Moray: Property, Schools and Retirement Costs
Across the 10 Moray locations we cover, the average property price is £183,500 and Band D council tax averages £1,731. Forres is the most expensive at £215,000, Buckie the least at £145,000.
Across the 10 Moray locations we cover, the average property price is £183,500 and Band D council tax averages £1,731. Forres is the most expensive at £215,000, Buckie the least at £145,000.
Buying a home in Moray
The county average is £183,500. Schools in Scotland are inspected by Education Scotland rather than Ofsted, so there are no Ofsted grades; check individual inspection reports. School quality is the main reason prices differ between towns a few miles apart.
A 10% deposit on the county average is £18,350. Forres runs 17% above that average, so the same deposit reaches further in Buckie.
Average property price across Moray
Later life and property wealth in Moray
Owners aged 55 and over across Moray sit on an average £183,500 of property value. Typical release at 65 is around £62,390, and interest compounds against the estate from day one.
Downsizing within the county is the alternative most people skip. It costs fees and stamp duty but carries no compounding interest. Both routes are compared in the town guides below.
Retirement costs across Moray
Band D council tax averages £1,731 across these locations. That is £144 a month before anything else. Authorities set their own rate, so the bill can change with a short move.
Housing is the fixed line in any retirement budget. Each town guide converts the local figure into the pot needed to cover it at a 4% withdrawal rate.
Towns at a glance
| Town | Average price | Band D | Good or better schools | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forres | £215,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Fochabers | £205,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Aberlour | £200,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Elgin | £195,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Lossiemouth | £185,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Cullen | £175,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Dufftown | £175,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Rothes | £175,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Keith | £165,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
| Buckie | £145,000 | £1,731 | 0 | Mortgage, Equity release, Pensions |
Compare towns directly
Side by side on price, deposit, schools and running costs.
Ask about Aberlour
Three details is all we need. You are told before anything is passed to a partner firm.
The introduction costs you nothing. If you go ahead, we may be paid a fee by the firm we introduce you to. There is no obligation.
Guides across Moray
- Aberlour: School Catchments and House Prices in Aberlour, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Aberlour, Downsizing in Aberlour: What You Would Actually Release, Council Tax in Aberlour: What Band D Really Costs
- Buckie: School Catchments and House Prices in Buckie, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Buckie, Downsizing in Buckie: What You Would Actually Release
- Cullen: School Catchments and House Prices in Cullen, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Cullen, Downsizing in Cullen: What You Would Actually Release
- Dufftown: School Catchments and House Prices in Dufftown
- Elgin: School Catchments and House Prices in Elgin, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Elgin, Downsizing in Elgin: What You Would Actually Release
- Fochabers: School Catchments and House Prices in Fochabers, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Fochabers, Downsizing in Fochabers: What You Would Actually Release
- Forres: School Catchments and House Prices in Forres, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Forres, Downsizing in Forres: What You Would Actually Release
- Keith: School Catchments and House Prices in Keith, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Keith, Downsizing in Keith: What You Would Actually Release
- Lossiemouth: School Catchments and House Prices in Lossiemouth, The Real Cost of Buying a First Home in Lossiemouth, Downsizing in Lossiemouth: What You Would Actually Release
- Rothes: School Catchments and House Prices in Rothes
Check broadband before you make an offer in Moray
Broadband speeds can vary street by street in Moray, so check the exact address before you commit. Ofcom's free checker shows which broadband speeds and mobile coverage are available at any UK property.
We can introduce you to a specialist who can combine your mobile, broadband and utilities into one bill. There's no fee for the introduction.
We don't provide these services ourselves. Switching household bills is not a regulated financial service, so FCA protections and the Financial Ombudsman do not apply. We'll only pass your details to the specialist if you ask us to. See our privacy notice.
Questions people ask
Where are house prices highest in Moray?
How much is council tax in Moray?
Does That's Family Finance cover the whole of Moray?
How do I check broadband speed at a property in Moray?
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.