ESPC Property Market Intelligence Report - September 2026 - Q3 Review
Key Takeaways
- The property market across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders showed signs of cooling in Q3 2026, with sales volumes falling by 9.6% year-on-year despite a 0.7% increase in average selling prices.
- Buyer competition eased, with the average percentage of Home Report value achieved falling by 0.5 percentage points to 101.9%, although properties continued to sell above their valuations on average.
- Regional performance varied, with West Lothian and the Scottish Borders recording notable price growth, while East Lothian, East Fife and West Fife & Kinross saw average selling prices decline.
- The Scottish Borders was the only ESPC region to record an increase in sales activity year-on-year, while Edinburgh remained the busiest market and West Lothian recorded the highest average house price.
- Properties generally took slightly longer to sell, although West Fife & Kinross continued to outperform the wider market on selling speed and achieved the highest premiums above Home Report value, highlighting ongoing demand for well-priced homes.
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The residential property market across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders showed signs of cooling in Q3 2026, with sales volumes falling and buyer pressure easing compared with the same period last year. Average selling prices nevertheless edged up by 0.7%, while properties took slightly longer to go Under Offer and continued to achieve above their Home Report valuations on average.
The wider economic climate appears to be weighing on market activity, with increased household costs contributing to more cautious buyer behaviour. Sales volumes fell by 9.6% year-on-year, while the average percentage of Home Report value achieved declined by 0.5 percentage points to 101.9%. The proportion of sales going to a closing date also fell, suggesting less competition between buyers and fewer properties attracting multiple offers.
Regional trends were mixed, with West Lothian and the Scottish Borders recording notable price growth, while East Lothian, East Fife and West Fife & Kinross saw average prices decline. Overall, however, demand remains evident for well-priced properties, with homes still achieving premiums over Home Report valuations despite a more measured and price-sensitive market.
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