A buyer’s guide to Montrose, 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 Montrose
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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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 Montrose
Whether you’re buying your first home in Montrose, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching this historic coastal town and port, set between the wildlife-rich Montrose Basin and the North Sea, with its famously wide High Street, its energy port and its beach and golf links, and a direct rail line to Dundee and Aberdeen, this guide covers what buyers and homeowners in Montrose actually want to know.
Quick answers about Montrose
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Montrose a good place to live?⌄
Yes, a characterful coastal town and port with a direct rail line.
Is Montrose expensive?⌄
No, affordable-to-mid for the Angus coast.
How far is Montrose from Dundee and Aberdeen?⌄
About 30 minutes to Dundee, 35–40 to Aberdeen by train.
What is Montrose known for?⌄
The Montrose Basin, the wide High Street & the energy port.
Does Montrose have a hospital with A&E?⌄
Community health provision in town; nearest full A&E is Ninewells, Dundee.
Is Montrose right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others. Here is how Montrose rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyers | ★★★★☆ | Affordable prices, flats and town-centre terraces frequently from around £80,000–£120,000, and the LBTT nil-rate band (£175,000 for first-time buyers) means most pay no purchase tax. |
| Dundee & Aberdeen commuters | ★★★★☆ | Direct trains to Dundee in around 30 minutes and Aberdeen in about 35 to 40, plus the A90/A92, two cities within reach from an affordable coastal base. |
| Energy & port workers | ★★★★☆ | Montrose Port is a busy North Sea energy, offshore-wind and decommissioning support base, a genuine local employer supporting demand for family homes. |
| Families | ★★★★☆ | Affordable family homes, Education-Scotland primaries and Montrose Academy, a long beach and the Basin wildlife reserve, check catchments and the low-lying flood-risk areas. |
| Downsizers & retirees | ★★★☆☆ | A walkable seaside town with a beach, golf and heritage, though the nearest full A&E is at Ninewells in Dundee rather than in the town. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Montrose does brilliantly, and what to weigh carefully, before you commit.
Montrose at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & council | Angus (Scottish unitary): Angus Council |
| Community council | Montrose 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 HM Inspectorate of Education; police = Police Scotland |
| Postcode district | DD10 |
| Approx. character | A historic coastal town and port, between the Montrose Basin and the North Sea, with a busy energy port and a wide High Street |
| Average house price | Affordable-to-mid, often £150,000–£185,000; newer detached and seafront homes beyond; sources vary |
| Railway | Montrose, on the Dundee–Aberdeen main line (direct Dundee ~30 min, Aberdeen ~35–40 min) |
| Nearest A&E | Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, the area’s full 24-hour A&E (~30 miles); local provision is community-level |
| Schools | Education-Scotland inspected (no single grade); comprehensive; Montrose Academy and several primaries |
| Known for | The Montrose Basin wildlife reserve, the wide High Street, the energy port & Montrose Air Station |
| Population | About 12,000, a mid-sized Angus coastal town |
| Roads | The A92 coastal route and the A90 (Dundee–Aberdeen dual carriageway) close by; the A935 inland to Brechin |
| 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 Montrose
Montrose is affordable-to-mid for the east coast, reflecting its Angus coastal location, its mix of historic town-centre stock and newer estates, and a working economy anchored by its energy port. It offers older flats and terraces in and around the wide High Street and town centre (frequently from around £80,000–£120,000), semi-detached family homes, newer estates on the edges, and larger period and seafront villas in the greener and coastal areas. 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 £70,000–£120,000 | First-time buyers; investors; the most accessible ways in |
| Terraced & smaller homes | Indicatively around £110,000–£160,000 | First-time buyers; smaller families |
| Semi-detached & family homes | Indicatively around £150,000–£220,000 | Growing families; estate and port-worker buyers |
| Montrose average | Affordable-to-mid, often £150,000–£185,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the town |
| Detached, villa & seafront homes | Indicatively £220,000–£420,000+ | Buyers wanting a larger, greener or seafront home (edge of town, seafront villas) |
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.
£120,000
Flat / smaller home
~£27,000
household income (guide)
£175,000
Town benchmark
~£39,000
household income (guide)
£290,000
Detached / seafront (indicative)
~£64,000
household income (guide)
Montrose affordability & Land and Buildings Transaction Tax calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Montrose 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 Montrose property market in depth
Montrose offers an affordable-to-mid market, town-centre flats and terraces, newer family estates and larger detached and seafront homes, with a direct rail line to Dundee and Aberdeen, a busy energy port and a real seaside setting all supporting steady demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & town-centre terraces | The most accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers, investors and port workers. | £70,000–£120,000 |
| Terraced & smaller homes | Historic town-centre and older-suburb terraces across the town. | £110,000–£160,000 |
| Semi-detached & estate homes | Popular family homes on the edges and newer estates. | £150,000–£220,000 |
| Detached, villa & seafront homes | Larger and greener homes and period and seafront villas, the top of the local market. | £220,000–£420,000+ |
Montrose’s appeal, a characterful coastal town with real heritage, a direct rail line and a busy energy port, makes it a steady market, from first-time-buyer and port-worker flats to larger family and seafront homes.
That mix 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 the coastal, tidal and Montrose Basin flood story are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully, and a flood check is wise on any low-lying or waterside home. A mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans, the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Montrose so popular?
Montrose’s appeal is a characterful coastal town with a wildlife-rich basin, a wide High Street, a busy port and a beach, genuine value with a real setting.
The Montrose Basin & the coast
The Montrose Basin, a tidal lagoon and Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve, famous for its geese and wading birds, with a visitor centre, the North Sea beach, and the peninsula setting define the town.
The wide High Street & heritage
The famously wide High Street of tall, Flemish-influenced “gable-endie” houses, the museum, the steeple and the town’s history as a royal burgh and trading port give it a genuine sense of place.
The port, golf & the rail line
Montrose Port’s busy energy economy, the championship-standard golf links, the beach, and direct trains to Dundee and Aberdeen, work, leisure and connections all in one coastal town.
Transport & commuting from Montrose
Transport in Montrose is a genuine strength for a coastal town, a station on the Dundee–Aberdeen main line and the A92/A90 roads. These indicative times are a starting point, always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montrose → Dundee | ~30 min | Direct by train on the Dundee–Aberdeen main line, a key commuter journey |
| Montrose → Aberdeen | ~35–40 min | Direct by train up the coast, the second city within reach |
| Montrose → Arbroath | ~10–15 min | Direct by train or the A92 south down the coast |
| Montrose → Brechin | ~10–15 min drive | Inland on the A935 to the cathedral town |
| Montrose → Forfar | ~25–30 min drive | Inland on the A935 to the county town |
| Montrose → Stonehaven & Aberdeen (road) | ~40–50 min drive | North on the A92 / A90 up the coast |
| Montrose → Edinburgh | ~1h45–2h | By train changing at (or through) Dundee, the capital via the main line |
| Montrose → Dundee Airport | ~45 min drive | South via the A90, the nearest airport (Aberdeen & Edinburgh larger) |
Getting around Montrose
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through, the practical picture.
By train
Montrose station is on the Dundee–Aberdeen main line, with direct trains to Dundee in around 30 minutes and Aberdeen in about 35 to 40, and onward connections south from Dundee to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London.
By car
The A92 links the town south down the coast to Arbroath and Dundee and north to Stonehaven, with the A90 dual carriageway close by and the A935 inland to Brechin. A car is useful for the wider county and the inland towns.
For the airport
Dundee Airport is around 45 minutes by road for a small number of flights; Aberdeen and Edinburgh airports are the larger options further afield.
By bus
Montrose has bus services across Angus and to Dundee, Arbroath, Brechin and the coastal and inland villages, check current routes and frequencies.
On foot & by bike
The town centre, the wide High Street, the harbour and the beach are walkable, and there are paths around the Montrose Basin and along the coast, with cycle routes across the town.
For the commute
Montrose suits Dundee and Aberdeen commuters and energy-port workers especially well, a direct train to two cities and a busy local port, along with those working across Angus.
Schools in Montrose
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. Montrose has Montrose 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose Academy | Secondary (state, comprehensive, non-denominational) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | The town’s non-denominational secondary, serving Montrose and a wide coastal and rural catchment, Education-Scotland inspected, with no single overall grade; read the latest report and check catchment. |
| Southesk Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A primary serving central and southern Montrose, Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Lochside Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A primary serving the west of the town near the Basin, Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Ferryden Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed), nearby | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A primary in the fishing village of Ferryden across the South Esk, serving the south side, Education-Scotland inspected; check catchment and read the latest report. |
| Rosemount Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A primary serving the north of the town, Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Montrose
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check, policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Montrose.
Popular parts of Montrose & nearby
Where you buy in Montrose shapes both your budget and your character, from the historic town centre and the wide High Street to the newer estates and the greener seafront and Basin-side edges. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Montrose
Montrose packs a wildlife-rich basin, a wide historic High Street, an energy port and an aviation heritage into one coastal town. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Montrose
For a town its size, Montrose offers a lot, wildlife, a beach and golf, real heritage, and Dundee and Aberdeen both within an easy train ride.
Wildlife & the outdoors
The Montrose Basin reserve and its visitor centre, the North Sea beach, the coastal and Basin paths and the golf links give wildlife, walking and sport on the doorstep.
Heritage & culture
The wide High Street, the Montrose Museum, Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre and the town’s royal-burgh and Jacobite story give history and culture close at hand.
Shops, sport & days out
The town centre and the High Street, the golf links, leisure facilities, and Dundee around 30 minutes away by train for wider shopping, the V&A Dundee and city leisure, with Aberdeen a similar ride north.
Healthcare & local services in Montrose
Healthcare access in Montrose is a mixed picture, and it is worth being accurate, community health provision in the town, but the nearest full 24-hour A&E in Dundee.
The town has GP provision locally, dentists and pharmacies, and NHS Tayside community services. For emergency care, however, the full 24-hour A&E is at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, about 30 miles away, with NHS Tayside responsible for care across the area, and the nearest minor-injuries units in Angus at Stracathro (near Brechin) and Arbroath (call 111 first). 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 Montrose
Day to day, Montrose is a characterful coastal town and port, a wildlife-rich basin, a wide historic High Street, a busy energy port, a beach and a direct train to Dundee and Aberdeen. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Montrose has the amenities of a substantial coastal town, a historic centre and the wide High Street, supermarkets and retail, primary schools and Montrose Academy, leisure facilities and the golf links, community health provision, a busy working port, and a strong sense of place, along with the Montrose Basin reserve, the beach and the town’s heritage, and Dundee around 30 minutes away by train (Aberdeen a similar ride north) for bigger shopping and services. The big everyday pluses are the coast, the wildlife, the port economy and the rail line.
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, complemented by the main-line station for office days in Dundee or Aberdeen. The main trade-offs are honest: the nearest full A&E is in Dundee rather than the town, and low-lying and waterside homes carry coastal, tidal and Montrose Basin flood risk worth a check, but for coast, wildlife, work and value with a real commute, Montrose is a strong choice.
| Everyday amenity | In Montrose? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Southesk, Lochside, Rosemount and others; Ferryden across the South Esk; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes | Montrose Academy, the town’s non-denominational comprehensive, serving a wide catchment |
| Further education | Nearby | Dundee and Angus College has provision in the county and in Dundee |
| GP & hospital | Community provision in town | GP practices and NHS Tayside community services; nearest MIUs at Stracathro and Arbroath |
| Nearest A&E | Dundee (~30 miles) | Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, the area’s full 24-hour A&E |
| Railway station | Yes | Montrose, Dundee–Aberdeen main line (direct Dundee ~30 min, Aberdeen ~35–40 min) |
| Shops & centre | Yes (town) | The wide High Street, the town centre and retail |
| Green space & coast | Yes (abundant) | The Montrose Basin reserve, the beach, the golf links and the Angus coast |
Working & connectivity in Montrose
Superfast broadband reaches almost all of Montrose, 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 main-line station for office days in Dundee or Aberdeen. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older town-centre properties and in the surrounding coastal and inland villages, so check the specific property on the providers’ and Ofcom’s coverage checkers before you commit.
| Connectivity | Typical picture |
|---|---|
| Fixed broadband | |
| Mobile coverage | Generally good in the town; can vary along the coast and inland |
| Rail for office days | Montrose, Dundee–Aberdeen main line (direct Dundee ~30 min, Aberdeen ~35–40 min) |
| Road & air | A92/A90 to Dundee, Arbroath and Aberdeen; Dundee Airport ~45 min, Aberdeen & Edinburgh further |
Check broadband before you make an offer in Montrose
Broadband speeds can vary street by street in Montrose, 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 Montrose
On flooding, Montrose needs a genuine check. The town sits on a peninsula between the Montrose Basin and the North Sea, so the low-lying reaches near the Basin, the South Esk and the shore carry real coastal, tidal and surface-water risk.
Cost of living & running a home in Montrose
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, Basin-side, riverside and seafront homes can cost more; get a quote and a flood check before committing |
| Broadband | ~£28–£48/mth |
Financing a home in Montrose
A characterful coastal town and port with a direct rail line is a sensible thing to buy into, a few points on the mortgage side are worth understanding first.
Montrose’s coast, port economy and value are the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter, from first-time-buyer and port-worker flats to larger family and seafront homes. Older town-centre properties, newer estate homes with their own considerations, and any low-lying, Basin-side, riverside or seafront ground are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully, so a flood check (SEPA) is wise on any low-lying home, 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.
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 Montrose
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Montrose, especially the Scottish home report, and a flood check on any low-lying, Basin-side, riverside or seafront home.
History, heritage & famous connections
Montrose’s story is a coastal and mercantile one. It grew as a royal burgh and a North Sea trading port at the mouth of the South Esk, with strong medieval and later trade to the Low Countries, a link reflected in the tall, Flemish-influenced “gable-endie” houses that line its unusually wide High Street. It has a rich place in Scottish history: it gives its title to the Marquess of Montrose, the great Civil War general, and in 1716 the exiled “Old Pretender”, James Francis Edward Stuart, embarked from Montrose to leave Scotland after the failed Jacobite rising.
In the 20th century Montrose became a pioneer of aviation, its air station, opened in 1913, was Britain’s first operational military airfield, and a fishing and trading port. Today the town’s economy is anchored by Montrose Port, a busy North Sea energy, offshore-wind and decommissioning support base, alongside its wildlife tourism at the Montrose Basin, its beach and its golf. It remains an affordable-to-mid coastal town whose setting, heritage, working port and direct rail line to Dundee and Aberdeen are its genuine assets.
Montrose through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval | Montrose is established as a royal burgh and a North Sea trading port at the mouth of the South Esk, with strong trade to the Low Countries. |
| 17th C | The town gives its title to the Marquess of Montrose, the celebrated Civil War general. |
| 1716 | The exiled “Old Pretender”, James Francis Edward Stuart, embarks from Montrose to leave Scotland after the failed Jacobite rising. |
| 1913 | Montrose Air Station opens, Britain’s first operational military airfield, a pioneer of military aviation. |
| 20th C | Fishing, trade and industry give way, and the port develops as a North Sea support base. |
| Today | Montrose Port is a busy energy, offshore-wind and decommissioning support base, and the Montrose Basin a celebrated wildlife reserve. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Montrose on the map.
The Montrose Basin
A tidal lagoon and Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve of international importance for its geese and wading birds, the natural landmark that defines the town’s western setting, with a visitor centre and hides.
The wide High Street & the gable-endies
Montrose’s unusually wide High Street, lined with tall, Flemish-influenced “gable-endie” houses built end-on to the street, is the town’s distinctive architectural signature, a legacy of its trade with the Low Countries.
Montrose Air Station
Opened in 1913, Montrose was the site of Britain’s first operational military airfield, a genuine pioneer of military aviation; the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre tells its story through both world wars.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Montrose 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 Montrose
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Montrose compared with nearby towns
How Montrose sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it, a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | ~£150k–£185k | Yes (Dundee–Aberdeen main line) | Coastal town & energy port on the Montrose Basin; the wide High Street; affordable-to-mid |
| Arbroath | ~£140k–£175k | Yes (Dundee–Aberdeen main line) | Largest town in Angus; the Declaration of Arbroath, the abbey & the Smokie; more affordable |
| Forfar | ~£150k–£185k | No (nearest Dundee/Arbroath) | The county town inland; the Forfar Bridie & Glamis Castle nearby; agricultural market town |
| Brechin | ~£140k–£175k | No (station closed) | A small cathedral city inland, on the South Esk, very affordable, no railway |
| Aberdeen | ~£180k–£250k | Yes (main line, energy city) | The Granite City up the coast, the energy capital; more amenities and jobs, dearer |
Pros & cons of living in Montrose
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A characterful coastal town with the wildlife-rich Montrose Basin and a beach | Nearest full 24-hour A&E is at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, not in the town |
| A direct main-line station to Dundee (~30 min) and Aberdeen (~35–40 min) | Low-lying, Basin-side, riverside and seafront homes carry coastal, tidal and flood risk |
| A busy energy, offshore-wind and decommissioning port supporting local jobs | A mid-sized coastal town rather than a large city, town-level amenities |
| 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) |
| The wide historic High Street, golf links and heritage on the doorstep | Older town-centre stock needs a survey; check the home report |
| Affordable-to-mid prices with Aberdeen’s energy economy up the coast | Some journeys mean a change at Dundee |
Villages & areas around Montrose
Many buyers who love Montrose look just outside it too, a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Montrose?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
Energy & port workers
People working at or around Montrose Port, a busy North Sea energy, offshore-wind and decommissioning support base, who want an affordable home close to the job, with the coast on the doorstep.
Dundee & Aberdeen commuters
People who want the coast and value with a direct main-line station, Dundee in around 30 minutes and Aberdeen in about 35 to 40, from an affordable base in Angus.
Coast, wildlife & heritage lovers
People drawn to the Montrose Basin reserve, the beach and golf, the wide historic High Street and the town’s aviation and royal-burgh heritage, a real seaside town at affordable-to-mid prices.
What your money buys in Montrose
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure, indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Montrose, 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 Montrose 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, Basin-side, riverside or seafront home, get a survey (wise on an older town-centre property), check the school catchment, and confirm your commute, 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 Montrose?
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 Montrose
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Montrose
- Enjoy the town, the Montrose Basin reserve, the wide High Street, Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, the beach and the golf links.
- Make the most of the transport, a main-line station with direct trains to Dundee (~30 min) and Aberdeen (~35–40 min), and the A92/A90 roads.
- Note the value. Montrose is affordable-to-mid for the coast, 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. Local provision is community-level; the nearest full 24-hour A&E is Ninewells Hospital, Dundee (nearest MIUs at Stracathro and Arbroath).
- For schools, note Education-Scotland reports have no single grade, check catchment for Montrose Academy and the primaries.
- On any low-lying, Basin-side, riverside or seafront home, 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 the Montrose Basin, the beach, the golf links and the wide High Street to get a feel for the area.
- Note Dundee is around 30 minutes by train (Aberdeen a similar ride north) for wider shopping and city amenities.
- 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 Montrose against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Dundee
The city on the Tay to the south, around 30 minutes by train, home to the V&A Dundee, the universities and Ninewells Hospital’s A&E.
Arbroath
The largest town in Angus down the line to the south, about 10–15 minutes away, home of the Declaration of Arbroath and the Smokie.
Forfar
The county town of Angus inland, about 25–30 minutes by road on the A935, home of the Forfar Bridie.
Aberdeen
The Granite City and energy capital up the coast, around 35 to 40 minutes by direct train on the main line.
Edinburgh
The capital to the south, reached by main-line train through Dundee, around 1h45–2h.
Brechin
The little cathedral city inland to the north-west, about 10–15 minutes away on the South Esk.
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 Montrose 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 Montrose 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 Montrose a good place to live?
Is Montrose expensive?
How far is Montrose from Dundee and Aberdeen?
What is Montrose known for?
Does Montrose have a hospital with A&E?
Does Montrose have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Montrose?
How much is LBTT on a Montrose property?
How much is council tax in Montrose?
Which police and fire services cover Montrose?
Is Montrose a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Montrose?
What is broadband like in Montrose?
Is Montrose good for families?
Is Montrose good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Montrose?
Is flooding a problem in Montrose?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Montrose?
Can existing homeowners in Montrose benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Montrose, 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 Montrose: Equity release in Montrose: releasing tax-free cash from your home in later life.
Other money guides for Montrose
Buying is one piece of it. These cover the rest of the picture in Montrose.
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.