The Edinburgh and Lothians property market has enjoyed a positive first half of 2026 overall.
While activity has settled following the exceptionally busy markets of recent years, despite what the national press and media would have you believe, buyer demand remains healthy, and well presented, professionally marketed and accurately priced properties continue to attract strong interest.
The latest ESPC figures show a more balanced market, with new listings down 2.4% and completed sales down 6.1% compared with the same period last year. In this environment, choosing the right Solicitor Estate Agent has never been more important.
Local knowledge, innovative marketing, accurate pricing and proactive negotiation are key to achieving the best possible outcome.
Against that backdrop, we’re delighted to report another outstanding period for Neilsons, with continued growth across our Estate Agency business and market-leading performance across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Growing market share while the market evolves
One of the clearest indicators of success is market share, and it’s here that Neilsons continues to strengthen its position.
During the first half of 2026, we increased new property instructions by 2.7% and completed sales by 1.7%, despite overall market activity declining. Between January and June, we marketed 832 properties, successfully sold 671 homes, and currently have more than 200 properties available across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
June was particularly encouraging, with new listings increasing by 12% year-on-year – a positive sign for both sellers looking to make their move and buyers benefiting from greater choice.
These results have seen Neilsons become the No.1 ESPC member firm for listings, sales volume and total sales value in East Central Scotland, while also retaining our position as Edinburgh’s leading estate agent on Rightmove for listings and sales. So far this year, we’ve helped clients sell more than £190 million worth of property.
Performance you can measure
There’s no shortage of bold marketing claims within the property industry, even from Agencies with a tiny market share, particularly on social media. We believe the best measure of performance is independent data.
Our market share has continued to grow throughout the year, reaching 14.5% in June – meaning that almost one in every seven ESPC property sales that month was handled by Neilsons.
Just as importantly, our results continue to outperform the wider market.
On average, our properties are selling in just 23 days, faster than the ESPC average. A higher proportion of our clients achieve or exceed Home Report valuation, and we continue to secure stronger premiums above asking price than the market.
This reflects the expertise of our valuers, sales administrators, sales negotiators and property services team, all working together to deliver the best possible outcome for every client. The benefits of a large, experienced and well-staffed team, can never be overlooked.
Local knowledge makes the difference
Property has always been, and always will be, a local business.
From our network of offices, Neilsons has built one of the strongest market positions across Edinburgh and the Lothians. In areas such as Corstorphine and South Queensferry, we now handle more than one in every three new ESPC listings, giving our team unrivalled insight into local pricing, buyer demand and market trends.
That depth of local knowledge allows us to advise clients with confidence, price properties accurately and develop marketing strategies that deliver results.
Neilsons’ focus for the rest of 2026 and beyond
While we’re proud of another strong set of results, we’re never complacent.
Our focus remains on continuing to grow our market share, investing in our team and technology including AI, and delivering the exceptional service our clients expect. As the property market continues to evolve, our commitment remains the same – providing trusted advice, outstanding marketing and attempting to achieve the best possible outcome for every seller.
We’re incredibly grateful to every client who has chosen Neilsons to help them move home, and to our dedicated Estate Agency team whose professionalism and hard work have made these results possible.
Selling your home is one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Choosing a Solicitor Estate Agent with a proven track record can make all the difference.
At Neilsons, we’re proud that our results continue to speak for themselves.
Book a free consultation with Neilsons here!
