Renting Near the Center Parcs Scottish Borders Site
A town-by-town guide to rental accommodation within commuting distance of the new Center Parcs development.
Last updated: April 2026
The Center Parcs holiday village in the Scottish Borders is one of the largest construction projects the region has seen in decades. Whether you're relocating for the build phase or looking for longer-term accommodation ahead of the resort's operational launch, this guide breaks down your rental options town by town.
Hawick — closest to site, best value
Hawick is the nearest major town to the Center Parcs development and the natural base for most contractors. It has the largest stock of affordable rental properties in the southern Borders, with a good mix of flats, terraced houses, and larger family homes.
- Typical rents: £375–£550 pcm for a 1-bed; £500–£750 for a 2-bed
- Drive to site: approximately 15–25 minutes depending on the exact route
- Amenities: two supermarkets, takeaways, pubs, leisure centre, Screwfix, GP surgeries, pharmacy, and a retail park
- Character: a former mill town with a strong community feel. Practical rather than picturesque, but well set up for daily life
Hawick is where demand from contractors is likely to be strongest. If you're planning to rent here, start your search early. View Hawick properties.
Jedburgh — compact and convenient
Jedburgh sits on the A68, giving it good road links north to Edinburgh and south to the English border. It's a smaller town than Hawick with fewer rental properties, but those available tend to be well priced.
- Typical rents: £400–£600 pcm for a 1–2 bed
- Drive to site: approximately 20–30 minutes
- Amenities: Co-op, independent shops, leisure centre, GP surgery
- Character: historic abbey town, quieter pace than Hawick or Galashiels
Kelso — more choice, slightly higher rents
Kelso is one of the most attractive market towns in the Borders, sitting at the confluence of the Tweed and Teviot. It has a wider range of rental properties than Jedburgh and good local amenities, though rents tend to sit slightly above the Hawick average.
- Typical rents: £450–£700 pcm for a 1–2 bed
- Drive to site: approximately 25–35 minutes
- Amenities: Sainsbury's, Aldi, independent shops, cobbled town square, leisure trust gym, GP surgery
- Character: attractive and well-maintained, popular with families and retirees
Galashiels — largest town, most options
Galashiels is the largest town in the central Scottish Borders and offers the widest choice of rental accommodation. It's further from the Center Parcs site than Hawick, but the A7 provides a straightforward commute.
- Typical rents: £425–£650 pcm for a 1–2 bed
- Drive to site: approximately 30–40 minutes via the A7
- Amenities: Tesco, retail parks, Borders College, cinema, restaurants, Borders General Hospital nearby in Melrose
- Character: busy working town with a mix of older and newer housing stock. The Borders Railway terminus provides a direct train link to Edinburgh
Galashiels makes sense if you need Edinburgh access on weekends or want the widest range of shops and services. View Galashiels properties.
Selkirk — quiet alternative
Selkirk is a small, quiet town between Galashiels and Hawick on the A7. It has a limited but affordable rental market and suits contractors who prefer a peaceful base.
- Typical rents: £375–£575 pcm for a 1–2 bed
- Drive to site: approximately 20–30 minutes
- Amenities: Co-op, chip shops, leisure centre, GP surgery
Comparing your options
| Town | 1-bed rent | Drive time | Rental stock | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawick | £375–£550 | 15–25 min | Good | Closest to site, best value |
| Jedburgh | £400–£600 | 20–30 min | Limited | Quiet, good road links |
| Kelso | £450–£700 | 25–35 min | Moderate | Amenities, quality of life |
| Galashiels | £425–£650 | 30–40 min | Best | Most choice, Edinburgh rail link |
| Selkirk | £375–£575 | 20–30 min | Limited | Affordable, quiet |
Tips for securing a rental quickly
- Start early — rental stock in the Borders is limited compared to cities. As more contractors mobilise, demand will increase. Search and secure your accommodation before your start date.
- Register with local agents — letting agents in the Borders often know about properties before they appear online. Call or visit in person.
- Be ready to move fast — have your ID, proof of employment, and references prepared. Properties in popular towns like Hawick may be taken within days.
- Consider house-sharing — renting a 3-bed house with two colleagues can bring your costs down to £250–£350 each per month.
- Check broadband — if you need reliable internet, verify coverage at the specific address before signing. Galashiels and Hawick have the best fibre availability.
Understanding Scottish tenancy law
If you haven't rented in Scotland before, there are a few differences from England and Wales worth knowing:
- Most rentals use the Private Residential Tenancy — open-ended, with no fixed term and 28 days' notice to leave
- No letting agent fees — agents cannot charge tenants for referencing or administration
- Deposits must be protected in an approved deposit scheme within 30 working days
Read our full tenants' rights guide for more on how Scottish tenancy law works.
Search all Scottish Borders rental properties or read our contractor accommodation guide for practical advice on finding and securing a rental.