A buyer’s guide to Kintore, property prices and council tax, schools and their latest HM Inspectorate of Education reports, transport, healthcare, flood risk, the local lending realities, and the questions worth asking before you commit.
- Quick Answers
- Prices
- Market
- Why Kintore
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk · hello@thatsfamilyfinance.co.uk
We do not arrange mortgages ourselves, we introduce you to carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage advisers.
Figures in this guide were correct when it was produced and do change. Always verify council tax with the local council, school inspection reports with HM Inspectorate of Education and journey times with the operator before you rely on them.
Mortgage Adviser & Broker in Kintore
Whether you’re buying your first home in Kintore, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this ancient Garioch royal burgh on the River Don, a genuinely reopened railway station giving direct trains to Aberdeen, big new-build growth, the historic Town House and Hallforest Castle, and Bennachie and Thainstone close by, all at Aberdeenshire rather than Aberdeen prices, this guide covers what buyers and homeowners in Kintore actually want to know.
Quick answers about Kintore
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Kintore a good place to live?⌄
Yes, a fast-growing Garioch commuter town with its own railway.
Is Kintore expensive?⌄
A little more affordable than Inverurie, a mid-market commuter town.
Does Kintore have a train station?⌄
Yes, reopened in 2020, direct trains to Aberdeen.
What is Kintore known for?⌄
A royal burgh, its reopened railway & new-build growth.
Does Kintore have a hospital with A&E?⌄
No A&E in town; nearest full A&E is Aberdeen (ARI).
Is Kintore right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others. Here is how Kintore rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen commuters | ★★★★★ | A reopened railway station (2020) with direct trains to Aberdeen in around 15 to 16 minutes, the A96 by road and the airport at Dyce 15–20 minutes away, one of the best and closest commutes in Aberdeenshire. |
| Families | ★★★★★ | Extensive new-build family estates, two primary schools (Kintore Primary and Midmill), and the secondary at nearby Kemnay Academy, with Bennachie and the Don on the doorstep, a genuine family-commuter town; check catchments. |
| First-time buyers | ★★★★☆ | A little more affordable than Inverurie, with flats, smaller homes and new-build starter houses offering accessible ways in (often from around £110,000–£170,000), a realistic first step with a railway. |
| Downsizers & retirees | ★★★★☆ | A growing, walkable small town with a railway, shops and countryside close by, though the nearest full 24-hour A&E is Aberdeen Royal Infirmary about 14 miles away. |
| Property developers & investors | ★★★★☆ | Strong commuter rental demand and extensive new-build support buy-to-let and development, though the market is exposed to the Aberdeen oil-and-gas cycle, demand softened after the oil downturn. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Kintore does brilliantly, and what to weigh carefully, before you commit.
Kintore at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & council | Aberdeenshire (Scottish unitary): Aberdeenshire Council |
| Community council | Kintore has a community council but it does NOT levy a precept. Band D is Aberdeenshire Council’s own charge |
| Nation | Scotland, 8 council-tax bands (A–H); schools inspected by HM Inspectorate of Education; police = Police Scotland |
| Postcode district | AB51 |
| Approx. character | An ancient Garioch royal burgh on the River Don, a fast-growing Aberdeen commuter town with its own reopened railway and lots of new-build |
| Average house price | A little cheaper than Inverurie, often £200,000–£260,000; larger detached homes beyond; sources vary |
| Railway | Kintore station, Aberdeen–Inverness line, REOPENED 2020, direct to Aberdeen (~15–16 min) |
| Nearest A&E | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), Aberdeen, the nearest full 24-hour blue-light A&E (~14 miles); Inverurie has a community hospital |
| Schools | Education-Scotland inspected (no single grade); comprehensive; Kintore Primary & Midmill Primary; secondary at Kemnay Academy |
| Known for | Its reopened railway, new-build growth, the Town House (1747), Hallforest Castle and Bennachie close by |
| Population | About 4,700–5,000, one of the fastest-growing towns in Aberdeenshire |
| Roads | The A96 (Aberdeen–Inverness); the B977 & B994 |
| Water & sewerage | Scottish Water (billed alongside council tax but a separate charge) |
| Council tax (Band D) | £1,686.04 for 2026/27 (Aberdeenshire Council’s own charge; no police, fire or community precept), confirm your band |
Property prices & council tax in Kintore
Kintore is an affordable-to-mid family-commuter market, generally a touch cheaper than neighbouring Inverurie, and its reopened railway and strong new-build growth are central to its appeal. It offers flats and smaller homes in and around the old burgh, semi-detached family homes, extensive new-build estates at Midmill and around the town, and some larger detached and country homes. 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 & smaller homes | Indicatively around £100,000–£160,000 | First-time buyers; investors; downsizers |
| Terraced & smaller family homes | Indicatively around £140,000–£210,000 | First-time buyers; smaller families |
| Semi-detached & family homes | Indicatively around £190,000–£290,000 | Growing families; estate and commuter buyers |
| Kintore average | A little cheaper than Inverurie, often £200,000–£260,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the town |
| Detached & larger homes | Indicatively £290,000–£500,000+ | Buyers wanting a larger, newer or country home (the estates and the Garioch 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.
£155,000
Flat / smaller home
~£34,000
household income (guide)
£230,000
Town benchmark
~£51,000
household income (guide)
£350,000
Detached / newer estate (indicative)
~£78,000
household income (guide)
Kintore affordability & Land and Buildings Transaction Tax calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Kintore 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. 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 Scotland, as at October 2026
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 to £250,000 | 2% |
| £250,001 to £325,000 | 5% |
| £325,001 to £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 up to £600 less. An Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) of 8% applies to second homes and buy-to-lets across the whole price.
LBTT rates as at October 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 Kintore property market in depth
Kintore offers an active, growing market, flats and smaller homes in the old burgh, semi-detached and estate family homes, extensive new-build at Midmill and around the town, and some larger detached and country properties, with a reopened railway, new schools and strong family demand all supporting a market a little more affordable than Inverurie.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & smaller homes | The more accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers, investors, downsizers and commuters. | £100,000–£160,000 |
| Terraced & smaller family homes | Older homes in the burgh and established streets. | £140,000–£210,000 |
| Semi-detached & estate homes | Popular family homes on the new estates and older suburbs. | £190,000–£290,000 |
| Detached & larger homes | Larger new-build, period and country homes, the top of the local market. | £290,000–£500,000+ |
Kintore’s appeal, a fast-growing commuter town with a reopened railway, new schools and extensive new-build, makes it a busy market, from first-time-buyer flats to large new-build family homes.
That commuter and family demand is the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter. New-build estate homes with their own considerations, older burgh stock, and a market tied to the Aberdeen oil-and-gas economy, where demand softened after the oil downturn, are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers weigh, and the Scottish home report gives you a survey up front. A mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans, the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Kintore so popular?
Kintore’s appeal is a growing commuter town with a reopened railway, new-build family homes, good value and real history and countryside on the doorstep.
The reopened railway & the Aberdeen commute
Kintore station reopened in 2020, giving direct trains to Aberdeen in around 15 to 16 minutes, with the A96 by road and the airport at Dyce 15–20 minutes away, the city’s reach at Aberdeenshire prices, and a real everyday asset.
New homes, schools & family life
Extensive new-build family estates at Midmill and around the town, two primary schools and the secondary at Kemnay Academy, a genuine family-commuter town with room to grow.
History, the Don & Bennachie
The Town House of 1747, Hallforest Castle, Castle Hill and the River Don, with Bennachie and Thainstone mart close by, an ancient royal burgh with real character and countryside all around.
Transport & commuting from Kintore
Transport in Kintore is a genuine strength, a reopened railway to Aberdeen, the A96 trunk road and the airport at Dyce close by. These indicative times are a starting point, always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kintore → Aberdeen | ~15–16 min | Direct by train on the Aberdeen–Inverness line, the key commuter journey (station reopened 2020) |
| Kintore → Aberdeen (by road) | ~20–30 min drive | South-east on the A96, can be busy at peak times |
| Kintore → Aberdeen Airport (Dyce) | ~15–20 min drive | South-east on the A96, the nearest major airport, also on the railway |
| Kintore → Aberdeen Royal Infirmary | ~25–30 min drive | South-east to Foresterhill in Aberdeen, the nearest full 24-hour A&E (~14 miles) |
| Kintore → Inverurie | ~5–10 min | North-west by train or road, the neighbouring market and commuter town |
| Kintore → Kemnay | ~10 min drive | West by road, for Kemnay Academy and Bennachie |
| Kintore → Huntly | ~30 min | North-west by train or the A96, for the wider Garioch and Strathbogie |
| Kintore → Inverness | ~2 hr | North-west by train or the A96, the Highland capital |
Getting around Kintore
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through, the practical picture.
By train
Kintore has its own station, reopened in 2020, on the Aberdeen–Inverness line, with direct trains to Aberdeen in around 15 to 16 minutes and services north-west to Inverurie, Huntly, Elgin and Inverness, a genuine commuter asset.
By car
The A96 links the town south-east to Aberdeen and the airport and north-west into the Garioch. A car is useful for the wider area, though the A96 can be busy at peak times.
For the airport
Aberdeen International Airport at Dyce is around 15 to 20 minutes by road, and also reachable by train, the nearest major airport, and one of the closest in Aberdeenshire.
By bus
Kintore has bus services to Aberdeen, Inverurie, Kemnay and the surrounding villages, including the school bus to Kemnay Academy, check current routes and frequencies.
On foot & by bike
The old burgh, The Square and the riverside are walkable, with paths along the Don and routes out towards Bennachie for walking and cycling.
For the commute
Kintore suits Aberdeen commuters especially well, a direct 15-to-16-minute train and the A96, along with those working across the Garioch and the wider north-east.
Schools in Kintore
Schools in Scotland are inspected by HM 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. Kintore has two primary schoolsKintore Primary and the newer Midmill Primary and its secondary pupils travel toKemnay Academy in neighbouring Kemnay. Because catchments and placing requests matter, and the town is growing fast, confirm the current position directly with Aberdeenshire Council.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kemnay Academy | Secondary (state, comprehensive, non-denominational) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | The Garioch secondary serving Kintore, Kemnay and the surrounding area; Kintore pupils travel by bus to Kemnay, Education-Scotland inspected, with no single overall grade; read the latest report and check catchment. |
| Kintore Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | The town’s established primary, in a building opened in 2006, Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Midmill Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A modern primary opened in 2016 to serve Kintore’s growing new-build estates, Education-Scotland inspected; check catchment and read the report in full. |
| Kemnay & Garioch cluster primaries | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | Kemnay Academy also draws from primaries across the wider Garioch cluster (Kemnay, and villages around), all Education-Scotland inspected; confirm catchment with Aberdeenshire Council. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Kintore
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check, policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Kintore.
Popular parts of Kintore & nearby
Where you buy in Kintore shapes both your budget and your character, from the old burgh around The Square to the extensive newer estates and the edge-of-town country homes. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Kintore
Kintore packs an ancient royal burgh, a reopened railway and real countryside into one growing town. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Kintore
For a small town, Kintore offers a lot, hills and a river, a growing community, and Aberdeen and the coast within easy reach by its reopened railway.
Hills, the river & the outdoors
Bennachie for walking, the River Don for riverside strolls and angling, and the Garioch countryside for cycling and days out give the outdoors on the doorstep.
Heritage & culture
The Town House, Hallforest Castle, Castle Hill and the town’s history as a royal burgh, with Thainstone mart and the Garioch’s wider heritage close by.
Shops, sport & days out
Local shops and services, community and sports facilities, and Aberdeen around 15 to 16 minutes away by direct train for wider shopping, culture and days out.
Healthcare & local services in Kintore
Healthcare access in Kintore is reasonable for a commuter town, no A&E in the town, but a community hospital in neighbouring Inverurie and the nearest full 24-hour blue-light A&E in Aberdeen, about 14 miles away.
The town has GP provision locally, dentists and pharmacies, and neighbouring Inverurie has a community hospital for a range of local outpatient, day and community services. For emergency care, however, the full 24-hour blue-light A&E is at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, about 14 miles away, with NHS Grampian responsible for care across the area, closer than from much of Aberdeenshire, but still a point for buyers who want a full A&E in the town itself. GP and dental registration availability changes over time, and Kintore is growing fast, so always check directly with a practice about its current catchment before relying on it for a move.
Living in Kintore
Day to day, Kintore is a growing, well-connected commuter town, a fast reopened train to Aberdeen, new schools, new-build family homes, a historic burgh centre and hills and a river on the doorstep. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Kintore has the amenities of a growing small town, local shops and services, two primary schools, community and sports facilities, and a strong sense of a place on the up, along with Bennachie, the River Don, the historic Town House and the Garioch countryside, and Aberdeen around 15 to 16 minutes away by direct train for bigger shopping, work and services. The big everyday pluses are the reopened railway, the schools and the value.
Connectivity for working is generally good, superfast and, on much of the newer stock, full-fibre broadband reaches most addresses, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the reopened railway and the A96 for office days in Aberdeen. The main trade-offs are honest: much of Kintore’s recent growth is new-build estate housing, the market is tied to the Aberdeen oil-and-gas economy (demand softened after the oil downturn), the A96 can be busy at peak times, and the nearest full A&E is in Aberdeen, but for a fast commute, new homes and good value, Kintore is one of Aberdeenshire’s strongest growth choices.
| Everyday amenity | In Kintore? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (two) | Kintore Primary and Midmill Primary; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Nearby | Kemnay Academy in neighbouring Kemnay, Kintore pupils travel by bus |
| Further education | Nearby | North East Scotland College in Aberdeen, ~15–16 min by train |
| GP & hospital | Local / community hospital nearby | GP provision locally; community hospital in neighbouring Inverurie (not a full A&E) |
| Nearest A&E | Aberdeen (~14 miles) | Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI), the nearest full 24-hour blue-light A&E |
| Railway station | Yes (reopened 2020) | Kintore, Aberdeen–Inverness line, direct to Aberdeen (~15–16 min) |
| Shops & centre | Yes (growing) | Local shops, supermarkets and services around The Square and the town |
| Green space & hills | Yes (abundant) | Bennachie, the River Don and the Garioch countryside |
Working & connectivity in Kintore
Superfast broadband reaches almost all of Kintore, with gigabit-capable full-fibre now available across much of the town and the newer estates, so home and hybrid working is very possible, complemented by the reopened railway and the A96 for office days in Aberdeen. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older burgh properties and in the surrounding Garioch countryside, 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 and the new estates, check the exact address |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good in the town; can vary in the surrounding Garioch countryside |
| Rail for office days | Kintore station (reopened 2020), Aberdeen–Inverness line, direct to Aberdeen (~15–16 min) |
| Road & air | A96 to Aberdeen (~20–30 min); Aberdeen International Airport (Dyce) ~15–20 min |
Check broadband before you make an offer in Kintore
Broadband speeds can vary street by street in Kintore, 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.
Check broadband at an address (Ofcom)Flood risk in Kintore
On flooding, much of Kintore sits above the river, but as a town on the River Don it is worth checking, particularly for homes near the river and low-lying ground and for surface-water risk in heavy rain.
Cost of living & running a home in Kintore
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) | £1,686.04 | Aberdeenshire 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 the river | Low-lying and riverside homes can cost more; get a quote and a flood check before committing |
| Broadband | ~£28–£48/mth |
Financing a home in Kintore
A growing commuter town with a reopened railway, new schools and good value is a sensible thing to buy into, a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Kintore’s commute, new schools and value are the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter, from first-time-buyer flats to large new-build family homes. New-build estate homes with their own considerations, older burgh stock, any low-lying or riverside ground, and a market tied to the Aberdeen oil-and-gas economy (demand softened after the oil downturn) are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully, so read the Scottish home report and consider a survey on an older property. Getting the right lender for your circumstances is where good advice pays off.
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. Read our full guide to mortgage protection insurance. Talk to us →
Conveyancing & the searches to expect in Kintore
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Kintore, especially the Scottish home report, and a flood check for any riverside or low-lying home.
History, heritage & famous connections
Kintore grew up on the banks of the River Don at the heart of the fertile Garioch, and it is an ancient place, a royal burgh whose charter and market rights go back centuries, with the ruined Hallforest Castle, once linked to the Keith family, standing nearby. The little Town House, or Tolbooth, of 1747 in The Square is the historic heart of the burgh, a reminder of Kintore’s long role as a market and burgh town in the Garioch.
For much of the 20th century Kintore was a quiet Garioch town that had lost its railway station, but the North Sea oil boom transformed the whole Aberdeen area, and Kintore, close to the city and the airport, became one of the fastest-growing towns in the north-east, with extensive new-build for families working in and around Aberdeen. The reopening of Kintore railway station in October 2020, after decades without one, has given the town a genuine commuter railway once more, and remains central to its modern growth story.
Kintore through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Ancient | The Garioch is settled early; Kintore grows on the River Don as a market and burgh town. |
| Medieval | Kintore becomes a royal burgh; Hallforest Castle, linked to the Keith family, is built nearby. |
| 1747 | The Kintore Town House (Tolbooth) is completed in The Square, the historic heart of the burgh. |
| 19th–20th C | Kintore is served, then loses, a railway station; it remains a quiet Garioch town through much of the 20th century. |
| 2020–today | Kintore railway station reopens on the Aberdeen–Inverness line; the town becomes one of the fastest-growing in the north-east, with extensive new-build. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Kintore on the map.
An ancient royal burgh
Kintore is an ancient royal burgh on the River Don, with its Town House of 1747, Hallforest Castle and Castle Hill, a place with centuries of history at the heart of the Garioch.
Bennachie & the Garioch
The great hill of Bennachie, with its Mither Tap and hillfort, rises close to Kintore over the fertile Garioch, one of the north-east’s most-loved landmarks and walks.
A reopened railway & commuter town
The reopening of Kintore station in 2020, giving direct trains to Aberdeen, has helped make the town one of the fastest-growing commuter towns in Aberdeenshire.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Kintore is a major commitment, and the mortgage is only part of the picture. Whatever you buy, the right protection can help keep the home 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.
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 Kintore
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Kintore compared with nearby towns
How Kintore sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it, a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kintore | ~£200k–£260k | Yes (own station reopened 2020, ~15–16 min to Aberdeen) | An ancient Garioch royal burgh SE of Inverurie; a reopened railway, new-build & good value |
| Inverurie | ~£220k–£270k | Yes (Aberdeen–Inverness line, ~24 min) | The neighbouring market and commuter town just north-west, a similar profile, a little dearer |
| Kemnay | ~£190k–£250k | No (former station closed 1950) | The Garioch village to the west with Kemnay Academy and Bennachie, commute by road or Kintore rail |
| Ellon | ~£180k–£240k | No (no railway; A90 to Aberdeen) | A commuter town on the Ythan to the north-east, no railway, a little more affordable |
| Aberdeen | ~£180k–£230k | Yes (mainline; ARI’s A&E) | The Granite City, the region’s hub for work, the airport and the hospital, ~15–16 min by train |
Pros & cons of living in Kintore
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A reopened railway with direct trains to Aberdeen in ~15–16 min, a genuine commuter asset | Much of the recent housing is new-build estate stock |
| Extensive new-build family homes and two primary schools | The market is tied to the Aberdeen oil-and-gas economy, demand softened after the oil downturn |
| An ancient royal-burgh centre with Bennachie and the Don close by | Nearest full 24-hour blue-light A&E is Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (~14 miles), not in the 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) |
| A little more affordable than neighbouring Inverurie | The A96 to Aberdeen can be busy at peak times |
| One of the fastest-growing, best-connected small towns in Aberdeenshire | Secondary pupils travel to Kemnay Academy rather than a school in the town |
Villages & areas around Kintore
Many buyers who love Kintore look just outside it too, a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Kintore?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Aberdeen commuters
People who want space, a railway and good value at Aberdeenshire prices, a direct 15-to-16-minute train to Aberdeen and the A96, without paying city prices.
Families
People wanting new-build family homes, two primary schools and the secondary at Kemnay Academy, with Bennachie and the Don on the doorstep, a genuine family-commuter town.
First-time & mid-market buyers
People wanting a realistic first or second step with a railway, flats, smaller homes and new-build starter houses at good value, a little cheaper than Inverurie.
What your money buys in Kintore
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure, indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Kintore, 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, Aberdeenshire’s Band D is £1,686.04, the separate Scottish Water charge of about £652 at Band D, insurance, and any LBTT, which many Kintore family buyers do pay), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly.
2. Do your homework on the property
Read the Scottish home report, check flood risk for any riverside or low-lying home, get a survey (wise on an older property), check the school catchment in a fast-growing town, and confirm your commute, and on a new-build, check the developer, adoption and factoring, before you fall in love.
3. Line up the right people
A 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 Kintore?
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 an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser, and review your life cover, critical illness cover and income protection alongside it.
Review my options →In summary: buying in Kintore
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Kintore
- Enjoy the town and the setting, the Town House, Hallforest Castle, Castle Hill, Bennachie and the River Don.
- Make the most of the transport, Kintore station (reopened 2020) gives a direct train to Aberdeen in about 15 to 16 minutes, with the airport at Dyce 15–20 minutes away.
- Note the value. Kintore is a little more affordable than Inverurie, so weigh the two if budget and stock matter to you.
- Confirm the council tax and band. Band D is £1,686.04 for 2026/27 (Aberdeenshire’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. Kintore has no A&E; the nearest full 24-hour blue-light A&E is Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, about 14 miles away.
- For schools, note Education-Scotland reports have no single grade, check catchment for Kintore Primary, Midmill and Kemnay Academy.
- Understand the market honestly, much of the growth is new-build, and the market is tied to the Aberdeen oil-and-gas economy, where demand softened after the oil downturn.
- On a new-build estate, check the developer, adoption and factoring charges, and for any riverside home get a flood check (SEPA).
- Use the Revenue Scotland LBTT calculator for your purchase-tax figure, many family buyers here do pay some LBTT.
- Explore Bennachie, the old burgh and the Garioch villages to get a feel for the area.
- 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 Kintore against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Inverurie
The neighbouring Garioch market and commuter town just north-west, about 5 to 10 minutes away by train or road, a similar profile, a little dearer, with its own station.
Kemnay
The Garioch village to the west, home of Kemnay Academy, Kemnay granite and Bennachie, Kintore’s secondary-school town.
Aberdeen
The Granite City about 15 to 16 minutes away by direct train, the region’s hub for work, the airport, the railway and Aberdeen Royal Infirmary’s A&E.
Westhill
A prosperous commuter town on the western edge of Aberdeen, south of Kintore, a business and family hub with no railway.
Ellon
A commuter town on the Ythan to the north-east, in the Aberdeen belt, a little more affordable, with no railway.
Alford
A Donside village and small town further west, in rural Aberdeenshire, for the wider Don valley and the Grampian Transport Museum.
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 about family protection →Speak to Us
Researching Kintore or a nearby area? We are always happy to point people in the right direction.
Ask us where to start →Is this the right route for you?
This is likely a good fit if…
- You are buying, moving or remortgaging in Kintore and want help comparing lenders rather than relying on one bank’s own range.
- You are employed or self-employed with reasonably clean credit and a deposit of around 5% or more.
- You want the mortgage and the protection that goes with it sorted together, rather than as two separate jobs.
- You would rather someone else dealt with the lender, the paperwork and the chasing.
We do not advise on the mortgage ourselves. The mortgage advice comes from a separately regulated firm we introduce you to.
Not sure it fits? Ask us anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kintore a good place to live?
Is Kintore expensive?
Does Kintore have a train station?
What is Kintore known for?
Does Kintore have a hospital with A&E?
Does Kintore have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Kintore?
How much is LBTT on a Kintore property?
How much is council tax in Kintore?
Which police and fire services cover Kintore?
Is Kintore a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Kintore?
What is broadband like in Kintore?
Is Kintore good for families?
Is Kintore good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Kintore?
Is flooding a problem in Kintore?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Kintore?
Can existing homeowners in Kintore benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Kintore, planning a move, reviewing your finances or simply exploring your options, we're always happy to point people in the right direction.
By submitting your details you agree that your contact information will be passed to a carefully selected, FCA-regulated mortgage adviser.
Also for homeowners in Kintore: Equity release in Kintore: releasing tax-free cash from your home in later life.
Other money guides for Kintore
Buying is one piece of it. These cover the rest of the picture in Kintore.
Protecting the mortgage is the part we advise on ourselves. Read how mortgage protection insurance works, including which type of cover suits which situation.
Short reads that work through the local numbers. No sales pitch.