AFFORDABLE housing is making Largs one of the top places for people outwith the area to move to.

Estate agents say that the local housing market at the start of 2019 is showing signs of recovery and attracting attention from buyers down south and overseas.

Estate agent Neil Bremner, of Corum, says that around two thirds of their customers are now from out of town - with buyers from as far afield as Singapore and Dubai.

He said: "Compared to cities, Largs is seen to be giving more value for money.

"People can snap up seaview flats at a fraction of the price you would pay in Glasgow or London.

"We have found we roughly have a three way split, with one third of buyers being local, one third from Glasgow and the west of Scotland and one third from England or overseas.

"More affordable housing at the lower end of the market is proving a popular choice, not only with first time buyers, but also out-of-towners.

"Bungalows, flats and anything under £200,000 all move quickly, it is the higher end of the market which is proving to be sticky.

"We are such a well priced area and that is how I would always describe it to people.

"The market in general is showing slight signs of increase, which is great following the recession.

"I would like to see more people from abroad coming to Largs and I think that might be something we will see more of in the future."

Mr Bremner did say that the uncertainty over the country's exit from the European Union is making buyers wary.

He added: "There is a little bit of a lull as people wait to see what we can expect with the market after Brexit.

" I don't think it will have too much of an effect, but I suppose we will find that out one way or another in the next few months."

Shereen Clarke, from Taylor and Henderson, says that Largs is well regarded in the property market.

She said: "This is a very desirable location to live in compared to other seaside towns along the coast.

"Largs is definitely deemed to be more up market, however with that said there are still a lot of affordable houses available."

New developments in Fairlie have also proven popular with young families.

Judith Still, from Slater Hogg, said: "We are certainly seeing plenty of interest as we go into 2019, which bodes well."