A buyer’s guide to Selkirk, 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 Selkirk
- Transport
- Schools
- Police & Fire
- Areas
- Healthcare
- Flood
- History
- Beyond the Mortgage
- FAQs
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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 Selkirk
Whether you’re buying your first home in Selkirk, remortgaging, upsizing or simply researching one of the most characterful and affordable royal burghs in the Scottish Borders, a hilltop town of the “souters”, famous for its Common Riding, its links to Sir Walter Scott, Bowhill House nearby and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys on its doorstep, this guide covers what buyers and homeowners in Selkirk actually want to know.
Quick answers about Selkirk
Click any question to expand the full detail and sources.
Is Selkirk a good place to live?⌄
Yes, a characterful, affordable royal burgh close to Borders General Hospital.
Is Selkirk expensive?⌄
No, one of the more affordable of the main Borders towns.
Does Selkirk have a railway station?⌄
No, the nearest is Tweedbank, about 15 minutes’ drive north.
What is Selkirk known for?⌄
The Common Riding, Sir Walter Scott, the souters & Bowhill.
Does Selkirk have a hospital with A&E?⌄
No A&E in town, but Borders General is only about 15 minutes away.
Is Selkirk right for you?
Every town suits some buyers better than others. Here is how Selkirk rates for the people who most often buy here, and why.
| Buyer type | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-time buyers | ★★★★★ | One of the more affordable of the main Borders towns, with flats and terraces at accessible prices and little or no LBTT for many buyers, a genuine way onto the ladder in the Borders. |
| Families | ★★★★☆ | Good Education-Scotland schools including Selkirk High School, a safe and characterful town, the valleys for the outdoors, and Borders General Hospital only about 15 minutes away, check catchments. |
| Downsizers & retirees | ★★★★☆ | An affordable, walkable royal burgh with a proud community, riverside and hill walks and Borders General close by, good value for a Borders retirement, if you are happy with a smaller-town offer. |
| Outdoor & country lovers | ★★★★★ | The Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, St Mary’s Loch, Bowhill and the Southern Upland Way all on the doorstep, some of the finest hill, valley and walking country in the south of Scotland. |
| Edinburgh commuters | ★★★★☆ | Better placed than many Borders towns, Tweedbank and the direct Edinburgh train are only about 15 minutes’ drive, but honestly rated four not five because there is no station in Selkirk itself, so the commute starts with a drive. |
An honest, at-a-glance summary of what Selkirk does brilliantly, and what to weigh carefully, before you commit.
Selkirk at a glance
The key facts buyers ask us about most, in one place.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| County & council | Scottish Borders (Selkirkshire) (Scottish unitary): Scottish Borders Council |
| Community council | Selkirk has a community council but it does NOT levy a precept. Band D is Scottish Borders Council’s own charge |
| Nation | Scotland, 8 council-tax bands (A–H); schools inspected by HM Inspectorate of Education; police = Police Scotland |
| Postcode district | TD7 |
| Approx. character | A characterful, affordable hilltop royal burgh, the “souters”, the Common Riding, Sir Walter Scott and the tweed mills |
| Average house price | One of the more affordable of the main Borders towns, often £150,000–£210,000; larger homes higher; sources vary |
| Railway | None, the nearest station is Tweedbank (~15 min drive north via Galashiels) on the Borders Railway |
| Nearest A&E | Borders General Hospital, Melrose (~6 miles / ~15 min); no hospital with A&E in the town |
| Schools | Education-Scotland inspected (no single grade); comprehensive; Selkirk High School, read each report in full |
| Known for | The Selkirk Common Riding, the souters, Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, Bowhill House & the tweed mills |
| Population | About 5,600, a royal burgh in the central Borders, the old county town of Selkirkshire |
| Roads | The A7 (Edinburgh–Hawick–Carlisle) through the town, with the A707/A708 up the Ettrick and Yarrow |
| Water & sewerage | Scottish Water (billed alongside council tax but a separate charge) |
| Council tax (Band D) | £1,618.52 for 2026/27 (Scottish Borders Council’s own charge; no police, fire or community precept), confirm your band |
Property prices & council tax in Selkirk
Selkirk is one of the more affordable of the main Scottish Borders towns, which is a large part of its appeal to first-time buyers and families. It offers flats and smaller terraces in and around the town centre at very accessible prices (frequently from around £90,000–£150,000), semi-detached and family homes, and larger detached houses, period villas and country properties around the town that run higher. 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), so at Selkirk’s prices many buyers will pay little or no LBTT.
| Property type / area | Typical position in the market | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & smaller homes | Indicatively around £80,000–£140,000 | First-time buyers; downsizers; the most accessible ways in |
| Terraced & semi-detached homes | Indicatively around £130,000–£200,000 | First-time buyers; smaller families |
| Detached & family homes | Indicatively around £200,000–£320,000 | Growing families; the heart of the market |
| Selkirk average | One of the more affordable of the main Borders towns, often £150,000–£210,000 (verify per property) | A broad benchmark for the town |
| Larger, period & country homes | Indicatively £320,000–£600,000+ | Buyers wanting a larger period villa or country home in and around Selkirk and the valleys |
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.
£130,000
Flat / smaller home
~£29,000
household income (guide)
£190,000
Town benchmark
~£42,000
household income (guide)
£320,000
Detached / larger home (indicative)
~£71,000
household income (guide)
Selkirk affordability & Land and Buildings Transaction Tax calculator
A quick, no-obligation way to see roughly what you could borrow in Selkirk 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 Selkirk property market in depth
Selkirk offers one of the more affordable markets in the Borders, flats and terraces at accessible prices, family homes, and larger detached and country houses, with its characterful hilltop setting, a proud community and the valleys on the doorstep, and Borders General and Tweedbank close by all supporting steady demand.
| Property type | What to expect | Typical guide |
|---|---|---|
| Flats & smaller homes | The most accessible way in; popular with first-time buyers and downsizers. | £80,000–£140,000 |
| Terraced & semi-detached homes | Town-centre and older-suburb homes across Selkirk. | £130,000–£200,000 |
| Detached & family homes | Popular family homes across the town and its edges, the heart of the market. | £200,000–£320,000 |
| Larger, period & country homes | Period villas and country homes in and around Selkirk and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, the top of the local market. | £320,000–£600,000+ |
Selkirk’s appeal, a characterful, affordable royal burgh in the heart of the Borders, close to Borders General and Tweedbank, makes it a steady, good-value market, from very accessible first-time-buyer flats to substantial period villas and country homes.
That affordability is the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter. Older and ex-mill properties, period homes, and any low-lying ground near the Ettrick Water are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully, and a flood check can apply on riverside stock. A mortgage adviser helps you match the right lender to your plans, particularly on older stock and first purchases, the kind of introduction we can arrange.
What makes Selkirk so popular?
Selkirk’s appeal is a proud, characterful royal burgh in the heart of the Borders, with a remarkable heritage, Bowhill House and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys on the doorstep, and good value for money.
The Market Place & Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom
The historic hilltop Market Place with the statue of Sir Walter Scott and Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, where he sat as Sheriff of Selkirkshire, plus the Mungo Park statue, the proud heart of the burgh.
The Common Riding & the souters
The Selkirk Common Riding each summer, one of the great Border ridings, among the oldest and largest, and the town’s identity as the burgh of the “souters”, a heritage carried with real pride.
Bowhill, the Ettrick & the Yarrow
Bowhill House, the Duke of Buccleuch’s Borders seat just west of the town, and the beautiful Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and St Mary’s Loch beyond, a paradise for the outdoors and days out.
Transport & commuting from Selkirk
Transport in Selkirk is defined by one honest fact. There is no railway in the town, but the nearest station, Tweedbank, is only about 15 minutes’ drive, and the A7 gives a good road north and south. These indicative times are a starting point, always verify current timetables before relying on a specific journey.
| Route | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Selkirk → Borders General Hospital (Melrose) | ~15 min drive | North on the A7 and A6091, the region’s A&E, genuinely close |
| Selkirk → Tweedbank (nearest station) | ~15 min drive | North via Galashiels to the Borders Railway terminus for the direct train to Edinburgh |
| Selkirk → Galashiels | ~10–15 min drive | North on the A7 to the Borders’ main town |
| Selkirk → Edinburgh (by train from Tweedbank) | ~15 min drive + ~55 min train | Drive to Tweedbank, then the Borders Railway direct to Edinburgh Waverley |
| Selkirk → Edinburgh (by road) | ~1h–1h15 drive | North on the A7 through Galashiels and over the moors to the city bypass |
| Selkirk → Hawick | ~15–20 min drive | South on the A7 to the Borders’ knitwear capital |
| Selkirk → St Mary’s Loch | ~25–30 min drive | West up the Yarrow valley on the A708, walking and the Southern Upland Way |
| Selkirk → Edinburgh Airport | ~1h15 drive | North via the A7 and the city bypass, the nearest major airport |
Getting around Selkirk
Day-to-day mobility here is worth thinking through, the practical picture.
By car
The A7 runs through Selkirk, north to Galashiels and Edinburgh and south to Hawick and Carlisle, with the A707 and A708 up the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys. A car is the natural way to get around, and Tweedbank and Borders General are both only about 15 minutes away.
By bus
Selkirk has bus services along the A7 to Galashiels, Hawick and beyond, and up the valleys. Useful given there is no railway; check current routes and frequencies.
By train
There is no station in Selkirk; the nearest is Tweedbank on the Borders Railway, only about 15 minutes’ drive north via Galashiels, for direct trains to Edinburgh, a genuine plus for the town.
For the airport
Edinburgh Airport is around an hour and a quarter by road via the A7 and the city bypass, the nearest major airport for the town.
On foot & by bike
The hilltop town centre and the riverside are walkable, and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and the Southern Upland Way make for superb walking and cycling, right on the doorstep.
For the commute
Selkirk suits Edinburgh commuters happy to drive about 15 minutes to Tweedbank for the direct train, as well as those working across the Borders, one of the better-placed Borders towns for the rail commute.
Schools in Selkirk
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 a “High School” is a normal non-selective state secondary. Selkirk has well-regarded Education-Scotland-inspected primaries and Selkirk High School serving the town and the surrounding valleys. Because catchments and placing requests matter, confirm the current position directly with Scottish Borders Council.
| School | Type | Inspection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk High School | Secondary (state, comprehensive, non-denominational) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | The town’s state secondary, serving Selkirk and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and generally well regarded, Education-Scotland inspected, with no single overall grade; read the latest report and check catchment. |
| Knowepark Primary School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A primary serving part of Selkirk, Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the current catchment and read the latest report. |
| Philiphaugh Community School | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | A primary serving part of the town, Education-Scotland inspected; read the report in full and check catchment. |
| St Joseph’s RC provision (nearest RC school) | Primary Roman Catholic (state, denominational) | HM Inspectorate of Education report | Roman Catholic (denominational) primary provision serves Catholic families in the Selkirk area, confirm the current catholic-school arrangements and catchment with the Council, as denominational provision is organised across the area. |
| The Ettrick & Yarrow valley primaries | Primary (state, co-ed) | HM Inspectorate of Education reports | Selkirk and its valleys have small village primaries too (for example in the Yarrow and Ettrick valleys), all Education-Scotland inspected; confirm the catchment for the exact address and read the latest reports. |
Map, Police & Fire Services in Selkirk
A useful local guide should show the practical services buyers actually check, policing, fire cover, emergency healthcare and the local crime context for Selkirk.
Popular parts of Selkirk & nearby
Where you buy in Selkirk shapes both your budget and your character, from the historic hilltop town centre to the residential streets and the surrounding Ettrick and Yarrow valleys. A quick orientation.
Local highlights & days out from Selkirk
Selkirk packs a proud heritage, a great Common Riding, a ducal house and two beautiful valleys into one characterful Borders burgh. A few of the best-loved local highlights.
Sports, leisure & community in Selkirk
For a town its size, Selkirk offers a great deal, a proud heritage, a ducal house, two beautiful valleys, and Borders General and the wider region within easy reach.
Heritage & culture
Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, Halliwell’s House Museum, the Common Riding and the town’s textile and souter heritage give history and culture on the doorstep, in a characterful burgh with a strong community life.
The outdoors & the valleys
The Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, St Mary’s Loch, Bowhill’s estate walks and bike trails, the Southern Upland Way and the Ettrick Water for fishing give some of the best outdoor recreation in the south of Scotland.
Shops, sport & days out
A characterful High Street of independent shops, a leisure centre, golf and rugby, and Galashiels, Melrose and the Borders abbeys within easy reach for wider shopping and days out.
Healthcare & local services in Selkirk
Healthcare access in Selkirk is good locally and, unusually for a burgh its size, very close to a full A&E, GP and community services in the town, with the region’s A&E at Borders General near Melrose only about 15 minutes away.
The town has GP provision locally, dentists and pharmacies and community health services, but no hospital with an A&E. For emergency care the nearest full A&E is at Borders General Hospital near Melrose, about 6 miles and a 15-minute drive north, the district general hospital for the whole Scottish Borders and one of Selkirk’s real advantages, with the Edinburgh hospitals beyond for specialist care; NHS Borders is responsible for care across the area. 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 Selkirk
Day to day, Selkirk is a characterful, affordable royal burgh, a proud hilltop town with a great heritage, good value, good schools and the valleys on the doorstep, with Borders General Hospital and the Edinburgh train both close. Here is a sense of everyday life.
Selkirk has the amenities of a working Borders burgh, a characterful High Street and Market Place of independent shops, cafes and bakers (home of the Selkirk bannock), supermarkets, primary schools and Selkirk High School, a leisure centre, GP practices and a health centre, and a strong community and heritage life, along with Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, Bowhill House and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys all around. The big everyday pluses are the affordability, the heritage, the schools and how close Borders General Hospital and Tweedbank are.
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 suits a town without its own station well, complemented by the 15-minute drive to the Edinburgh train at Tweedbank. The main trade-offs are honest: there is no railway in the town, the old textile-mill economy has declined, and a little low-lying ground near the Ettrick Water needs a flood check, but for an affordable, characterful burgh with good schools and a hospital close by, Selkirk offers real value.
| Everyday amenity | In Selkirk? | Nearest / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary schools | Yes (several) | Knowepark, Philiphaugh and others; Roman Catholic provision across the area; check catchment |
| Secondary schools | Yes | Selkirk High School serves the town and the valleys, generally well regarded |
| Further education | Nearby | Borders College has provision in the region; the nearest campuses are at Galashiels |
| GP & hospital | Local GP / health centre | GP provision and a health centre locally; no hospital with A&E in the town |
| Nearest A&E | Borders General, Melrose (~6 mi / ~15 min) | The district general for the Borders, genuinely close for a burgh this size |
| Railway station | No | Nearest is Tweedbank on the Borders Railway (~15 min drive north via Galashiels) |
| Shops & centre | Yes (characterful) | A characterful High Street and Market Place of independent shops, cafes and bakers, plus supermarkets |
| Green space | Yes (abundant) | The Ettrick Water, Bowhill’s estate, the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and the surrounding hills |
Working & connectivity in Selkirk
Superfast broadband reaches almost all of Selkirk, with gigabit-capable full-fibre now available across much of the town, so home and hybrid working is very possible, a real plus in a town without its own railway station, complemented by the short drive to the Edinburgh train at Tweedbank. Coverage can still vary by exact address, particularly in older town-centre and ex-mill properties and up the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, 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 up the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and the hills |
| Rail for office days | No station in Selkirk, drive ~15 min to Tweedbank for the direct Edinburgh train |
| Road & air | A7 north to Edinburgh and south to Carlisle; Edinburgh Airport ~1h15 |
Check broadband before you make an offer in Selkirk
Broadband speeds can vary street by street in Selkirk, 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 Selkirk
On flooding, much of Selkirk sits high on its hill, but the town runs down to the Ettrick Water, so it is worth checking, particularly for homes near the water and the old mill sites, and for surface-water risk in heavy rain.
Cost of living & running a home in Selkirk
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) | £1,618.52 | Scottish Borders Council’s own charge, no police, fire or community precept in Scotland (8 bands A–H); many Selkirk homes sit in lower bands; 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 riverside homes near the Ettrick Water 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, a key check in a town without its own station |
Financing a home in Selkirk
An affordable, characterful royal burgh with good schools and a hospital close by is a sensible thing to buy into, a few points on the mortgage side, especially on older and ex-mill homes, are worth understanding first.
Selkirk’s affordability is the headline, but the right mortgage and the right checks still matter, from very accessible first-time-buyer flats to substantial period villas and country homes. Older and ex-mill properties, period homes, and any low-lying ground near the Ettrick Water are all things lenders, surveyors and conveyancers assess carefully, so a flood check can be wise on riverside stock, alongside the Scottish home report and a survey on an older property; and even at Selkirk’s modest prices, getting the right lender and a sensible deposit in place 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 Selkirk
A few standard checks are worth their weight when buying in Selkirk, especially the Scottish home report, and a flood check on any riverside or ex-mill home.
History, heritage & famous connections
Selkirk grew as a royal burgh in the heart of the Borders, high on its hill above the Ettrick Water. It was long a town of the “souters”, the shoemakers whose trade gave the townsfolk their nickname, and its Common Riding, one of the great Border ridings, commemorates the town’s losses at the Battle of Flodden in 1513 and the ancient riding of the burgh boundaries. In the 18th and 19th centuries Selkirk became a centre of the Borders tweed and textile industry, its mills lining the Ettrick Water and giving the town its working character.
Sir Walter Scott was Sheriff of Selkirkshire for over thirty years, and his courtroom stands in the Market Place; the African explorer Mungo Park was a Selkirk man too, and both are commemorated in the town. The textile industry declined greatly in the later 20th century, and the town lost its railway in the 1960s. Yet Selkirk has kept its proud identity and its heritage, and today, affordable, characterful and close to Borders General Hospital and the Edinburgh train at Tweedbank, it offers real value as a place to live in the central Borders.
Selkirk through the ages
A quick timeline of the moments that shaped the town you would be buying into.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Medieval | Selkirk grows as a royal burgh on its hill above the Ettrick Water, a town of the “souters” (shoemakers). |
| 1513 | The Battle of Flodden. The town’s losses are commemorated to this day in the Selkirk Common Riding. |
| 18th–19th C | Selkirk becomes a centre of the Borders tweed and textile industry, its mills lining the Ettrick Water; Sir Walter Scott serves as Sheriff of Selkirkshire. |
| 1960s | Selkirk’s railway closes. The town has been without a station ever since. |
| Late 20th C | The textile industry declines greatly, but the town keeps its proud identity and heritage. |
| Today | An affordable, characterful royal burgh close to Borders General Hospital and the Edinburgh train at Tweedbank, real value in the central Borders. |
Famous connections
A few of the people and stories that put Selkirk on the map.
A proud royal burgh of the souters
Selkirk is celebrated as a proud hilltop royal burgh, the town of the “souters”, with one of the great Border ridings and a heritage carried with real pride.
Sir Walter Scott & Mungo Park
Sir Walter Scott was Sheriff of Selkirkshire for over thirty years, his courtroom stands in the Market Place, and the African explorer Mungo Park was a Selkirk man; both are commemorated in the town.
The Common Riding & Bowhill
The Selkirk Common Riding, among the oldest and largest of the Border ridings, and Bowhill House, the Duke of Buccleuch’s Borders seat nearby, give Selkirk a remarkable heritage and setting.
Looking beyond the mortgage
Buying a home in Selkirk 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 Selkirk
Beyond the brochure, a few honest points worth weighing before you commit to buying here.
Selkirk compared with nearby towns
How Selkirk sits against the places buyers most often weigh against it, a quick, indicative comparison.
| Town | Rough average price | Station? | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selkirk | ~£150k–£210k | No (Tweedbank ~15 min for the Edinburgh train) | Characterful, affordable royal burgh; the Common Riding, Sir Walter Scott & the valleys |
| Galashiels | ~£150k–£200k | Yes (Borders Railway to Edinburgh ~55 min) | The Borders’ main town, just north; a direct Edinburgh train |
| Melrose | ~£250k–£400k | No (nearest station Tweedbank) | Genteel abbey town next to Borders General Hospital; smarter and dearer |
| Hawick | ~£120k–£170k | No | The Borders’ knitwear capital to the south, the most affordable of the main towns |
| Kelso | ~£220k–£290k | No (nearest Tweedbank ~40 min) | Handsome market town to the east; Floors Castle & the racecourse; dearer |
Pros & cons of living in Selkirk
An honest, balanced summary to weigh up.
| In its favour | To weigh carefully |
|---|---|
| A characterful, affordable royal burgh with a proud heritage | No railway in the town, the nearest station, Tweedbank, is about 15 minutes’ drive |
| Borders General Hospital only about 15 minutes away | The old textile-mill economy has declined, a smaller-town offer |
| The Edinburgh train a short drive at Tweedbank | Bigger shopping and services are in Galashiels or Edinburgh |
| 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 Ettrick and Yarrow valleys and Bowhill on the doorstep | Low-lying and ex-mill ground near the Ettrick Water needs a flood check |
| Good Education-Scotland schools including Selkirk High School | A car is really needed for a rural, valley-gateway town |
Villages & areas around Selkirk
Many buyers who love Selkirk look just outside it too, a quick guide.
Who tends to move to Selkirk?
Understanding your fellow buyers helps you read the market and pitch an offer.
First-time buyers & families
People who want an affordable, characterful Borders town with good schools including Selkirk High School, the countryside, and Borders General Hospital and the Edinburgh train close by, and are happy with a smaller-town, car-based life.
Downsizers & retirees
People drawn to an affordable, walkable royal burgh with a proud community, riverside and hill walks, and Borders General nearby, good value for a Borders retirement.
Outdoor & country lovers
People wanting the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys, St Mary’s Loch, Bowhill’s estate and the Southern Upland Way on the doorstep, some of the finest hill and valley country in southern Scotland.
What your money buys in Selkirk
A rough sense of what different budgets tend to secure, indicative only, and hugely dependent on position and condition.
Your move to Selkirk, 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, Scottish Borders’ Band D is £1,618.52, though many Selkirk homes sit in lower bands, the separate Scottish Water charge of about £652 at Band D, insurance, and LBTT, which at Selkirk’s prices many buyers will pay little or none of), and get a mortgage in principle so you can move quickly.
2. Do your homework on the property
Read the Scottish home report, consider a flood check for any riverside or ex-mill home near the Ettrick Water, get a survey (wise on an older or period home), check the school catchment, and be realistic about the car-based life, 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, especially on older and ex-mill homes. We can introduce you to the first.
Already live in Selkirk?
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 Selkirk
If you are weighing up a move to the town, here is the honest bottom line.
Quick tips before you buy in Selkirk
- Enjoy the town, the hilltop Market Place, Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, the Common Riding heritage, Bowhill House and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys.
- Be realistic about transport. There is no railway in the town, but Tweedbank and the direct Edinburgh train are only about 15 minutes’ drive; the A7 runs north and south.
- Note the value. Selkirk is one of the more affordable of the main Borders towns, so many buyers pay little or no LBTT.
- Confirm the council tax and band. Band D is £1,618.52 for 2026/27 (the Council’s own charge; no police, fire or community precept); many homes sit in lower bands; 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.
- Note the healthcare point. There is no A&E in the town, but Borders General Hospital near Melrose is only about 6 miles / 15 minutes away.
- For schools, note Education-Scotland reports have no single grade, check catchment and read the latest report for Selkirk High School.
- For any riverside or ex-mill home near the Ettrick Water, consider a flood check (SEPA), and read the Scottish home report carefully.
- At Selkirk’s prices, use the Revenue Scotland LBTT calculator, not an England Stamp Duty tool. Many buyers here pay little or no LBTT.
- Explore the Market Place, Bowhill and the Ettrick and Yarrow valleys to get a feel for the town and its country.
- Note Tweedbank and the direct Edinburgh train are only about 15 minutes’ drive, a real plus for the commute.
- 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 Selkirk against the surrounding area, these are the places buyers most often compare.
Galashiels
The Borders’ main town, only about 10–15 minutes north on the A7, with the nearest railway (at Tweedbank) for the direct train to Edinburgh.
Hawick
The Borders’ knitwear capital to the south on the A7, the most affordable of the main Borders towns.
Kelso
The handsome market town to the east, Floors Castle, the Square and the racecourse.
Peebles
The affluent Tweeddale town to the north-west, genteel and sought-after, with the Glentress mountain biking.
Edinburgh
The capital to the north, the direct Borders Railway train from Tweedbank (a ~15-minute drive) takes about 55 minutes.
Dalkeith
A Midlothian town on the A7 towards Edinburgh, near the Borders Railway line.
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 Selkirk 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 Selkirk 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 Selkirk a good place to live?
Is Selkirk expensive?
Does Selkirk have a railway station?
What is Selkirk known for?
Does Selkirk have a hospital with A&E?
Does Selkirk have good schools?
What salary do you need to buy in Selkirk?
How much is LBTT on a Selkirk property?
How much is council tax in Selkirk?
Which police and fire services cover Selkirk?
Is Selkirk a safe place to live?
What is there to do in Selkirk?
What is broadband like in Selkirk?
Is Selkirk good for families?
Is Selkirk good for commuters?
What searches should I expect when buying in Selkirk?
Is flooding a problem in Selkirk?
How do I get started with a mortgage for Selkirk?
Can existing homeowners in Selkirk benefit from a mortgage review?
Useful resources
Need help?
Whether you're researching Selkirk, 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 Selkirk: Equity release in Selkirk: releasing tax-free cash from your home in later life.
Other money guides for Selkirk
Buying is one piece of it. These cover the rest of the picture in Selkirk.
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.