

It’s all in the mind

Estate agents have long been aware of the illogicality of house-buying. They know that when potential buyers come in with a very specific wish-list, the chances are high they will end up buying something completely different. So what it is that prompts us to buy a house costing hundreds of thousands of pounds on nothing more than a feeling, that so-called gut instinct?

According to Paddy O’Donnell, professor of psychology at the University of Glasgow, we make decisions in two ways.

One is to balance the benefits and drawbacks and go with whichever side is weighted.

The other uses effect, ie how good or bad something makes you feel, to make a decision.

“Houses symbolise your life’s attachments and goals,” he says. “They are about dreams, aspirations and fantasies. If something in a house matches your fantasy, then you will buy it.

“However, unlike cars, which people often buy on the spot and regret later, with houses the fantasy has to be strong.”

He adds: “There’s some evidence that people do learn from experience and become more realistic. I think I’m fairly immune but I have come close once or twice.”

So the next time you view a house and experience an inexplicable rush of desire to have it, there may be a fantasy behind it urging you on . . .

Well worth a look

Corum’s west end-based partner John Davidson admits he has never seen one like it – and more than 14 viewers rushed to see it, coming from as far as London, when it went on the market last month.

The ‘it’ that currently has west enders all a-twitter is Linden Lodge, a magnificent Victorian double villa with private gardens on a corner site in Sydenham Road, one of the best addresses in the Dowanhill area of Glasgow’s west end.

The accommodation, which is on three levels – the lower garden flat comprises three rooms, kitchen, bathroom and utility, making it ideal as a granny flat or au pair accommodation – includes two public rooms, dining kitchen, cloakroom and a staircase up to a first-floor landing lit by a glazed cupola, off which are four bedrooms (one with en-suite facilities) and a bathroom on a mezzanine floor.

The period features and detail are stunning, as are the enclosed gardens. Offers over £875,000 are invited.

Not a petty problem

Dog and cat owners are finding it increasingly difficult to secure a rented property, even if they make purrfect tenants otherwise.

The Dogs Trust animal charity reports the number of people handing their dogs into rescue centres has increased by 56% over the past five years – and much of this is down to private landlords banning tenants from having pets.

“With demand currently exceeding supply, landlords know they can secure tenants who tick every box on the checklist, and that includes not having a pet,” says Neil Thomson, manager of the Glasgow branch of residential letting agency, DJ Alexander.

While some landlords may agree to a compromise, Thomson advises tenants not to smuggle animals in without consent, as it could result in the lease being terminated or the deposit being used to pay for cleaning.