Land for Sale in Renfrewshire

# Land for Sale in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire, situated in west-central Scotland, offers a diverse land market combining urban regeneration opportunities, agricultural holdings, and development sites with excellent connectivity to Glasgow. This historic county spans 101 square miles and encompasses major towns including Paisley (Scotland's largest town), Renfrew, Johnstone, Erskine, and Linwood, with a combined population of approximately 179,000. The area's strategic position between Glasgow and the Ayrshire coast, coupled with Glasgow Airport's presence within its boundaries, makes Renfrewshire an increasingly attractive proposition for land investors and developers.

The local land market benefits from Renfrewshire's ongoing transformation from its industrial heritage towards a knowledge-based economy, supported by substantial investment in infrastructure and commercial development. The Glasgow City Region City Deal has brought significant funding to the area, particularly around Glasgow Airport and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS). For those considering purchasing land in this region, Renfrewshire offers a compelling mix of urban brownfield sites ripe for regeneration, small agricultural parcels, and residential development opportunities, all within easy reach of Scotland's largest city.

Types of Land Available in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire's land market reflects its transitional economy, with former industrial sites now presenting redevelopment opportunities alongside traditional agricultural holdings. Brownfield regeneration sites are particularly prevalent in Paisley, Johnstone, and Linwood, where former textile mills, manufacturing facilities, and industrial estates are being repurposed for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. These sites often come with existing infrastructure and planning support from Renfrewshire Council, which actively promotes regeneration through its Local Development Plan.

Agricultural land remains available throughout the rural parts of the county, particularly in the western and southern areas beyond the urban centres. Holdings typically range from 5 to 50 acres, suitable for smallholdings, equestrian facilities, or hobby farming. The land is predominantly Grade 3 and 4 agricultural quality, with moderate fertility suited to mixed farming and livestock grazing. The area's relatively high rainfall (typical of west Scotland) makes it better suited to pastoral farming than arable crops.

Residential development land is in strong demand, particularly greenfield sites on the periphery of established towns with good transport links to Glasgow. Plots with planning permission or allocated in the Local Development Plan command premium prices, especially in sought-after areas like Erskine and Bridge of Weir. Smaller plots for self-build homes are occasionally available, though these are less common due to strong competition from volume housebuilders.

Commercial and industrial land benefits from the proximity to Glasgow Airport and the M8 motorway corridor. The AMIDS site near Paisley is Scotland's first advanced manufacturing innovation district, attracting businesses in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and engineering sectors. Land opportunities in this sector typically appeal to businesses seeking modern facilities with excellent transport connections.

Key Features and Connectivity

Renfrewshire's greatest asset for land buyers is its exceptional connectivity. The M8 motorway runs through the heart of the county, providing direct links to Glasgow (just 10 miles from Paisley) and westward towards Greenock and Ayrshire. The A737 connects to the M77 and Ayrshire, whilst the M898 provides access across the Erskine Bridge to Dumbarton and the west Highlands. Glasgow Airport, Britain's eighth-busiest airport, is wholly within Renfrewshire and serves as a major economic driver, directly employing over 5,000 people.

Rail connectivity is excellent, with frequent services from Paisley Gilmour Street to Glasgow Central (15 minutes), and stations at Johnstone, Howwood, Lochwinnoch, and Bishopton providing regular connections. The proposed Glasgow Airport Access Project, which would create a direct rail link to the airport, promises to further enhance the area's connectivity, though the project has faced funding challenges.

The Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Scotland's largest regional park at 280 square kilometres, extends into western Renfrewshire around Lochwinnoch and provides significant amenity value. This designation brings both opportunities and constraints for landowners—whilst it enhances the area's appeal for residential and leisure uses, it also means stricter planning controls to protect the landscape and ecology.

Planning and Development Considerations

Renfrewshire Council operates as the planning authority, and prospective land buyers should familiarise themselves with the Renfrewshire Local Development Plan, which sets out spatial strategy and development allocations through to 2030. The council has been proactive in supporting economic development, particularly around the Airport Investment Area and urban regeneration sites in Paisley town centre.

Brownfield redevelopment generally receives planning support, particularly where proposals contribute to town centre regeneration or provide affordable housing. However, site contamination is a common issue given the area's industrial heritage—textile works, chemical plants, and engineering facilities have left legacies requiring remediation. Prospective buyers should budget for Phase I and potentially Phase II environmental assessments on former industrial sites. Our planning permission guide provides comprehensive advice on navigating the Scottish planning system.

For agricultural land seeking development, the council generally directs new housing to brownfield sites first, then to designated greenfield allocations. Speculative applications on unallocated agricultural land face significant hurdles unless there are exceptional circumstances. Green Belt designations around Glasgow extend into eastern Renfrewshire, placing strict controls on development.

Change of use from agricultural to residential can be challenging outside settlement boundaries. However, the Scottish Government's policy supports rural diversification, and proposals for holiday accommodation, equestrian facilities, or agricultural-related businesses may receive approval where they support the rural economy. The Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park area has additional landscape sensitivities that must be addressed in applications.

Flooding considerations are important in Renfrewshire, with the White Cart Water, Black Cart Water, and River Gryffe all presenting flood risk in their floodplains. SEPA flood maps should be consulted before purchasing land, as properties at risk require flood risk assessments and may face restrictions or additional engineering costs. Climate change is increasing rainfall intensity in western Scotland, making drainage and surface water management increasingly important considerations.

Investment Potential and Market Trends

Renfrewshire's land market has strengthened considerably over the past decade, driven by Glasgow's housing demand overspill, major infrastructure investment, and the area's excellent connectivity. Agricultural land values in the region typically range from £4,000 to £7,000 per acre for Grade 3/4 agricultural land without development potential, though prices vary significantly based on location, access, and land quality. This represents good value compared to prime agricultural areas of eastern Scotland or southern England.

Land with residential development potential commands substantially higher values—£75,000 to £200,000+ per acre depending on location, planning status, and density potential. Sites in Erskine, Bridge of Weir, and western Paisley command premium prices due to their desirability and proximity to good schools and amenities. The ongoing Glasgow City Deal investment (£1.13 billion total, with significant allocation to Renfrewshire projects) is expected to support land values through improved infrastructure and economic growth.

The Glasgow Airport Investment Area represents a particular opportunity for commercial and industrial land, with the council actively marketing serviced sites for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and aerospace businesses. The area's designation as part of Scotland's national aerospace cluster adds to its appeal for specialist manufacturers.

Residential land demand remains strong, supported by Renfrewshire's affordability relative to Glasgow itself. Average house prices in Renfrewshire are approximately 30% below Glasgow city centre, making the area attractive to commuters, young families, and investors. Major housebuilders including Barratt, Persimmon, and Taylor Wimpey have active developments throughout the county, demonstrating continued confidence in the market. For guidance on evaluating land purchases, our complete guide to buying land in the UK provides essential information for prospective buyers.

Long-term prospects are supported by several factors: Glasgow's continued growth and housing demand, investment in transport infrastructure, the expansion of Glasgow Airport, and Renfrewshire Council's proactive economic development strategy. However, buyers should be aware of challenges including potential site contamination on former industrial land, flood risk in certain areas, and the competitive nature of the market for well-located sites.

For anyone considering purchasing land in Renfrewshire, obtaining a professional land valuation is essential to ensure you're paying a fair market price and understanding the development potential of your intended purchase. The combination of urban regeneration opportunities, strong connectivity, and relative affordability makes Renfrewshire an increasingly attractive destination for land investment in Scotland's central belt.