First Direct has just launched a 90% loan-to-value, five-year fixed-rate mortgage at a very competitive 4.9%.

Better still, there are no arrangement fees and incentives for remortgagers include a free valuation and free legal fees. While there is currently a choice of 491 fixed-rate mortgage products with a five-year fixed term, independent financial analyst Moneyfacts puts First Direct in top position and has given it a coveted five-star rating.

Things on the up

According to independent property consultants CKD Galbraith, the housing market in January proved unexpectedly upbeat, which may have been influenced in part by the milder weather, as most homes were snowbound this time last year.

All 12 of the company's offices experienced an increase in both the number of property viewings – up by 68% compared to January 2011 – and potential buyers, with demand from new buyers up 37%.

While the actual number of houses sold or under offer in January has remained steady compared to last year, in the same month market appraisals increased by 73%, while the number of houses brought to the market during the period was up by 44%.

Could this be a good omen for the year ahead?

'Dose of realism'

The activity boost at the start of the year could also be a reflection of increased confidence. Despite previous gloomy forecasts that house prices were likely to fall significantly in 2011, data released by Registers of Scotland (RoS) reveals the average price of residential property in Scotland last year fell by just 0.5% over the year, while sales rose by 0.2%.

Rettie & Co's head of research, Dr John Boyle, who correctly predicted the housing market would be flat overall, says: "While economic uncertainty can be an incentive for people to remain where they are, there is also a strong dose of realism in the market with those homeowners who need or are keen to sell.

"However, with buyers sitting tight unless they get what they want, properties have to be priced attractively – and, unless there is another economic and financial crisis, we anticipate this is likely to be the case throughout 2012. That said, the market is highly localised and the price achievable, as well as the prospect of a sale, will vary depending on the house and location."

Norman's wisdom

Commuting to work will soon be a thing of the past for Paisley Abbey tour guide Norman Anderson, who has reserved an apartment at The Cloisters, a new Westpoint Homes development situated only a stone's throw away. Not only will he be keeping his work close to his heart, it will also be permanently within sight, as these luxury apartments include balconies overlooking the town's magnificent abbey.

And he is clearly not alone in appreciating the merits of living in this development; almost 50% of the one and two-bedroom apartments have been reserved off-plan.

A show home is now available to view, open daily from 11am to 5.30pm, and prices start from £110,000 for a one bedroom apartment.

On a different level

Looking at and writing about houses is something I never tire of and the thrill of finding one that is exceptional for whatever reason – be it style, location or something unexpected – is the same now as it was 20 years ago. This week's pulse racer is a contemporary house occupying a corner position on Lauder Road in The Grange, one of Edinburgh's most coveted addresses and an area more generally known for large stone-built traditional properties.

Constructed over two levels, with a basement games room and overall internal floor area of 4520 sq ft, the five bedroom L-shaped house has a glazed open-plan area on the ground floor that flows from a sitting area through to a 40ft long kitchen and dining area.

Other notable design features include a cleverly concealed home office and a curved staircase opening on to a clerestory hallway with a glazed gallery on the first floor overlooking the south-facing walled garden.

The standard of finish is exceptional, with maple doors and finishes, ash flooring – limestone in the kitchen, bathrooms and master en suite – a slate feature wall in the dining room, and a standalone off-the-floor wood-burning fireplace with a slate hearth underneath. Simply beautiful – for sale at offers over £2.3 million with Strutt & Parker's Edinburgh office.

A Gryffe hello?

Crinan, on Gryffe Road in Kilmacolm, is another exceptional property. Built in 1909, the red-roofed house stands within spectacular garden grounds, while the interior has undergone extensive refurbishment to include a 37ft open-plan bespoke kitchen and family room.

The reconfigured layout also incorporates original features and includes a wood-panelled hallway, formal dining room, sitting room, drawing room with access to an adjoining conservatory, TV/cinema room and five bedrooms, two with en suite facilities.

The gardens are the icing on the cake – specimen trees, shrubs and planting to create a kaleidoscope of colours, there is also a stream and pond, a summerhouse on the rear terrace, greenhouse, and a discreet covered seating area in which to dream.

Corum's Bridge of Weir office is inviting offers over £795,000.