In reply to Rigid Raider:
From my observations, if the property is in a honeypot location, has a good view and itself looks idyllic, is in good order, away from main roads but accessible and relatively close to services (for west coast Scotland) then the price is up by equivalent of an additional bed room. So you could probably get a three bed, but not as nice elsewhere for the same price.
As one or more of those factors are missing the price uplift and the saleability decreases. The market is fickle; properties deemed 'nice' can be fought over, while the rest of the market is sluggish and buyers have the upper hand. Buy the wrong property and you will struggle to sell, sometimes for years......
undertaking a new build factoring everything else in would be a similar price and a lot more hassle (and I mean a lot!). The main difficulty is finding the plot as land is wrapped up by the unholy trinity of estate ownership, crofting/de crofting legislation or outwith local government plans. Then you then have the fun of planning applications and services. Private water abstraction if required will require SEPA approval, and your own treatment system, sewerage the same if you are near a watercourse. Plus possibly road traffic considerations depending on lines of sight of your access point. I'm not saying it's impossible just that things take time. After that you choose your builder and takes your chances. Plots depending on the location and importantly the view range £60 - 100K. Consequently there's limited new build being undertaken for sale on the open market, as most is commissioned.
So the above advertised house isn't unreasonably priced.
What happens to house prices if the SNP tinker with the de crofting rules, estate ownership (unlikely) and slacken planning in the hope of boosting the economy is anyone's guess........
Post edited at 12:50