Topping the list is a bigger garden, favoured by 86 per cent of clients, closely followed by an area of land to keep hens or exercise dogs, with 80 per cent of house hunters citing this as a key requirement.

In third place is a home office (77 per cent) followed by fast broadband, specified by 74 per cent of those surveyed and also linked to the significant rise in working from home.

Next on the list is a garage or outbuilding, requested by 67 per cent of prospective purchasers.

Hannah Christiansen, head of sales for Galbraith in Aberdeenshire, said: “We all enjoy having our own garden to relax in, even if we aren’t expert gardeners and it is one of the key attributes mentioned by  those looking for a new home. A well-maintained garden offering space and privacy, will have significant appeal to the vast majority of buyers.

“The other requirements listed reflect the continuation of working from home and the increasing number of people who now want land and large gardens to keep hens, let the dog run freely around, or simply wish for the countryside good life with lots of open space compared to pre-pandemic times. Rural property in Aberdeenshire offers an excellent work-life balance for many people.”

The final five in the top ten are: views over the sea or a loch or river; a tranquil rural location; a property with traditional architecture and character; no immediate neighbours and not on a main road; and in tenth place easy access to Aberdeen Airport.

Galbraith is Scotland’s leading independent property consultancy. On average the firm handles £54 million worth of property sales per quarter for Scotland as a whole.

Currently for sale through Galbraith in Aberdeenshire are properties including the following:

New Leslie House, Leslie, Insch, offers over £420,000

  • A superb farmhouse with around 1.2 acres in a peaceful location amidst beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. The house has two reception rooms and three bedrooms, all very well presented, and there is extensive accommodation in a separate steading, ideal for visiting family or perhaps as a holiday let or a business venture, subject to the necessary consents. New Leslie House has beautiful gardens wrapping around the house and steading, including a sheltered patio area, various lawns flanked by mature trees and an additional area which would be ideal for an orchard or vegetable plot. In the past planning permission was granted, now expired, for the construction of a separate house in part of the grounds.