ESPC reports selective regional housing market across east Scotland
ESPC’s latest House Price Report found average selling prices across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders increased by 2.1% year-on-year to £291,815 between April and June 2026.
The residential property market across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders is becoming increasingly selective and locally driven, according to ESPC.
The property firm’s latest House Price Report, covering April to June 2026, found average selling prices increased by 2.1% year-on-year to £291,815.
The median selling time improved to 21 days, while homes continued to achieve an average of 102.1% of Home Report valuation, despite a modest easing in competitive bidding.
ESPC said the quarter began against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and financial market volatility, contributing to a more cautious market during April and May. However, activity strengthened in June, suggesting confidence was beginning to return as mortgage rates eased and buyers adapted to changing market conditions.
East Lothian recorded the strongest regional performance, with average selling prices rising by 12.3% year-on-year. ESPC said this was supported by increasing levels of new property coming to market and sustained growth in the premium sector.
Sales of homes priced above £500,000 have continued to increase in East Lothian over recent years, pointing to ongoing demand for higher-value properties across the county.
Midlothian also recorded annual growth of almost 5%, while West Lothian and West Fife posted increases of 8% and 4% respectively. Edinburgh and East Fife both recorded modest annual price declines of 1.3%.
Although overall sales volumes and new listings remained below the levels seen during the same period in 2025, ESPC said market fundamentals remained positive.
More than 85% of homes were marketed using the offers over strategy, up from 76.5% a year earlier, indicating continued confidence among sellers and agents in pricing strategies.
The proportion of properties going to a closing date reduced from 21.9% to 19.7%, suggesting competition had eased slightly, although demand remained robust for well-priced stock.
Paul Hilton, chief executive of ESPC, said: “The data suggests the market is evolving rather than slowing. Buyers remain active, but they’re becoming increasingly selective, making accurate pricing and local market expertise more important than ever.
“East Lothian has been a particularly strong performer this quarter, not only recording significant house price growth but also seeing increased activity in the premium market and more homes coming to market. It demonstrates how local market dynamics continue to outperform wider national trends.
“Encouragingly, we saw momentum build through June following a more cautious start to the quarter. While economic uncertainty hasn’t disappeared, the market appears to be adjusting, with confidence gradually returning among both buyers and sellers.”
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