A robust market with continued strong results
2026 has reinforced that we operate in a confident local market. At Neilsons, sales volumes are 1.6% higher than last year, while our total sales value has already reached £266.6m. At the same time, the average selling price in the region has increased by 1.6%.
Properties are still selling quickly too, with most properties typically going Under Offer within three to four weeks. At Neilsons, our average selling time is just 22 days on average so far in 2026.
Momentum building with new listings and more sales at Neilsons
One of the most notable trends so over the summer months at Neilsons is the increase in new listings.
We have seen a massive 24% rise in new properties coming to market from 1st June to 31st August, alongside a +10% increase in “Offers Over” listings compared to the same period, which is a clear sign of growing seller confidence.
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.
Improving supply, but still balanced
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.
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 continues to evolve, with global events, energy prices and inflation all influencing the outlook for interest rates and mortgage costs.
The Bank of England has held interest rates again at 3.75%, providing some welcome stability for borrowers and the property market.
For buyers and sellers, the important point is that the rate has remained unchanged for now, providing greater certainty around the immediate cost of borrowing environment. Mortgage rates can still move independently as lenders respond to swap rates and wider financial markets, but a period of greater stability should help buyers plan with more confidence.
The Bank of England’s next interest rate decision is due on 5th November.
As always, you will no doubt see plenty of attention-grabbing headlines and click-bait commentary about the property market. National headlines rarely tell the whole story and don’t necessarily reflect what is happening in our local market. What matters to us is the activity we are seeing on the ground – the levels of buyer demand, viewings, offers and agreed sales – and ensuring that our clients receive sensible, realistic advice based on current market conditions.
At Neilsons, we sell over one in ten properties locally and so we focus on real data, real activity, and real outcomes – not speculation.
Neilsons is currently:
- Ranked #1 across ESPC for sales volume, listings, and total sales value
- Ranked #1 on Rightmove for sales and listings
- Leading the market for “Under Offer” properties
That level of activity gives us a clear, real time view of exactly what is happening on the ground, and allows us to advise clients accordingly.
Experience, adaptability, and results
When selling what is usually your biggest asset, it is important to instruct an experienced agent who is experienced in all market conditions and nuances.
At Neilsons, we’ve navigated almost every conceivable market scenario over 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.
The outlook for the rest of the year
Our message is simple: 2026 has shown how robust the local property market is. With rising listings, steady sales, and continued buyer demand, the outlook for the Edinburgh and Lothians property market remains very as we head further into the autumn market. And with Neilsons leading the market in both activity and key metrics, our clients remain in the strongest possible position.
Book a free consultation with Neilsons here!
