Buying a home in Orkney Islands
A northern archipelago with a distinctive heritage and tight-knit communities.
Key areas: Kirkwall, Stromness, St Margaret’s Hope
The local market
A small, steady island market where availability is limited and surveys and conveyancing can take longer than on the mainland.
Wherever you buy in Orkney Islands, the Scottish process is the same: most homes come with a Home Report, sales run through solicitors, and the purchase tax is LBTT rather than Stamp Duty. In competitive streets, expect “offers over” and budget for the gap between the valuation and the agreed price.
Work out your numbers for Orkney Islands
Before viewing in Kirkwall or elsewhere in Orkney Islands, sense-check what you can afford and what the tax will be:
- Affordability calculator — your indicative borrowing range.
- Repayment calculator — estimated monthly cost.
- LBTT calculator — the Scottish purchase tax, including the Additional Dwelling Supplement.
Schemes that may help
Buyers across Islands can explore the Scottish Government’s home-buying schemes, which can reduce the deposit or amount you need to borrow. Availability and eligibility change over time, so confirm what is currently open before relying on a scheme.
This guide is general information about Orkney Islands, not regulated advice or a property valuation. Confirm figures with a qualified mortgage adviser.
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