Mortgage Advice in Forfar: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Forfar
A buyer’s guide to Forfar — property prices and council tax, schools and their real Ofsted position, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Forfar
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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That’s Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, award-winning, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, with no obligation.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school ratings with Ofsted and journey times with the operator before you rely on them. This guide is information, not financial or mortgage advice.
Mortgage Advice in Forfar: Property, Schools & Local Area Guide
Whether you’re buying your first home in Forfar, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching the county town of Angus — the market town of the Forfar Bridie, with Forfar Loch on its edge, Glamis Castle and Restenneth Priory nearby, and the farming valley of Strathmore all around — this guide covers what buyers and homeowners in Forfar actually want to know.
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Quick answers about Forfar
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Forfar a good place to live?⌄
Yes — an affordable, friendly county town in farming Angus.
Yes — Forfar is the county town of Angus (DD8), an inland agricultural market town in the Howe of Strathmore and the seat of Angus Council. It offers genuine local character — the home of the Forfar Bridie, Forfar Loch Country Park on its western edge, and Glamis Castle and Restenneth Priory close by — with real everyday value: a friendly town centre, good schools, and prices well below Dundee’s. The main things to weigh are honest ones: Forfar has no railway (the nearest stations are Dundee and Arbroath), the nearest full 24-hour A&E is at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, and this is a quieter market town rather than a commuter hotspot — so a car is important.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forfar | rightmove.co.uk — Forfar
Is Forfar expensive?⌄
No — an affordable market town in Angus.
No — Forfar is an affordable market town, with an overall average often in the region of £150,000 to £185,000; older flats and town-centre terraces offer the most accessible ways in (frequently from around £70,000–£120,000), while newer detached family homes on the edges and larger period and country homes run higher. Because the Scottish LBTT nil-rate band runs to £145,000 (and first-time buyers pay nothing to £175,000), a great many Forfar buyers pay little or no purchase tax at all. Always verify current prices via Registers of Scotland data or independent valuation advice for the exact property.
Sources: rightmove.co.uk — Forfar | ros.gov.uk — Registers of Scotland
Does Forfar have a railway station?⌄
No — the nearest stations are Dundee and Arbroath.
No — and this is an honest point for buyers. Forfar lost its railway when the line through the town closed in 1967, so there is no station in Forfar today. The nearest railway stations are in Dundee (about 14 miles south) and Arbroath (about 15 miles south-east), both on the Dundee–Aberdeen main line, with Dundee giving fast onward services to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London. For most journeys a car is important in Forfar — the A90 dual carriageway runs close by, linking the town south to Dundee and Perth and north to Aberdeen. Bus services connect Forfar with Dundee, Arbroath and the Angus towns; always check current timetables.
Sources: scotrail.co.uk
What is Forfar known for?⌄
The Forfar Bridie, Glamis Castle & being the county town.
Forfar is best known for the Forfar Bridie, the horseshoe-shaped meat pastry that originated in the town and is still baked by its bakers today. It is also the county town of Angus and the seat of Angus Council, an agricultural market town in the fertile Howe of Strathmore. Just to the south-west is Glamis Castle, the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the birthplace of Princess Margaret and the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth; and just east is Restenneth Priory, a ruined Augustinian priory cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Forfar Loch Country Park and Forfar Athletic, “the Loons”, complete the picture.
Sources: glamis-castle.co.uk | historicenvironment.scot — Restenneth Priory
Does Forfar have a hospital with A&E?⌄
Community health provision in town; nearest full A&E is Ninewells, Dundee.
Forfar has Whitehills, an NHS Tayside community health and care facility on the edge of the town, but it is important to be accurate: the nearest full 24-hour, consultant-led Accident & Emergency department is at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, about 14 miles away, which serves the whole of Angus. Minor-injuries provision in Angus is centred on Arbroath Infirmary and Whitehills in Forfar (call 111 first), though the pattern of minor-injuries services has been kept under review, so check the current position. For a serious emergency the destination is Ninewells in Dundee. As NHS services can be reconfigured, always confirm current arrangements directly with NHS Tayside.
Sources: nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk
Is Forfar right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others — here is how Forfar rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyers | ★★★★★ | An affordable market town — flats and town-centre terraces frequently from around £70,000–£120,000, and the LBTT nil-rate band (£175,000 for first-time buyers) means most pay no purchase tax. |
| Families | ★★★★☆ | Affordable family homes, Education-Scotland primaries and Forfar Academy, Forfar Loch Country Park and a real community — check catchments. |
| Car-owning commuters | ★★★☆☆ | The A90 dual carriageway links Forfar to Dundee (~14 miles) and Perth south and Aberdeen north — a workable drive, but there is no railway in the town. |
| Downsizers & retirees | ★★★★☆ | A walkable, friendly county town with parks, the loch and countryside close by, though the nearest full A&E is at Ninewells in Dundee rather than in the town. |
| Property developers & investors | ★★★☆☆ | Low entry prices and steady local rental demand support buy-to-let, though rental depth is shallower than a city or a rail-served town — factor the no-railway position. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Forfar does brilliantly — and what to weigh carefully — before you commit.
Forfar at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & council | Angus (Scottish unitary): Angus Council — Forfar is the county town and the council’s seat |
| Community council | Forfar has a community council but it does NOT levy a precept — Band D is Angus Council’s own charge |
| Nation | Scotland — 8 council-tax bands (A–H); schools inspected by Education Scotland; police = Police Scotland |
| Postcode district | DD8 |
| Approx. character | The county town of Angus — an inland agricultural market town in the Howe of Strathmore, affordable and friendly |
| Average house price | Affordable — often £150,000–£185,000; newer detached and country homes beyond; sources vary |
| Railway | None in Forfar (line closed 1967) — nearest stations Dundee (~14 miles) & Arbroath (~15 miles) |
| Nearest A&E | Ninewells Hospital, Dundee — the area’s full 24-hour A&E (~14 miles); Whitehills in Forfar is a community facility |
| Schools | Education-Scotland inspected (no single grade); comprehensive; Forfar Academy and several primaries |
| Known for | The Forfar Bridie, Glamis Castle nearby & being the county town of Angus |
| Population | About 14,000 — the county town of Angus |
| Roads | The A90 (Dundee–Aberdeen dual carriageway) close by; the A926, A929 and A932 |
| Water & sewerage | Scottish Water (billed alongside council tax but a separate charge) |
| Council tax (Band D) | £1,598.65 for 2026/27 (Angus Council’s own charge; no police, fire or community precept) — confirm your band |
Property prices & council tax in Forfar
Forfar is an affordable market town, reflecting its inland Angus location, its mix of older town-centre stock and newer edge-of-town estates, and its role as a farming and county-town centre. It offers older flats and terraces in and around the town centre (frequently from around £70,000–£120,000), semi-detached family homes, newer estates on the edges, and larger period and country homes in the greener areas and villages. Published figures vary by property and area, so treat the ranges below as a broad guide and verify for the exact home — and remember that in Scotland you pay Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, not Stamp Duty, with a £145,000 nil-rate band (£175,000 for first-time buyers).
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & town-centre terraces | Indicatively around £60,000–£110,000 | First-time buyers; investors; the most accessible ways in |
| Terraced & smaller homes | Indicatively around £100,000–£155,000 | First-time buyers; smaller families |
| Semi-detached & family homes | Indicatively around £150,000–£220,000 | Growing families; estate buyers |
| Forfar average | Affordable — often £150,000–£185,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the town |
| Detached & country homes | Indicatively £220,000–£400,000+ | Buyers wanting a larger or greener home (edge of town, Strathmore, villages) |
What income might you need?
These illustrative figures use roughly 4.5x household income and assume a typical deposit. They are a starting point for budgeting only — not a quote or advice.
£120,000
Flat / smaller home
~£27,000
household income (guide)
£170,000
Town benchmark
~£38,000
household income (guide)
£280,000
Detached / country home (indicative)
~£62,000
household income (guide)
Forfar affordability & Land and Buildings Transaction Tax calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Forfar and what Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) you'd pay. In Scotland the tax on buying a home is LBTT, collected by Revenue Scotland — not stamp duty (SDLT). Illustration only — real figures depend on the lender and your circumstances.
Illustration only, not a mortgage offer or personalised advice. Lenders' income multiples and criteria vary. First-time buyer relief in Scotland raises the LBTT nil-rate band to £175,000 (up to £600 saving). Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Borrowing ready-reckoner (around 4.5× income)
| Yearly income | Rough maximum mortgage |
|---|---|
| £30,000 | ~£135,000 |
| £40,000 | ~£180,000 |
| £50,000 | ~£225,000 |
| £60,000 | ~£270,000 |
| £75,000 | ~£337,500 |
Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) in 2026 — Scotland
Scotland replaced Stamp Duty with LBTT in April 2015. The residential rates below apply to your only or main home. First-time buyers pay 0% up to £175,000 (a saving of up to £600).
| Portion of price | Standard rate |
|---|---|
| Up to £145,000 | 0% |
| £145,001 – £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 – £325,000 | 5% |
| £325,001 – £750,000 | 10% |
| Over £750,000 | 12% |
Worked examples: a £145,000 home = £0 LBTT; a £200,000 home = £1,100; a £250,000 home = £2,100; a £350,000 home = £8,350. First-time buyers pay £600 less up to the relief limit. An Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) of 8% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets across the whole price.
LBTT rates as at 2026 (Scotland). England & Northern Ireland (SDLT) and Wales (LTT) differ. Council tax in Scotland is billed with a separate Scottish Water/waste-water charge on top. Check the exact figure with the official Revenue Scotland LBTT calculator (revenue.scot), and confirm with your solicitor.
The Forfar property market in depth
Forfar offers an affordable market — town-centre flats and terraces, newer family estates on the edges, and larger period and country homes in the greener areas — with good schools, farming Angus all around and genuine value supporting steady local demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & town-centre terraces | The most accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers and investors. | £60,000–£110,000 |
| Terraced & smaller homes | Historic town-centre and older-suburb terraces across the town. | £100,000–£155,000 |
| Semi-detached & estate homes | Popular family homes on the edges and newer estates. | £150,000–£220,000 |
| Detached & country homes | Larger and greener homes and period and country houses — the top of the local market. | £220,000–£400,000+ |
Forfar’s appeal — an affordable, friendly county town in farming Angus, with good schools and countryside on the doorstep — makes it a steady local market, from first-time-buyer flats to larger family and country homes.
That affordability is the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter. Older town-centre stock, newer estate homes with their own considerations, and any low-lying ground near Forfar Loch and the Dean Water are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully. A whole-of-market mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans — the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Forfar so popular?
Forfar’s appeal is an affordable, friendly county town with real local character, good schools and countryside all around.
The Forfar Bridie & the town
The Forfar Bridie, still baked in the town, the county-town High Street, the Meffan museum and the friendly market-town character give Forfar a genuine sense of place.
Glamis Castle & Restenneth
Glamis Castle just south-west — the Queen Mother’s childhood home and the setting of Macbeth — and Restenneth Priory just east give real heritage on the doorstep.
Forfar Loch & farming Angus
Forfar Loch Country Park on the western edge, the fertile Howe of Strathmore and the Angus glens beyond — the countryside is at the heart of life here.
Transport & commuting from Forfar
Transport in Forfar leans on the road — the A90 dual carriageway close by — because the town has no railway. These indicative times are a starting point, and a car is important here; always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forfar → Dundee | ~25–30 min drive | South on the A90 to the city and its main-line station (~14 miles) — the key commute |
| Forfar → Arbroath | ~20–25 min drive | South-east on the A932/A933 to the coast and a main-line station (~15 miles) |
| Forfar → Dundee station (for rail) | ~25–30 min drive | The nearest main-line rail is at Dundee — Forfar itself has no station |
| Forfar → Montrose | ~25–30 min drive | East on the A935 to the coast and a main-line station |
| Forfar → Perth | ~35–40 min drive | South-west on the A90 to Perthshire and the motorway network |
| Forfar → Aberdeen | ~1h | North on the A90 to the Granite City |
| Forfar → Edinburgh | ~1h30 drive | South via the A90 / M90 — or by main-line train from Dundee |
| Forfar → Dundee Airport | ~30–35 min drive | South on the A90 — the nearest airport (Aberdeen & Edinburgh larger) |
Getting around Forfar
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through — the practical picture.
By car
The A90 dual carriageway runs close by, linking Forfar south to Dundee and Perth and north to Aberdeen, with the A932/A933 to Arbroath and the coast — a car is important here, as the town has no railway.
For rail
Forfar has no station; the nearest main-line stations are Dundee (about 14 miles) and Arbroath (about 15 miles) on the Dundee–Aberdeen line, with fast onward services from Dundee to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.
For the airport
Dundee Airport is around 30 to 35 minutes by road for a small number of flights; Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports are the larger options further afield.
By bus
Forfar has bus services across Angus and to Dundee, Arbroath and the inland and glen villages — check current routes and frequencies.
On foot & by bike
The town centre, Forfar Loch Country Park and the parks are walkable, and there are paths and cycle routes around the loch and out into Strathmore.
For the commute
Forfar suits car-owning commuters to Dundee via the A90, along with those working across Angus — but plan around the lack of a railway in the town.
Schools in Forfar
Schools in Scotland are inspected by Education Scotland (His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education), not Ofsted, and Scottish inspection reports use quality indicators under “How good is our school?” rather than a single overall grade — so read each report in full. Scotland is comprehensive, with no selective grammar schools; a school called an “Academy” is a normal non-selective state secondary. Forfar has Forfar Academy and several Education-Scotland-inspected primaries. Because catchments and placing requests matter, confirm the current position directly with Angus Council.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forfar Academy | Secondary (state, comprehensive, non-denominational) | Education Scotland report | The town’s non-denominational secondary, serving Forfar and a wide rural catchment across central Angus — Education-Scotland inspected, with no single overall grade; read the latest report and check catchment. |
| Whitehills Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Education Scotland report | A modern primary serving the west of the town near Forfar Loch — Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Langlands Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Education Scotland report | An established primary serving central Forfar — Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Chapelpark Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | Education Scotland report | A primary serving the south and east of the town — Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Kirriemuir & Glamis area primaries | Primary (state, co-ed) — nearby | Education Scotland report | Rural primaries in the surrounding villages such as Glamis serve families just outside the town — Education-Scotland inspected; check catchment and the latest reports. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Forfar
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check — policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Forfar.
Interactive map of Forfar — view it on the online guide at thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk.
Popular parts of Forfar & nearby
Where you buy in Forfar shapes both your budget and your character — from the historic town centre to the newer edge-of-town estates and the greener areas near the loch and out into Strathmore. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Forfar
Forfar packs a famous pastry, a royal castle and a country park into one friendly county town. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Forfar
For a town its size, Forfar offers a lot — a famous local pastry, a country park, real heritage nearby and Dundee within a short drive.
Heritage & culture
Glamis Castle, Restenneth Priory, the Meffan museum and the county-town story give history and culture on the doorstep, with the Forfar Bridie a living local tradition.
Parks & the outdoors
Forfar Loch Country Park, the Angus glens (Glen Clova, Glen Prosen and more), and the walking and cycling of Strathmore give green space and hills close by.
Shops, sport & days out
The town centre and its bakers, Forfar Athletic (“the Loons”) at Station Park, golf and leisure facilities, and Dundee around 25 to 30 minutes away by road for wider shopping, the V&A Dundee and city leisure.
Healthcare & local services in Forfar
Healthcare access in Forfar is a mixed picture, and it is worth being accurate — a community health facility in the town, but the nearest full 24-hour A&E in Dundee.
The town has GP provision locally, dentists and pharmacies, and in Whitehills a community health and care facility. For emergency care, however, the full 24-hour A&E is at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, about 14 miles away, with NHS Tayside responsible for care across the area, and minor-injuries provision centred on Arbroath and Whitehills (call 111 first) though kept under review. This is an honest point for buyers who want a full A&E in the town itself. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Forfar
Day to day, Forfar is an affordable, friendly county town in farming Angus — real local character, good schools, a country park and countryside all around. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Forfar has the amenities of a county town — a High Street and its famous bakers, supermarkets and retail, primary schools and Forfar Academy, leisure and swimming facilities, Whitehills community health facility, the Angus Council headquarters, and a strong sense of community — along with Forfar Loch Country Park, Glamis Castle and Restenneth nearby, and Dundee around 25 to 30 minutes away by road for bigger shopping and services. The big everyday pluses are the value, the community and the countryside.
Connectivity for working is generally good — superfast and, in much of the town, full-fibre broadband reaches most addresses, so home and hybrid working is very possible, which matters more here because the town has no railway. The main trade-offs are honest: there is no station in Forfar (the nearest are Dundee and Arbroath), the nearest full A&E is in Dundee, and a car is important for most journeys — but for value, community and countryside in a genuine county town, Forfar is a strong choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Forfar? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Whitehills, Langlands, Chapelpark and others; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes | Forfar Academy — the town’s non-denominational comprehensive, serving a wide rural catchment |
| Further education | Nearby | Dundee and Angus College has provision in the county and in Dundee |
| GP & hospital | Local / community facility | GP provision locally and Whitehills community health and care facility |
| Nearest A&E | Dundee (~14 miles) | Ninewells Hospital, Dundee — the area’s full 24-hour A&E |
| Railway station | None (nearest Dundee/Arbroath) | Forfar has no station (line closed 1967); nearest main-line stations Dundee and Arbroath |
| Shops & centre | Yes (town) | High Street, the county-town centre and retail |
| Green space | Yes (abundant) | Forfar Loch Country Park, the Angus glens and Strathmore countryside |
Working & connectivity in Forfar
More people than ever work from home or hybrid, and this matters more in Forfar because the town has no railway — so it’s worth being realistic about connectivity.
Superfast broadband reaches almost all of Forfar, with gigabit-capable full-fibre now available across much of the town and the newer estates, so home and hybrid working is very possible — which is a real plus in a town with no station, complemented by the A90 for office days in Dundee. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older town-centre properties and in the surrounding villages and glens, so check the specific property on the providers’ and Ofcom’s coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | Superfast almost everywhere; gigabit full-fibre across much of the town — check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good in the town; can vary in the glens and out in Strathmore |
| Rail for office days | No station in Forfar — nearest main-line rail at Dundee (~14 miles) and Arbroath |
| Road & air | A90 to Dundee, Perth and Aberdeen; Dundee Airport ~30–35 min, Aberdeen & Edinburgh further |
Flood risk in Forfar
On flooding, Forfar is mostly well placed — much of the town sits on higher ground — but as anywhere it is worth checking, particularly for homes near Forfar Loch and the Dean Water and for surface-water risk in heavy rain.
Cost of living & running a home in Forfar
Beyond the mortgage, it helps to picture the ongoing costs of a home here. Indicative only — always confirm for a specific property.
| Typical ongoing cost | Indicative figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Council tax (Band D, 2026/27) | £1,598.65 | Angus Council’s own charge — no police, fire or community precept in Scotland (8 bands A–H); confirm your band |
| Scottish Water (Band D, 2026/27) | £652.32/yr | Water £301.95 + waste water £350.37 — billed alongside council tax but a separate Scottish Water charge |
| Buildings insurance | Varies — check near water | Low-lying and lochside homes can cost more; get a quote and a flood check before committing |
| Broadband | ~£28–£48/mth | Superfast almost everywhere; gigabit full-fibre across much of the town — check the address |
Financing a home in Forfar
An affordable, friendly county town in farming Angus is a sensible thing to buy into — a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Forfar’s value and community are the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter — from first-time-buyer flats to larger family and country homes. Older town-centre properties, newer estate homes with their own considerations, and any low-lying or lochside ground are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully, so a flood check (SEPA) is wise near Forfar Loch and the Dean Water, alongside the Scottish home report and a survey on an older property. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
A whole-of-market approach really helps here. That’s Family Finance introduces you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers who search across lenders to fit your circumstances, and we make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Forfar
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Forfar — especially the Scottish home report, and a flood check on any home near Forfar Loch or the Dean Water.
History, heritage & famous connections
Forfar’s story is that of a Scottish county town. It grew as a royal burgh and a market centre in the fertile Howe of Strathmore, close to the ancient Pictish and early-medieval heartland of Angus; nearby Restenneth Priory has origins reaching back to the early church, and Malcolm III (Canmore) is associated with the town. Forfar was the scene, in the 17th century, of the notorious Forfar witch trials, and it long served as the administrative and market heart of the county.
The town’s later life was built on agriculture, on textiles (jute and linen) and on its role as the county town — the seat of the county and now of Angus Council. Its most famous export is the humble Forfar Bridie, still baked in the town, and its most famous neighbour is Glamis Castle, the childhood home of the Queen Mother. Much of the old textile industry has gone, but Forfar remains an affordable, friendly county town whose value, community and countryside — and its heritage at Glamis and Restenneth — are its genuine assets.
Forfar through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Early medieval | Restenneth, near Forfar, is an early religious site; Forfar sits in the Pictish and early-medieval heartland of Angus. |
| Medieval | Forfar becomes a royal burgh and the market and administrative centre of the county of Angus (Forfarshire). |
| 17th C | The notorious Forfar witch trials take place — a dark chapter remembered in the town’s history. |
| 18th–19th C | Agriculture, jute and linen build the town’s economy; the Forfar Bridie makes its name. |
| 1967 | Forfar loses its railway when the line through the town closes — the town has had no station since. |
| Today | Forfar is the seat of Angus Council — an affordable county town with Glamis Castle and Restenneth Priory nearby. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Forfar on the map.
The Forfar Bridie
The horseshoe-shaped meat pastry that originated in Forfar is the town’s most famous export — still baked by its bakers and known across Scotland as a genuine local speciality.
Glamis Castle & the Queen Mother
A few miles from Forfar, Glamis Castle was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret, as well as the legendary setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth — one of Scotland’s great historic houses.
The county town of Angus
Forfar is the county town of Angus and the seat of Angus Council — the administrative heart of the county, with a long history as a royal burgh and market town in Strathmore.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Forfar is a major commitment — and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection makes sure the home stays yours if life does not go to plan.
Life cover
Pays out a lump sum if you die during the policy term — typically arranged to clear the mortgage so your family can stay in the home.
Critical illness cover
Pays out if you are diagnosed with a serious illness the policy covers — helping you keep up payments while you focus on recovery.
Income protection
Replaces part of your income if you cannot work due to illness or injury — often the most overlooked, and most valuable, cover of all.
That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser — life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection are what we do. We don't arrange mortgages ourselves; we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers, and make sure your protection is set up properly alongside it. Talk to us →
Things people don't always tell you about Forfar
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Forfar compared with nearby towns
How Forfar sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it — a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forfar | ~£150k–£185k | No (nearest Dundee/Arbroath) | County town of Angus; the Forfar Bridie & Glamis Castle nearby; affordable market town |
| Arbroath | ~£140k–£175k | Yes (Dundee–Aberdeen main line) | Largest town in Angus; the Declaration of Arbroath, the abbey & the Smokie; coastal, rail-served |
| Montrose | ~£150k–£185k | Yes (Dundee–Aberdeen main line) | Coastal town & energy port on the Montrose Basin; the wide High Street; rail-served |
| Kirriemuir | ~£150k–£190k | No (nearest Dundee/Arbroath) | J.M. Barrie’s birthplace, gateway to the Angus glens; a smaller inland town |
| Dundee | ~£150k–£200k | Yes (main line, fast to Edinburgh) | The city on the Tay — V&A Dundee, universities and Ninewells A&E; more amenities, dearer |
Pros & cons of living in Forfar
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| An affordable, friendly county town with a real community | No railway station in the town — the nearest are Dundee and Arbroath |
| Genuine heritage nearby — Glamis Castle and Restenneth Priory | Nearest full 24-hour A&E is at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee |
| The famous Forfar Bridie and a proper county-town centre | A car is important for most journeys — a quieter market town |
| A simple Scottish council-tax bill — no police, fire or community precept | Scottish Water is a separate charge added to the same bill (~£652 at Band D) |
| Forfar Loch Country Park and the Angus glens on the doorstep | Some low-lying ground near the loch and the Dean Water needs a flood check |
| The A90 makes Dundee a workable drive | Older town-centre stock needs a survey; check the home report |
Villages & areas around Forfar
Many buyers who love Forfar look just outside it too — a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Forfar?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
First-time buyers & value seekers
People wanting an affordable market town — flats and terraces from around £70,000–£120,000 — with LBTT relief up to £175,000 meaning most pay no purchase tax.
Families
People wanting affordable family homes and good schools — Forfar Academy and several primaries — with Forfar Loch Country Park and a real community, in the heart of farming Angus.
Country & heritage lovers
People drawn to countryside, the Angus glens and genuine heritage nearby — Glamis Castle and Restenneth Priory — who are happy in a quieter county town where a car is important.
What your money buys in Forfar
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure — indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Forfar, step by step
A simple order of play that keeps things on track.
1. Get your budget straight
Work out your deposit and the true monthly cost (mortgage, council tax — Angus’s Band D is £1,598.65 — the separate Scottish Water charge of about £652 at Band D, insurance, and any LBTT, though most Forfar homes fall under the £145,000/£175,000 thresholds), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly.
2. Do your homework on the property
Read the Scottish home report, get a flood check on any low-lying or lochside home, get a survey (wise on an older town-centre property), check the school catchment, and confirm your commute (remembering there is no railway) — before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A whole-of-market mortgage adviser, a good surveyor and a local solicitor will save you time, money and stress. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Forfar?
This guide isn't just for people moving in. If you already own here, a few moments now can save a lot later.
If your current mortgage deal is within about six months of ending, it's usually worth reviewing your options rather than drifting onto your lender's standard variable rate, which is often more expensive. And whether or not you're moving, it's worth checking that your protection still matches your life. We can introduce you to a whole-of-market, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Forfar
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Forfar
- Enjoy the town — the Forfar Bridie, the county-town centre and the Meffan museum, with Glamis Castle and Restenneth Priory nearby.
- Plan around the transport — there is no railway in Forfar (nearest stations Dundee and Arbroath); the A90 links to Dundee, and a car is important.
- Note the value — Forfar is an affordable market town, and LBTT relief means first-time buyers pay nothing up to £175,000.
- Confirm the council tax and band — Band D is £1,598.65 for 2026/27 (Angus’s own charge; no police, fire or community precept); Scotland has 8 bands A–H.
- Budget for Scottish Water separately — water and waste water are about £652 at Band D for 2026/27, on the same bill but set by Scottish Water.
- Remember the A&E point — Whitehills is a community facility; the nearest full 24-hour A&E is Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.
- For schools, note Education-Scotland reports have no single grade — check catchment for Forfar Academy and the primaries.
- On any low-lying or lochside home near Forfar Loch or the Dean Water, get a flood check (SEPA) and read the Scottish home report carefully.
- Use the Revenue Scotland LBTT calculator for your purchase-tax figure, not an England Stamp Duty tool.
- Explore Forfar Loch Country Park, Glamis Castle, Restenneth Priory and the Angus glens to get a feel for the area.
- Note Dundee is around 25 to 30 minutes by road for wider shopping, the V&A Dundee and the nearest main-line rail.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle before you start viewing in earnest.
- Review your protection at the same time as your mortgage — important for family buyers.
- Take your solicitor’s advice on the home report, flood, boundary and standard searches.
Nearby areas worth considering
If you are weighing Forfar against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Dundee
The city on the Tay to the south — around 25 to 30 minutes by road on the A90 — home to the V&A Dundee, the universities, Ninewells Hospital’s A&E and the nearest main-line station.
Arbroath
The coastal town and largest in Angus to the south-east, about 20–25 minutes by road — home of the Declaration of Arbroath and the Smokie, with a main-line station.
Montrose
The coastal town and energy port to the east, about 25–30 minutes away on the Montrose Basin, with a main-line station.
Aberdeen
The Granite City to the north, around an hour by road on the A90.
Edinburgh
The capital to the south, around 1h30 by road via the A90 / M90, or by main-line train from Dundee.
Kirriemuir
The little town to the north, birthplace of J.M. Barrie and gateway to the Angus glens.
Family Protection
Whichever area you choose, the right life cover, critical illness cover and income protection matter just as much as the mortgage.
Talk to us →Speak to Us
Researching Forfar or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Get in touch →Frequently asked questions
Is Forfar a good place to live?
Is Forfar expensive?
Does Forfar have a railway station?
What is Forfar known for?
Does Forfar have a hospital with A&E?
Does Forfar have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Forfar?
How much is stamp duty on a Forfar property?
How much is council tax in Forfar?
Which police and fire services cover Forfar?
Is Forfar a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Forfar?
What is broadband like in Forfar?
Is Forfar good for families?
Is Forfar good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Forfar?
Is flooding a problem in Forfar?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Forfar?
Can existing homeowners in Forfar benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
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Whether you're researching Forfar, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options — we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
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That's Family Finance is an FCA-regulated protection adviser (life insurance, critical illness cover and income protection). We do not arrange mortgages ourselves — we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Transport information is approximate and can change; Forfar has NO railway station (the line through the town closed in 1967), so the nearest main-line stations are Dundee (about 14 miles) and Arbroath (about 15 miles) on the Dundee–Aberdeen line, with fast onward services from Dundee to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, while by road the A90 dual carriageway runs close by, linking Forfar south to Dundee and Perth and north to Aberdeen, with the A932/A933 to Arbroath and the coast — a car is important here, and you should always verify current timetables at scotrail.co.uk before travelling. School information: schools in Scotland are inspected by Education Scotland / His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (education.gov.scot), not Ofsted, and inspection reports use quality indicators under “How good is our school?” rather than a single overall grade; Scotland is comprehensive, with no selective grammar schools, so an “Academy” is a normal non-selective state secondary; Forfar has Forfar Academy and several primaries, with rural primaries in the surrounding villages — confirm catchment and placing requests with each school and Angus Council and read the latest reports. Healthcare: Forfar has Whitehills, an NHS Tayside community health and care facility, but the nearest full 24-hour, consultant-led Accident & Emergency department is at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee (about 14 miles away), which serves the whole of Angus, with minor-injuries provision in Angus centred on Arbroath Infirmary and Whitehills (call 111 before attending) though kept under review; NHS services can be reconfigured and travel times vary, so always verify current arrangements with NHS Tayside. References to the Forfar Bridie, Glamis Castle, Restenneth Priory, Forfar Loch Country Park and the Angus glens are for context. Crime information is general — check current data at scotland.police.uk; Forfar is policed by Police Scotland, the single national force, funded by the Scottish Government rather than a council-tax precept. Flood-risk: much of Forfar sits on higher ground at lower flood risk, but low-lying ground near Forfar Loch and the Dean Water, and surface water in heavy rain, carry a higher flood risk; defences and drainage help but do not remove risk, and flooding can affect insurance; always check the exact postcode at SEPA (sepa.org.uk) and confirm buildings insurance availability and cost before committing. Council tax: Forfar is in Angus, a Scottish unitary council; in Scotland the police and fire services are funded by the Scottish Government, not council tax, so there is no police or fire precept, and community councils do not levy a precept, so the Band D figure is simply Angus Council’s own set charge — £1,598.65 for 2026/27 (a 9.38% rise, adding £137.13, set in March 2026); Scotland uses eight council-tax bands (A–H) on 1991 values, with bands A–D scaling as 6/9, 7/9, 8/9 and 9/9 of Band D (Band A £1,065.77, and Band A × 1.5 = Band D exactly) and bands E–H using the higher Scottish multipliers (Band E £2,100.45, F £2,597.81, G £3,130.69, H £3,916.69) — every town in Angus shares this Band D, and you should confirm your exact band with Angus Council and the Scottish Assessors. Water and waste water are provided by Scottish Water and billed alongside council tax on the same notice but as a separate charge (about £652.32 at Band D for 2026/27 — water £301.95 plus waste water £350.37); these are not part of the council-tax figure. Property purchase tax in Scotland is Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), collected by Revenue Scotland, not Stamp Duty; the main-residential nil-rate band runs to £145,000 with first-time-buyer relief to £175,000, and an Additional Dwelling Supplement applies to second homes and buy-to-let; use the Revenue Scotland LBTT calculator (revenue.scot) for an exact figure. Property prices are indicative and based on recent public sold-price data — Forfar is a DD8 town where averages are often around £150,000 to £185,000 with larger and country homes beyond, with a wide range by property and area; verify current values via Registers of Scotland or an independent valuation for the exact home. Salary and affordability figures are illustrative only and do not constitute financial advice. LBTT figures should be verified using the official Revenue Scotland calculator.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. That's Family Finance is an independent, FCA-regulated firm (No. 1038034).
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