The 10 Best Places to Buy a Holiday Home in Scotland

Scotland is a popular holiday destination for many, and if you're looking to make an income from holiday letting, Scotland's unique and diverse choice of locations can be an affordable option for those looking to invest in a holiday home.

Depending on your budget, there are many areas in Scotland to consider. From luxury cottages for sale in Scotland to the cheapest places in Scotland for property, we've analysed our booking data to discover the best places to buy holiday home in Scotland.

Why buy a holiday let in Scotland?

Scotland is renowned for its magnificent castles, beautiful lochs and rich heritage. Home to 40 National Scenic Areas, this Celtic country is the ideal location for exploring, from sightseeing and hiking in the Highlands, to its national parks, museums and distilleries.

The Sykes Staycation Index tells us that Central Scotland has had the second biggest growth in bookings year-on-year in 2024.

With its stunning mountains, enchanting architecture and picturesque walking trails, alongside a range of independent shops, pubs and restaurants, Scotland is one of the best places to buy a holiday home in the UK, and can be a great investment choice if you want to bolster your income.

Is Scotland real estate cheap?

On average, house prices are generally cheaper in Scotland than England and other UK regions. According to the Office for National Statistics, the average property price in Scotland was £192,000 in July 2023, compared to £309,000 for a house in England.

Make the most of our Holiday Let Income Calculator, to discover how average earnings from holiday lets in Scotland stack up against some of the other popular staycation locations in the UK.

Where are the best places to buy a holiday home in Scotland?

There's a vast array of popular tourist locations to choose from when looking to buy a holiday home in Scotland.

To help you choose a location that will work for you, we have used recent performance data from properties signed up with us to work out some of the best places to buy a holiday home in Scotland.

1. Cullen

Sykes' booking data between 2022 and 2023 tells us that Cullen is the best place to buy a holiday home in Scotland.

Located on the north-east coast of Scotland, this former fishing port is a great place to invest in a holiday home. With its dramatic coastlines, sandy beaches and historic sights, including a Grade B-listed viaduct, Cullen is well-positioned for exploring the Moray Coast.

Cullen boasts many property types, including small cottages for sale in Scotland, and is one to consider if you're looking to buy a holiday home in a thriving north-east Scotland location.

2. Southerness

Home to the second-oldest lighthouse in Scotland, Southerness could be an excellent place for buying a holiday rental. Based in Dumfries and Galloway, the coastal village offers a whole host of things to see and do, including the popular Southerness Beach and magnificent Caerlaverock Castle.

With its selection of independent shops in Castle Douglas, including butchers and bakers, dog-friendly cafes and lush fields at the RSPB Mersehead nature reserve, buying a holiday home in Southerness could be the ideal choice.

3. Kirkcudbright

Kirkcudbright is another place to consider for where to buy a holiday home in Scotland. Popular with artists, this pretty harbour town is based in Dumfries and Galloway, and is a great location for buying a quaint cottage in Scotland.

Situated on the Solway Coast, Kirkcudbright boasts a number of impressive art galleries and museums, along with quicksand beaches, unspoilt coastline views and a vibrant fishing community.

From a holiday let in Kirkcudbright Bay, guests could enjoy coastal, woodland and pastoral walking trails along the stunning estuary of the River Dee, with views of Castle Douglas and the surrounding countryside.

4. Moffat

Thanks to its special street lighting, the clear night skies of this picturesque town makes Moffat one of the best places to buy a holiday home in Scotland. As Europe’s first Dark Sky Town, Moffat has street lighting designed to reduce light pollution and preserve incredible views of the night sky, making it a perfect location for an eco-friendly holiday let.

Just 50 miles from the vibrant cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the bustling town of Moffatt is in a prime location for popular tourist sights and attractions. The magnificent 60-metre waterfall, Grey Mare’s Tail, is within easy reach, with plenty of sightseeing activities such as the Devil’s Beef Tub in the Moffat Hills and White Coomb nearby.

Boasting wonderful natural sights, both day and night, Moffat is a great place to buy a holiday home in Scotland.

5. Grantown-on-Spey

Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Grantown-on-Spey is a traditional Highland town situated on the beautiful River Spey. Surrounded by enchanting woodland, it has a thriving community with plenty of local businesses, including a range of independent shops, pubs and restaurants.

From a holiday home in Grantown-on-Spey, you and your guests can enjoy jaw-dropping views over the surrounding hills and mountains of the Scottish Highlands, as well as the stunning tourist destination of Aviemore nearby.

From wildlife spotting and walking trails to trying the local cuisine at Scottish retailers, this historic town is one of the best places to purchase a holiday home in Scotland.

6. Banff

If you're thinking of buying a sea view cottage in Scotland, the historic town of Banff has plenty to offer.

Found on the north coast of Aberdeenshire, Banff is both a coastal gem and a former royal burgh. The town boasts stunning Georgian architecture which could be mistaken for Edinburgh, and is a popular tourist attraction.

With its salmon-rich waters, strong heritage and fine townhouses, buying a holiday home in Banff could be the perfect choice for you.

7. Tomintoul

Set on the northern slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains, Tomintoul is the highest village in the Scottish Highlands.

Situated between the Rivers Conglass and Avon, this charming village is a wonderful place to consider buying a holiday home in Scotland. As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the town would make the perfect base for guests looking to explore.

Boasting a fascinating history, rich heritage and culture, along with a range of stunning landscapes and natural scenery in Caignorms National Park, Tomintoul is one of the best places to buy a holiday home in the UK.

8. Jedburgh

Dating back to the 1100s, the former royal burgh of Jedburgh is one of the four great abbeys established in the Scottish Borders.

This historic town acts as a convenient base, with a number of boutique shops, independent and colourful buildings dotted around Canongate and the Market Place, making Jedburgh a key area to consider when looking where to buy a holiday home in Scotland.If you’re considering buying a holiday home in Scotland, Jedburgh may be an excellent investment choice.

9. Nairn

Popular with tourists and families, Nairn serves as an ideal base for touring the Highlands. Known as Scotland’s Highland Playground, this seaside town is home to miles of sandy beaches, along with award-winning bars and restaurants.

Buying a holiday home in Nairn is a great choice for those looking to boost occupancy rates, with plenty to see and do.

The third-largest settlement in the Highlands offers a range of walking trails, independent shops, and an abundance of entertainment venues, all of which help make this a superb spot for holidaymakers.

10. Newtonmore

Located in the Highlands and surrounded by woodlands, rivers and wildlife, the serene village of Newtonmore is a great location for buying an isolated cottage in Scotland.

Newtonmore sits at the mouth of Glen Banchor, and boasts panoramic mountain views up across Spey valley within the spectacular Cairngorms National Park.

With a fascinating history, tourist attractions, and dramatic backdrops, Newtonmore is a wonderful base for exploring Central Scotland.

Let Sykes help find the perfect holiday home to buy in Scotland

Holiday home investment is an exciting and potentially rewarding prospect, but can also be overwhelming if you're new to holiday letting.

Whether you're looking to buy an abandoned highland cottage or stone cottages in Scotland, you'll be spoilt for choice with the selection of property types.

Using a holiday letting agency, such as Sykes, can help you find your dream holiday home. Matched with our unique, bespoke service, this can really set you up for success. Our friendly team of property experts can advise on the best UK places to buy a holiday home and guide you on your holiday let journey, with budget-friendly options including cheap rural cottages for sale in Scotland.

Ready for the next step? Browse holiday homes for sale in Scotland today.