Aberdeenshire agency solidifies local presence, expanding portfolio and community ties against a backdrop of varied regional housing trends.
Northwood Banchory, the local arm of the national estate and lettings agency, is celebrating its second anniversary, reflecting on a period of sustained growth and deepening community engagement within the Deeside property landscape. Since establishing its presence on Banchory High Street two years ago, the firm has reportedly increased its sales and lettings instructions, reinforcing its reputation in the area.
The agency’s expansion in residential property sales has been attributed to its localised expertise, tailored client service, and extensive national marketing reach, leveraging prominent property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket. These platforms are crucial in attracting a diverse pool of purchasers from across Scotland and beyond. Rightmove, for instance, remains the dominant force in UK property searches, attracting over 125 million monthly visitors, while Zoopla holds the second position, with significant market share in Scotland. OnTheMarket, though smaller, offers agents unique features like exclusive 24-48 hour listings and is seeing increased investment following its 2023 acquisition by CoStar.
Laura Mearns, Owner and Director of Northwood Banchory, commented on the milestone: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past two years. The support we’ve received from the local community has been fantastic and it’s been particularly rewarding to see more people choosing Northwood to sell and let their properties.”
“We know that selling a property is one of the biggest decisions people make, so it means a great deal that local homeowners are putting their trust in us. Our focus has always been on providing a personal, honest service backed by expert local knowledge and national marketing exposure, and we’re delighted that this approach is resonating with so many people,” Mearns added.
Northwood operates as a national franchise network with over 80 offices across the UK, known for its “Guaranteed Rent” scheme which offers landlords a predictable income stream. The company became part of The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) in 2024, positioning it within the UK’s largest multi-brand property franchise business. Northwood Banchory itself forms part of Northwood North East, which encompasses offices in Aberdeen, Inverurie, and Stonehaven.
Deeside Market Dynamics
The agency’s success comes amidst a mixed but stabilising property market in Aberdeenshire and Scotland more broadly. Banchory, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Royal Deeside,’ is approximately 20 miles west of Aberdeen and boasts a population of around 7,500, offering a blend of rural living and accessibility to city amenities. The local housing stock is diverse, including traditional bungalows, modern detached, and semi-detached properties, with detached homes constituting a significant 79% of the mix in Banchory and Mid Deeside.
As of 2026, the average price for a flat in Banchory and Mid Deeside stands at £116,000, while houses average £449,000. This contrasts with the broader Aberdeenshire market, which saw its average house price at £198,000 in June 2026, a 2.2% decrease from the previous year, with flats experiencing a 5.4% fall. However, rural areas within Aberdeenshire have shown stronger annual price increases, up to 6% in Q1 2026. The Aberdeen City market experienced a 5.2% increase in average house prices in the 12 months to September 2024, despite earlier declines. In the rental sector, private rents in the Aberdeen and Shire area remained level year-on-year to July 2026 at an average of £846 per month. Experts note strong investment potential in Aberdeen due to relatively low sales prices and climbing rental yields. Furthermore, a new £3.8 million affordable homes development in Banchory, supported by the Scottish Government, highlights ongoing demand for housing in the area.
Across Scotland, the residential property market has demonstrated resilience. The median price for a Scottish residential property reached £190,000 in 2024-25, a 3% increase from the prior year, with overall sales volumes rising by 7%. The total value of residential sales in Scotland grew by 10% to £22.7 billion in the same period. Average house prices nationwide increased by 6.0% in the 12 months to July 2024, reaching £199,000. Forecasts from Savills suggest Scottish house prices could end 2024 4.0% higher than at the close of 2023, driven by easing mortgage rates and population growth.
Community Commitment
Beyond its commercial endeavours, Northwood Banchory has actively strengthened its community ties through various partnerships and charitable initiatives. A notable collaboration includes supporting the River Dee Trust’s “One Million Trees” campaign. This ambitious initiative, launched in 2020, aims to plant one million native trees by 2035 to protect and enhance the River Dee catchment, particularly by mitigating rising water temperatures that threaten species like Atlantic salmon. The campaign had already planted its 500,000th tree by April 2025, ahead of schedule, and received the Nature and Climate Action Award in 2023.
Mearns emphasised the importance of local involvement: “Being part of the community has always been just as important to us as helping people move home. Many of our team live locally or have grown up in the area, so supporting local causes and working alongside other organisations comes naturally. We want to make a positive contribution beyond property and play an active role in the future of Deeside.”
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Looking ahead, Northwood Banchory plans to continue expanding its sales and lettings portfolio while maintaining its focus on personalised service. Mearns concluded: “The past year has been about building relationships and earning trust, and we’re delighted with how far we’ve come. As we enter our third year, we’ll continue to invest in the community, support local initiatives and help even more people across Deeside with their property journeys. We’re excited about what the future holds.”
