The benefits of living in the Borders has attracted a new breed of buyer - those prepared to commute to the cities of Edinburgh and Newcastle. For people who have lived in the Borders for some time this may sound surprising, in an area where a twelve mile trip to the next town is often considered a journey on its own. However the escalating prices in Edinburgh are forcing buyers further out and rather than relocate in a less attractive no-man's-land, buyers are taking the opportunity to relocate in the country and accept the need to travel for an hour or so each way.

There is no doubt that it is buyers from outwith the area that have been the driving force behind the recent surge in Borders house prices. When looked at from the point of view of a buyer it makes a lot of sense. As commuters from the south will tell you, a one hour journey to work through pleasant Borders countryside is preferable to being stuck in a queue on the M5. Even talk of harsh winter conditions does not stand up to examination. In reality only a few days might be lost due to conditions of a bad weather, and this could easily happen wherever you are located in the UK. Any travelling problems seem to be offset by the lessening of tension and stress related health problems which are probably the greatest cause of absences from work.

Road and rail connections are the key to choosing which areas are commutable. Those with the easiest road connections are areas around Lauder, Stow and the Peebles but buyers seem to be prepared to commute from all over the Borders, including less well-connected but attractive villages such as Yetholm and Morebattle in the Cheviots. The Galashiels area is certainly benefiting from the recent boom and perhaps the prospect of the Waverley railway line being re-opened has contributed there. Whether or not that materialises remains to be seen but the Eastern Borders already has a speedy rail connection for those prepared to commute to Edinburgh or Newcastle on the main east coast line.

Good access to information technology is a key factor for those who plan to relocate. The newly available Broadband connections and improved cell phone coverage have made mobile working and home offices a viable option. The ability to work in a country setting makes the Borders an attractive proposition. This is particularly true for those who are lucky enough to sell in high equity areas, such as in the South, thereby releasing funds to relocate at a fraction of the cost with advantages of a better lifestyle and less financial ties.

The recent trend should be seen as an opportunity for the Borders to gain from the increasing wealth being brought to the area. While there is a downside in respects of the spiralling house prices having an affect on the affordability of starter homes, there are also benefits and increased opportunities for local shops and business. As with most things it is really a question of getting the balance right.

At Hastings & Co. we have been aware of this trend for several years. We provide a user-friendly service explaining the niceties of Scots law and our staff are trained to provide helpful information. We are committed to providing a high level of service both to clients old and new promoting attractions of life in the Borders. As part of our ongoing commitment we have signed up the Scottish Tourist Board's initiative on promoting excellent service and look forward to fresh challenges or replacing changes in the Borders in years to come.

Ron Hastings is the Managing Partner of Hastings & Co, Solicitors and Estate Agents