Aberdeen’s continuing prosperity is attributed to a thriving energy sector and, as Estates Gazette’s Question Time arrives in the Granite City for the first time, we hear how it is making demands on property that experts are rallying to meet.
Our panel of property experts were all quick to note how well the sector was performing.
Savills investment director/joint head of Scottish region, Mark Fleming, said: “My agency colleagues in Glasgow and Edinburgh are busy trying to find tenants. My equivalent colleagues in Aberdeen are trying to find properties to put tenants into.
“We did 40% of the business last year in Aberdeen in terms of investment, and we’re forecasting growth there.”
The panel also discussed the other major issue looming large over the Scottish economy – the referendum on independence.
Aberdeen City Council leader Barney Crockett said he thought the people of Aberdeen would overwhelmingly vote “no”.
“I don’t think there’s any question about that,” he said.
Savills’ Mark Fleming added: “I think the market has priced in a no vote. The danger to the no vote would be complacency and poor turnout. Equally, if you stand back, I don’t see an apocalypse scenario that could arise in the event of a yes vote,” he said.
Click the video below to watch highlights of the Question Time debate. The full discussion can also be listened to by clicking on the podcast below.
nathan.cross@estatesgazette.com
