The best areas in Scotland for downsizers

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There are many reasons to downsize, from kids having flown the nest to that dream of retiring to a quaint cottage in the country. Downsizing may also allow for a more secure lifestyle, greater flexibility to take holidays and less stress about property maintenance and general running costs.

Here are the top areas across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders to look at if you want to downsize.

Morningside

Not ready to give up on city living? The sought-after neighbourhood of Morningside is a great option, offering a village feel with the buzz of Edinburgh’s city centre just a 10-minute car ride or 30-minute walk away.

With Morningside Road as the main thoroughfare through this district, you have a lot of great shops, cafes, restaurants and bars on your doorstep.

According to the latest ESPC data, the average house price in Morningside is £411,496.

Portobello

Edinburgh’s seaside suburb Portobello is a fantastic option for those who want to stay close to the Capital. Residents here can enjoy the beautiful golden sands of Portobello beach and the elegant Victorian promenade, but also local bars, restaurants, cafes and shops, green spaces, excellent transport links and a friendly community spirit.

Portobello is a popular option for buyers of all ages and stages, but you could also try nearby Joppa or creep across the East Lothian border into Musselburgh for a similar vibe.

The average property price in Joppa is £454,778 and Portobello is £310,260, while properties in Musselburgh usually sell for an average of £240,165.

South Queensferry

Located on the north-western edge of Edinburgh, South Queensferry is well-known for its beautiful views across the Forth and the iconic three bridges. However, South Queensferry has more to offer with excellent access into Edinburgh city centre, offering the ideal balance of tranquil, waterside living with the city close at hand.

The town has a great range of property to suit buyers at all stages of life, with the average selling price here at £294,616.

Roslin

Home to the world-famous Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin is a tranquil Midlothian village with a semi-rural feel. It’s just seven miles south of Edinburgh, with excellent transport links, but it feels worlds away, with its leafy, relaxed vibe and charming shops and restaurants.

The Roslin Glen Country Park is great for enjoying a woodland walk, while Straiton Retail Park is just a short distance away.

The average price of a property in Roslin is £323,267.

North Berwick

Coastal areas are particularly popular locations for downsizers and North Berwick in East Lothian has everything you could want, with beautiful beaches, golf courses and coastal walks, plus a flourishing high street packed with shops, cafes and restaurants. Transport is great too, with excellent road, rail and bus links into Edinburgh.

The town boasts a range of properties such as one to three-bedroom flats situated in traditional stone and white-wash buildings. More spacious properties can be found at Abbotsford Road, which overlooks the famous West Links Golf Course. Marine Parade has stunning views across Milsey Bay and the Bass Rock. The average selling price in North Berwick is £477,727.

Dunbar

Another fantastic option for East Lothian dwellers, Dunbar is popular with those seeking a calm coastal lifestyle.

The sandy beaches at Dunbar are dotted with surfers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, so there’s plenty to do if you enjoy an active lifestyle. Plus, a regular train service runs into Edinburgh so commuting from Dunbar is a breeze. The average property price in the town is £309,841.

Linlithgow

Well-placed for those with family spread across the Central Belt, the West Lothian town of Linlithgow is a great choice for downsizers.

Situated between Edinburgh and Falkirk, with easy access to Glasgow, Linlithgow is most famous for Linlithgow Palace, but there’s also a picturesque loch and walking routes, plus a high street filled with great places to socialise, eat, drink and shop.

St Andrews

The beautiful St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most famous seaside locations, perched on the picturesque East Neuk of Fife. St Andrews is home to the iconic West Sands Beach, as well as a number of world-renowned golf courses, hotels and the University of St Andrews.

St Andrews offers a range of properties to suit all tastes, from Georgian flats to stunning country houses with the average selling price being £440,090.

Properties for sale in St Andrews are typically in high demand as the town offers a rare blend of relaxed living, stunning scenery and excellent amenities. As a result, house prices in St Andrews are understandably above the Scottish average (the current average property price, according to ESPC data, is £291,023).

Anstruther

Perfectly picturesque, Anstruther is a great choice for downsizers and family buyers looking for a more relaxed pace of life. The bustling town is situated between Crail and Pittenweem and is the largest of the coastal villages of the East Neuk.

The ancient university town and golfing haven of St Andrews is around ten minutes away, while the larger Fife towns of Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes can be reached in 20-30 minutes.

Eyemouth

A small town in the Scottish Borders, Eyemouth is popular with holidaymakers as its charming beach offers stunning scenery. More affordable than many of the options on this list, Eyemouth is a popular choice for those seeking a holiday home, as well as those planning to relocate permanently to the coast.

Just ten minutes north of the town, Coldingham Bay is another sheltered sandy beach that’s popular with surfers and swimmers, and the lovely St Abb’s Head nature reserve is also located nearby.

Kelso

Fancy a more rural way of life? Kelso, a quaint market town in the heart of the Scottish Borders, is a popular choice – and with good reason. This charming town has a real community feel and would make an excellent place to relocate to if you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle, but still with plenty to see and do.

There’s an array of outdoor pursuit options available, plus there are local shops, inns and restaurants to enjoy. Kelso is located within easy distance of Edinburgh, Newcastle and Carlisle, so there’s always plenty to do with your downtime.

Homes in this area sell for an average of £241,419.

Seek expert advice

When you decide to downsize it’s worth taking the time to go over your options. If you haven’t sold for a while, it is worth speaking to an ESPC member firm who can guide you through the process.

Figures are based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC. Figures relate to the three-month period ending on 31/12/2022.

ESPC magazine

This article appeared in the January 2023 issue of the ESPC magazine. Find out more about the ESPC magazine and read the latest issue online.