Rettie Property Research Services

It has not been a balmy summer, but neither has it been a wash-out. The same can be said for the recent performance of the housing market both in Scotland and in the wider UK, which can best be described as ‘a little tepid’.

Over the last 12 months, 13 of the top 20 settlements in Scotland (ranked in terms of average house price) were located by the coast. Elie and Earlsferry took the number one spot with an average house price of £869,459. Gullane in East Lothian was second, with an average house price of £504,139, while St Andrews came in third, with prices averaging £490,361.

The East Lothian housing market is flourishing, boasting the second highest average house price in Scotland, trailing only behind Edinburgh. This growth, with a notable 2.8% increase in the past year, underscores the area’s appeal with its diverse lifestyle options and excellent transport links to both Edinburgh and London. We discuss in this briefing how these unique lifestyle opportunities have been pivotal in sustaining demand in the local market.

Perth and Kinross peaks above Scottish average.

This time last year, the housing market and wider economy had been thrown into turmoil by the UK Government’s Autumn Mini-Budget, with the mortgage payment on the average Scottish house purchase increasing by almost 60%.

As East Lothian locals know, the area is well known for having its own unique microclimate. Rain may be settled over the capital, but a short drive east will often reveal blue skies and a warm breeze. This happy distinction is also true of the East Lothian housing market.

A lot can happen in 9 months … It really is just 9 months since Kwasi Kwarteng introduced his mini-budget in September 2022. The resulting money market panic that seeped into the wider economy, including the housing market, is, of course, a matter of great regret for many.

Did you know? The average house price in the West End* in 2022 was £258,000, 28% higher than the Glasgow average of just over £200,000. *Postcode districts of G3, G11, G12, G13, G14 and G20

Our recent review of Scotland's Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) shows that, in 2022/23, LBTT revenue reached a record high in Scotland, driven by a relatively strong sales market and rising prices.

2022 saw the Scottish housing market break the record for £1m+ sales in a year, with 504 transactions passing the landmark price, with Rettie now involved in the sale of over 1 in 5 transactions in excess of £1m. In fact, in just two years, the Scottish £1m+ market has risen by 80%.

2022 was an eventful year by any standards. Russia's invasion of Ukraine triggered a number of significant effects, with rising energy costs fuelling inflation and contributing to an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, while significant political upheaval during the year has led to economic turmoil.

As Summer 2022 ends, analysis by Rettie has highlighted the significant impacts to the Scottish housing market of the Covid-19 pandemic and how the market has recovered after a collapse following lockdown in the Spring 2020.