The city of Stirling is evolving, and at the heart of that transformation is Forthside, a long-anticipated redevelopment site now entering its most exciting phase. In 2026, the opening of Stirling Studios has turned this area into a new creative and media destination, attracting production companies, digital freelancers and urban professionals from across Scotland and beyond.
With millions in investment, a riverside location and sustainable transport links, Forthside is quickly becoming one of the smartest places to live, work and invest. If you’re researching the Stirling Studios property development or exploring new buy-to-let opportunities, this is a postcode you won’t want to ignore.
A creative hub at the centre of Scotland
Stirling Studios is a flagship development for Scotland’s growing film, TV and digital media sectors. With its sound stages, post-production facilities and support for tech start-ups, it’s not just a film studio, it’s a full ecosystem for the creative economy.
Backed by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and Scottish Government funding, the studio is expected to generate more than 400 jobs in its first phase alone. These include:
- Creative directors and editors
- Lighting and production crew
- Admin and finance professionals
- Digital and gaming developers
This isn’t just good news for Stirling’s economy. It creates a brand-new, ready-made tenant base for landlords and investors targeting professional lets Stirling 2026.
The Forthside regeneration: much more than studios
Stirling Studios may be the headline act, but it’s part of a wider Forthside masterplan transforming over 40 acres of brownfield land into a thriving urban quarter. This regeneration brings together housing, employment space, leisure and sustainable travel, with long-term support from Stirling Council and national government.
Highlights of the wider plan include:
- Active travel corridors linking Forthside to the city centre and college
- A new pedestrian bridge to Stirling train station (completed in 2025)
- Public realm upgrades with green space, public art and lighting
- Modern housing built to EPC B standards or better
- A new riverside walkway and events plaza
For homebuyers and investors, this creates a location that’s walkable, desirable and backed by long-term planning.
What kinds of homes are available in Forthside?
Unlike other regeneration projects that focus solely on flats, Forthside offers a mix of high-spec property types to suit various buyer and tenant needs. Available homes in early 2026 include:
- One-bedroom apartments for first-time buyers and single professionals
- Two-bedroom flats ideal for couples and creative sharers
- Three-bedroom townhouses with flexible layouts for home working or families
Based on Q1 2026 data from Zoopla and local agents:
- Average 1-bed apartment: £135,000
- Average 2-bed flat: £175,000
- Average 3-bed townhouse: £230,000
Each of these units is designed with energy efficiency, natural light and work-from-home flexibility in mind. As a result, demand is already strong from both buyers and renters seeking a future-proofed lifestyle.
Rental demand in Stirling’s creative corridor
The arrival of Stirling Studios is having a visible effect on rental trends in the area. At Martin & Co Stirling, we’ve seen a 20% increase in enquiries for furnished two-bedroom flats near Forthside since late 2025. These are typically from:
- Newly relocated professionals hired by creative and digital firms
- Postgraduate students in media and communications
- Contractors and freelance production teams
Short-term furnished lets are especially popular, while long-term tenants are seeking modern homes with integrated appliances, broadband-ready connections and cycle storage.
Yields in the area are also appealing. In early 2026:
- 2-bed flats in Forthside are achieving average yields of 6.1%
- 1-bed flats are delivering up to 6.4% due to low maintenance costs
This demand, combined with the area’s regeneration, positions Forthside as a standout performer in Stirling’s buy-to-let market.
Thinking of investing in Forthside? Book a free consultation with our lettings team today to explore available properties and tenant demand.
Easy commuting and walkable living
Forthside is a rare blend of connectivity and calm. Thanks to the completed pedestrian bridge over the railway line, residents can walk from the heart of the development to Stirling train station in just five minutes.
Additional highlights include:
- Cycle links to Forth Valley College and city centre employment areas
- Easy access to the A91, M9 and M80 for commuting to Edinburgh or Glasgow
- 10-minute walk to The Thistles shopping centre
- 15-minute walk to Stirling Castle and Old Town
It’s this high level of walkability and low reliance on cars that appeals strongly to young professionals and eco-conscious tenants alike.
A creative lifestyle in the making
Beyond its employment opportunities, Forthside is building a lifestyle offer that reflects the needs of modern city living. Already in development or open:
- Cafes, bakeries and co-working spaces along the riverside
- Bury Parkland and public spaces for community events and street markets
- Stirling Vue Cinema and Forthbank Stadium for leisure and sport
- Affordable gyms, bike-share schemes and public art installations
By 2027, Stirling Council plans to create a dedicated cultural events plaza along the riverbank, hosting outdoor film screenings, local theatre and food festivals.
All of this supports strong long-term tenant demand from the kinds of residents who value creativity, culture and convenience in equal measure.
Looking to move to the Forthside? Get early access to available properties in this high-demand area by registering with Martin & Co Stirling.
Five reasons to buy or rent in Forthside in 2026
- Access to creative sector jobs – Stirling Studios offers a new local economy
- High-spec housing with strong rental yields – ideal for investors
- Sustainable living – walkable, cycle-friendly and low carbon
- Excellent transport links – walk to station, drive to major cities
- Long-term growth potential – government-backed regeneration and rising values
Where Stirling’s future is being built
Forthside is more than a regeneration site – it’s a new kind of neighbourhood designed for 21st-century living. Whether you’re a buyer looking for a stylish riverside apartment or an investor ready to tap into Stirling’s creative growth, this area offers a rare combination of affordability, connectivity and future potential.
Martin & Co Stirling is your local property expert for the Forthside development and wider city centre market. We understand the buyer and tenant trends shaping 2026 and can help you make a confident, informed move.
Ready to buy, invest or sell near Stirling Studios? Contact Martin & Co Stirling for a free valuation or register for off-market opportunities.
Martin & Co Stirling – supporting smart moves in Stirling’s most exciting new neighbourhood.
