Not everyone wants a country life. For some, the urban vibe and associated amenities are more important. Equally driven by the experience of the pandemic, Scotland’s cities and suburban locations are seeing strong demand from local buyers and also those moving back from outside Scotland to be close to family, their roots and support networks. Here, demand for well-presented properties led to a 5.8% rise in prime transactions above £400,000 and a 5.6% uplift in prime values in the 12 months ending March 2021.

Edinburgh

Demand for larger properties and more outdoor space continues to drive activity in the popular inner suburbs of Grange, Morningside, Merchiston, Murrayfield, Ravelston, Inverleith and Trinity. The outer suburbs of Barnton and Cramond have also seen a sharp rise in prime activity following a period of stability. Meanwhile, more space and value for money has supported growth in Fairmilehead, Liberton, Craigleith and Portobello. In central areas, increased demand for townhouses and improved confidence in the market for flats has supported prime activity in the city's New Town and West End.

Outside Edinburgh, value for money and new build developments have supported strong prime market growth. This was led by North Berwick, Dunbar, Gullane, Aberlady and Haddington in East Lothian and Dalgety Bay in Fife. Meanwhile, Linlithgow in West Lothian saw prime transactions nearly double over the last year.

Glasgow

Prime transactions in the city area of Glasgow crossed the 500 mark for the first time ever during the 12 months ending March 2021, led by demand for second-hand and new build properties in the West End and Park areas and family homes in Pollokshields and Newlands.

Outside Glasgow, Newton Mearns was the epicentre of prime market growth, driven by demand for family homes in the catchment area of high-performing schools. These factors also fuelled the prime markets in Lenzie, Bridge of Weir and Kilmacolm. Activity continues to spread into some of Glasgow’s less-established, yet accessible, prime markets in Lanarkshire.

Aberdeen

The prime market in Aberdeen has been less affected by the oversupply of stock currently impacting the mainstream market. The market remains balanced in the traditional hotspots of Cults and Bieldside and areas within easy reach of the city, including Banchory, Inverurie, Stonehaven, Westhill, Balmedie and Ellon.

Dundee

Dundee, the star performer of Scotland residential market over the last 12 months, has seen a record number of prime transactions. These occurred not only in the traditional hotspot of Broughty Ferry, but also in the west of the city, with views of the River Tay. With the new build market supporting activity at the periphery, the surrounding areas, including Invergowrie and Monifieth have also seen an uplift in activity.