The outlet at 303 Byres Road employs 20 people and reflects the firm’s optimism about the strength of the Glasgow sales and lettings property market.

Catherine Bruce is the sales and lettings director of the new outlet and as she explained: “The key advantage of having a high street presence is providing an accessible location for our existing and prospective clients to come in, sit down, and have a face-to-face conversation about either a specific property or their general needs as a buyer.

“Nowadays, clients are too often dealing with a call centre, and we believe that having the facility to speak to our experienced members of staff in the flesh helps us to provide that excellent level of customer service which we are known for.”

The Glasgow sales market remains buoyant despite the recent mortgage rate increases, and concerns over the wider UK economy. The number of properties advertised for sale in Glasgow is up 100% year-on-year increasing from 1182 in January 2022 to 2364 in January 2023.

The latest official data shows that the average percentage increase over the 12-month period up to October 2022 was 7.5% which was almost identical to the Scottish national figure of 7.4%.

The largest average price increases were in detached, semi-detached, and terraced properties and this trend for homes with outside space matches the experience of the rest of Scotland. Average prices for detached properties in Glasgow increased by 12.1% in the 12-month period to the end of October and has now reached £473,422.

For semi-detached properties, the increase was 10.4% to £260,450; for terraced properties, the rise was 10.9% to £222,640; and for flats average prices rose 5.9% to £146,436.

Ms Bruce stated: “Despite the difficult economic landscape across the UK, last year property prices in the greater Glasgow area continued to see progress due to demand outstripping supply.

“Glasgow essentially provides good quality accommodation at an affordable price, thus attracting a broad range of people including first time buyers, home movers, and buy-to-let investors seeking strong rental yields.”

New business director, Conor McNulty, said: “Glasgow’s West End continues to be where the bulk of our buyers want to be, particularly in areas such as Dowanhill, Hyndland, and Hillhead.

“Many first-time buyers are attracted to Finnieston, Dennistoun, and Shawlands as they seek better value for money and are drawn to the thriving cafes, bars, and restaurants that can be found on Argyle Street, Duke Street, and Pollokshaws Road.

“Furthermore, many property investors will also target these areas, along with the Merchant City and North Kelvinside as they aim to acquire good quality properties in popular locations that can provide strong rental yields and long-term capital growth.”

He continued: “There are many locations within the Greater Glasgow area that have provided fantastic capital growth over the last couple of years, particularly addresses fringing the West End, such as Finnieston, Yorkhill, and Anniesland.

“In addition, Dennistoun to the east of the city has experienced tremendous increases in property values with many buyers attracted to Glasgow’s iconic tenement flats with high ceilings, feature bay windows, and spacious accommodation.

“As you go further out of the city and into suburbia, three-and-four-bedroom detached properties with gardens and driveways in close proximity to reputable schooling are extremely sought after as can be seen in the large increase in average prices over the last year.”

Ms Bruce added: “The lettings sector in Glasgow has also been booming over the last year with demand far outstripping supply. The private rented sector has 62,000 properties which is 20% of all housing stock in Glasgow yet there are too few properties to meet tenant demand.

“We regularly receive thousands of viewing requests for properties through our online booking service, and we have waiting lists for all sizes of properties.

“Average rents in the city range from £907pcm for a one-bedroom property to over £2,000pcm for a three bedroom and we don’t have enough properties coming on the market to meet tenants’ demand. In such a competitive market we can provide decades of expertise in property management to help landlords and tenants with their properties.”

She concluded: “The market in lettings and sales is very strong in Glasgow and we believe this will continue for the next few years despite some external pressures. The majority of properties we have listed in the last six months have achieved sale prices well in excess of their home report valuations indicating that the Glasgow market is still an attractive one.

“However, the last year has not been without its challenges. Rising interest rates coupled with what could be considered punitive taxation for landlords has caused many sellers to withdraw from the market, and buyers to hold off until they have a clearer vision on what the future holds.”

David Alexander, CEO of DJ Alexander Scotland Ltd, said: “We are delighted to be opening a new outlet in the West End of Glasgow. Our fantastic team will do an excellent job in helping buyers and investors find suitable properties for their needs.

“The investment in these premises reflects our optimism in the Glasgow market, and we welcome enquiries from homebuyers, property investors, landlords, and tenants.”

The new DJ Alexander office in Glasgow is hosting an open day on 19 January 2023 between 10am-3pm where the staff will be happy to welcome anyone wishing to come in and discuss their property needs.