Latest ESPC data points to a resilient market, despite economic uncertainty

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The latest house-price report from ESPC highlights a market that has continued to perform steadily in the first quarter of 2026, with increased supply, easing competition and modest price growth. This is creating balanced conditions for buyers and sellers across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Scottish Borders, the property-marketing company revealed.

Using data from January to March 2026, the report shows that 2,266 properties came onto the market, representing an increase over the same period last year. This uplift in listings has improved choice for buyers across a wide range of price points and signals growing confidence among sellers.

The increase in supply has contributed to more measured competition. Properties sold for an average of 101 per cent of their home-report valuation, while the proportion of homes going to a closing date fell to 16.5 per cent, down from 17 per cent last year and 19 per cent in 2024.

Sales volumes were down 7.5 per cent year-on-year; however, ESPC said that this represents a relatively modest shift and reflects a more balanced pace of transactions rather than any weakening of underlying demand.

Properties sold slightly faster than this time last year, with median selling times improving by one day overall and by three days within the capital, suggesting that well-priced homes continue to attract strong interest.

The update indicated particularly strong demand for family housing, with four-bedroom houses in Dunfermline and three-bedroom houses in Penicuik among the fastest-selling properties, going under offer in 13 days. Dunfermline recorded the highest number of new listings and achieved the highest average percentage of home-report valuation at 102.6 per cent.

Price growth remained steady, with the average selling price rising 1.3 per cent year-on-year to £287,024.

Two-bedroom flats in Dunfermline retained their place among the most affordable, while first-time buyer hotspots in Edinburgh, including Gorgie, Bonnington, Granton, Dalry and around Leith Walk, saw some properties selling at or just below home-report valuation, highlighting improved opportunities for buyers entering the market.

ESPC concluded that overall, the Q1 report points to a market that remains robust and well-balanced despite wider economic pressures. It added that with increased supply, steady pricing and continued demand, the outlook remains positive as the market moves into the traditionally busier spring and summer period.

www.espc.com