Though to a lesser degree than in Edinburgh and Glasgow, market sentiment across Scotland’s country locations has been positive. Realistic pricing has allowed stock previously brought to the market to be absorbed. However, the supply of new properties remains constrained, underpinning annual price growth of 1.8% for prime properties in regional locations around Edinburgh. Looking ahead, we remain cautiously optimistic, especially given the sharp rise in registered buyers so far this year. However, maintaining the balance between buyer and seller expectations will remain critical to keeping the market moving.

The market in Scotland’s heartland of Fife, Perthshire and Stirlingshire has remained buoyant, with prime transactions above £400,000 reaching 625, an annual increase of 9%. Prime activity continues to rise in the hotspots of St Andrews and Perth and their surrounding locations, most notably in Cupar, the East Neuk and Blairgowrie in Perthshire. Whilst a lack of supply suppressed prime activity in Stirlingshire, western locations near Glasgow, such as Killearn bucked the trend.

Elsewhere, markets in Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway have continued to recover. In comparison, the Highland and Islands and the Borders held steady.

The development market led Argyll’s 8% annual rise in transactions last year, however a lack of new properties means that we are unlikely to see the same level of growth this year. However, we are beginning to see the market picking up in waterfront locations and on the Islands, most notably in Bute and Mull.

_{Read the articles within Spotlight: Scotland Residential below.}