Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the company has reported a 10% rise in property viewings during the first half of 2023, conducting over 16,000 viewings compared to approximately 14,000 in the same period in 2022 – a record year for the firm.

Corum founder John Kelly, an industry veteran with 37 years of experience, dispelled fears that the market would suffer due to the rate increase. He noted that 35% of buyers in Scotland purchase properties without a mortgage and insisted that demand in Glasgow continues to exceed supply, particularly in sought-after areas like the west end, south side, and suburbs including Newton Mearns, Bearsden, and Milngavie.

Mr Kelly said: “There has been a great deal of misplaced negativity around the housing market and the impact of financial conditions on house prices, but people’s lives continue to move on and with it comes the necessity to find a new property.

“In four decades in the industry, there has never been a time where there isn’t some form of report highlighting the imbalance between supply and demand. That will constantly stimulate the market in areas that offer a compelling combination of amenities and lifestyles.

“Glasgow’s strength in modern industries such as financial services, technology, and professional services allied to an almost unmatched balance of amenities, schools, culture, green space, and lifestyle makes it an extremely attractive proposition.

“This may be controversial, but I don’t believe the Glasgow property market is expensive for what it offers, and we will continue to see strength in the market for the foreseeable future as a consequence.”

Corum listed £636 million in property and achieved sales exceeding £781m last year. The firm has seen significant growth since its start in 2003 – it now employs over 71 professionals across nine offices in Glasgow, Ayrshire, and the West of Scotland. Revenue has grown from around £750,000 two decades ago to £6.67m in 2022, all while never operating at a loss.

John Kelly

Mr Kelly added: “We’ve never reinvented the wheel – we’ve simply come up with better ways to do established practices. We were told at the beginning that you had to offer financial services as well to succeed; we’ve shown that isn’t the case.

“We used colour listings when black and white was the norm; we now use insights to guide social and digital channels, using them to convey the Corum brand rather than sell properties.

“Most importantly, we invest in our expertise and people, always promoting from within and developing what we have wherever possible. We know buyers and vendors want to work with people who can provide genuine intelligence and insight into the property market, and that’s the way we’ll always do our business.”