Pooch property power: How dogs are taking the lead when it comes to house hunting

Leo, the delightful Dachshund from Aberdeen, is one of a growing pack of pooches who are influencing their owners when it comes to buying the 'pawfect' property.

By Rosemary Lowne

August 24 2023, 5:00 pm

Adorable Leo's needs were the main priority when his owners were buying their new home.

Meet Leo, the delightful Dachshund who is a bit of a mover and tail shaker in the property world after helping his owners find their ‘furr-ever’ home in Aberdeen.

Yes he may be small but he’s certainly mighty as the super cute sausage dog’s needs were the top priority for his owners Wayne and Lorraine when they embarked on the search for their dream home in the city.

In fact Leo is among a growing pack of pooches who are influencing their owner’s decision to buy a property.

Leo the Dachshund, one of the dogs from Aberdeen influencing how owners go about house hunting, outside his owner's property — New research shows that people are placing their dogs needs over their partner’s when it comes to buying a home. Image: Weber Shandwick

Leo the Dachshund finds his fur-ever home

New research from One Pulse, on behalf of Barratt Developments Scotland, shows that 88% of dog owners in Scotland prioritised the needs of their dog when choosing a place to live – with a quarter of them saying they’d always prioritise their dog’s needs over their partner’s while 69% said they would turn down their dream home if it wasn’t right for their four-legged friend.

That was certainly the case for Leo’s owners who eventually found their ‘pawfect’ property at the David Wilson Homes development in Countesswells.

Leo the Dachshund jumping with his mouth open wide to catch a ball — The David Wilson Homes development at Countesswells is home to plenty of pooches. Image: Weber Shandwick

“Leo is one of about ten”, says Wayne when commenting on the number of sausage dogs in the estate.

“In fact, he recently attended a birthday party for one of his new friends.

“It’s a fantastic place to live as a dog owner.

“There’s lots of green space and we’re right next to Countesswells Forest and Hazlehead and Foggieton Woods.

“It feels very safe and secure and we’re always meeting fellow dog walkers on our travels.”

Perfect property for pooch

From the vibrant community of dog lovers and the proximity of green spaces to the spacious accommodation and beautiful garden, the three-bedroom Duart style home has been perfect for Wayne, Lorraine and their adorable fur baby.

The couple say the south-facing private, enclosed garden is the perfect spot for Leo to sunbathe while patio doors leading to the garden means Wayne and Lorraine can prepare dinner while Leo can freely roam nearby.

Also winning the couple over was the kitchen dining area which has an adjoining utility room – the perfect place to clean up muddy paws.

Leo the Dachshund, one of the dogs from Aberdeen influencing how owners go about house hunting, — Leo is living his best life at Countesswells. Image: Weber Shandwick

It’s a dog’s life at Countesswells

While Leo’s needs were the top priority, the property was also ideal for Wayne who has a dedicated office space with a strong and reliable internet connection which allows him to work from home.

And having moved from an old building into a new build, Wayne says the cost savings on energy bills are evident, thanks to highly efficient insulation and argon-filled double-glazing, which allows the heat from the sun in while minimising heat loss.

“We’d be paying double what we’re paying just now if we were still in our old flat”, Wayne says.