Property Market Highlights
- Scotland’s housing market outperforms England and Wales
- Low-deposit mortgage deals hit 17-year high
- Edinburgh now the top UK destination for American buyers
- Bridge of Allan crowned ‘best place to live in Scotland’ 2025
Scotland’s housing market outperforms England and Wales
Scotland’s housing market has outperformed other UK regions in early 2025, with an 18% increase in completions compared to Q1 2024 according to Landmark Information Group’s Q1 2025 Residential Property Trends Report, with growth attributed to Scotland’s streamlined transaction processes and stable mortgage rates.
In Glasgow, house prices are projected to rise between 2.9% and 4% this year, with Zoopla ranking Glasgow among the top UK markets for house price growth, driven by affordability, strong buyer demand, and ongoing infrastructure developments
And there’s plenty for Scottish property buyers and sellers to feel upbeat about this spring, with average selling prices continuing to climb across Edinburgh – now the top UK destination for American buyers, surpassing London, due to its affordability, cultural appeal, and lower crime rates – the Lothians, Fife and the Borders.
According to the latest data published by ESPC, typical homes in these areas changed hands for £285,684 between February and April this year – a healthy 6.6% boost on the same time last year.
West Lothian led the charge with a standout 9.1% rise, while the Scottish Borders wasn’t far behind, seeing prices jump by 7.8%. Edinburgh itself remained in hot demand, with average prices edging up 6.8% to £304,294, while city centre addresses like Stockbridge, the West End and New Town achieved eye-watering average prices of £353,811 – up over 10% in just a year.
However, even in areas where overall averages softened, there were bright spots.
East Lothian, though posting a modest dip of 2.5% year-on-year, saw individual towns like Dunbar defy the trend with a remarkable 18.1% increase, pushing the average to £325,957. Musselburgh also impressed with a 9.3% uplift, while East Fife, Midlothian and West Fife & Kinross all reported steady growth.
In other news, the historic town of St. Andrews was recently featured in a piece by the Scottish Sun due to a significant surge in property prices. According to the article, homes directly adjacent to the iconic Old Course – the world’s oldest golf course – are particularly premium, with some hitting the market as high as seven figures.
Luxury flats in the Hamilton Grand development, overlooking the 18th green, have been sold for up to £7 million, with some properties marketed even higher still. Dubbed the ‘Rory McIlroy effect’, the trend is attributed to the town’s global appeal and record-breaker McIlroy’s recent Master’s win, which has intensified interest among affluent golfers. The scarcity of such premium properties, combined with their unique location, has transformed St Andrews into one of Scotland’s most exclusive real estate markets. 
This boom presents an attractive opportunity for Scottish sellers in prime locations to capitalise on the heightened demand and skyrocketing prices.
Low-Deposit Mortgage Deals Hit 17-Year High
STV News reports the Scottish mortgage market has seen a significant increase in low-deposit mortgage options, with the number of 90% and 95% loan-to-value (LTV) deals peaking – the highest since before the 2008 financial crisis.
According to data published by Moneyfacts, the article reveals there are now 1,287 such deals available, contributing to a total of 6,870 mortgage options. Overall, the recent surge has been welcomed, particularly for first-time buyers and those with limited savings. Rachel Springall, a finance expert at Moneyfacts, noted that the growing availability of low-deposit mortgages is a ‘step in the right direction,’ though she emphasised that 95% LTV deals still constitute only 6% of the market.   
For Scottish buyers and sellers, this trend will likely lead to increased market activity. Buyers with smaller deposits may find it easier to climb the first rung of the property ladder, further democratising the landscape and potentially driving demand. Meanwhile, sellers could well benefit from a larger pool of prospective buyers – possibly leading to even quicker sales.
Bridge of Allan Crowned ‘Best Place to Live in Scotland’ 2025
The battle for the best place to live continues, with the charming town of Bridge of Allan, located just a stone’s throw outside of Stirling, named Scotland’s most prime location for buyers in Garrington’s yearly index.
The historic town, known for its Victorian architecture and vibrant local culture, topped the rankings based on factors such as value for money, transport links, quality of life and job prospects. Other top-ranking areas included Dunblane, Loanhead, Penicuik, and Queensferry, with smaller towns and suburban areas surprisingly outperforming major cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow in the rankings. 
For buyers, the news highlights the draw of smaller towns that offer a blend of community and accessibility. Meanwhile, sellers in these areas may find increased interest from those seeking alternatives to metropolitan living – potentially leading to a more competitive market.
Regardless, with average Scottish property prices in 2024 rising by 6.9% over the year, both buyers and sellers should aim to stay informed about regional trends to make well-timed decisions.
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