2025 was an exceptional year of activity in the local Edinburgh and Lothians property market.
Encouragingly, 2026 has started in much the same way.
The local property market remains resilient, active, and competitive, with strong sales, rising listings, and steady price growth that has shaped a very positive first quarter.
A Confident Market with Continued Strong Results
The first three months of 2026 have reinforced just how robust the local market is.
Sales volumes are in line with last year, while our total sales value has already reached £82.4 million (+1.5%).
At the same time, the average selling price at Neilsons has increased by +2.2% to £292,000, highlighting continued price strength across the region.
Properties are still selling quickly too, with most properties typically going Under Offer within three to four weeks.
As we move further into the spring and summer months, we would expect this to tighten even further towards the lower 21 day averages we are used to seeing during this busy time of year.
Momentum Building with New Listings
One of the most notable trends so far this year at Neilsons is the increase in new listings.
We have seen a +12% rise in new properties coming to market so far this year, alongside a +5% increase in “Offers Over” listings, which is a clear sign of growing seller confidence.
March in particular saw a significant +24% increase in listings compared to last year, and we already have a strong pipeline of properties at any given moment which is great news for buyers.
This increase in supply, combined with steady buyer demand, is creating a balanced market, with competitive closing dates remaining a feature of the market for well presented, accurately priced and professionally marketed properties.
What’s Driving the Market?
Strong Demand and Confident Sellers
Buyer demand remains healthy, and competition is still a key feature of the market.
The increase in “Offers Over” listings reflects this, with sellers continuing to take advantage of competitive conditions.
Improving Supply, But Still Balanced
As we head further into spring, supply levels are now increasing again.
This is giving buyers more choice, but importantly, not at the expense of sales prices or selling times. Average selling prices are rising steadily, and the average time until Under Offer is reducing.
The market remains well balanced, which is exactly what we want to see!
Local Resilience Continues
As we’ve said consistently, Edinburgh and the Lothians continues to outperform other cities and wider UK trends.
Strong economic fundamentals and the continued desirability of the city and surrounding areas are all contributors to the robust demand.
This is a market built on solid foundations – and that is continuing to show.
Wider Economic Backdrop
The wider economic backdrop is evolving.
Ongoing geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty – particularly around energy markets – may contribute to inflationary pressure and could mean interest rates remain higher for longer than previously expected.
That said, the current outlook still points towards gradual stabilisation, which should support buyer confidence as we move through the year.
You will no doubt see plenty of attention-grabbing headlines and click-bait commentary, which doesn’t reflect the reality of what we are seeing locally.
At Neilsons, we focus on real data, real activity, and real outcomes – not speculation!
A Positive Outlook for 2026
The message is simple:
2026 has started strongly and momentum is building.
With rising listings, steady sales, and continued buyer demand, the outlook for the Edinburgh and Lothians property market remains very positive as we head into the busiest time of year.
And with Neilsons leading the market in both activity and results, our clients remain in the strongest possible position.
The Importance of Expert Advice in a Competitive Market
While conditions are solid, it’s a misconception that properties simply “sell themselves.”
With heightened buyer competition and price sensitivity, professional guidance remains essential.
At Neilsons, we continue to see multiple competitive scenarios, particularly for family homes and traditional flats in popular city and suburban areas. This makes both pricing and presentation strategy crucial for sellers – and decisive, informed professional support vital for buyers.
Our advice echoes what we’ve said throughout the past twelve months:
- Sellers: Accurate pricing, high-quality marketing, and professional presentation are key to achieving the best result.
- Buyers: Be ready. Have your finances, Mortgage in Principle, and Solicitor in place before you start viewing. Acting quickly – and strategically – can make the difference.
As ever, your choice of Solicitor Estate Agent matters.
Experience, Adaptability, and Results
When it comes to selling what is usually your biggest asset, it is important not to choose an inexperienced agent who can’t adapt to market nuances.
You should also be wary of an Agent who promises that you could achieve an inflated price for your property. Such Agents have an average selling time far longer than us and other Agents – because they invariably have to reduce the price after three months to a realistic level to achieve a sale. The price that an agent promises to achieve shouldn’t be the sole basis of your decision on who to sell with.
At Neilsons, we’ve navigated almost every conceivable market scenario over our nearly 50 years in business, and our clients benefit from that depth of experience every day.
A property that is accurately valued, professionally marketed, and supported by our award-winning team is always best placed to maximise market potential – whatever the external conditions may be.
And for buyers, securing the home you want in a competitive marketplace takes expertise and strategy. That’s where Neilsons’ combination of local knowledge, legal insight, and unique innovative digital tools gives clients the critical edge in today’s fast-moving market.
Book a free consultation with Neilsons here!
