Back to Blog

What's happening in the Scottish property market?

Posted 18/08/2026 by Your Move
Categories: Buying, Scotland, Selling
View of Edinburgh
Summary: Scotland's property market saw both prices and sales activity increase during 2025–26, with the median residential sale price reaching £198,000. While national trends provide a useful indication of market conditions, local demand can vary considerably. Buyers and sellers should therefore consider what is happening in their individual area when planning their next move.

Whether you’re thinking about selling, searching for your next home or simply keeping an eye on property prices, there are encouraging signs of activity across the Scottish property market.

The latest annual figures from Registers of Scotland show that both property prices and the number of homes changing hands increased in 2025–26. But what does that mean if you’re considering a move?

Scottish property prices continue to rise

The median price of a residential property in Scotland reached £198,000 in 2025–26, according to Registers of Scotland – an increase of 4% compared with £190,000 the previous year.

At the same time, the number of residential property sales increased by 5% to 104,408, while the total value of the residential market reached £24.3 billion.

For homeowners, rising prices alongside increased sales activity could provide some encouragement if a move has been on your mind.

However, Scotland isn’t one single property market. Demand, property prices and the time it takes to find a buyer can vary significantly depending on your location and the type of home you own.

What types of homes are selling in Scotland?

The latest figures reveal some interesting differences between property types.

Detached homes recorded the highest median sale price in Scotland in 2025–26 at £324,995, while flats had a median price of £138,017.

Around two-thirds of all residential properties sold for £250,000 or less, highlighting the variety of homes available to buyers across Scotland.

There was also increased activity in the new-build market, with 10,290 new-build residential sales recorded during 2025–26 – 8% more than the previous year.

For sellers, however, national figures only tell part of the story. Understanding what buyers are looking for in your local area can be just as important when deciding how to market and price your home.

What’s happening in our local property markets?

From city living to coastal communities and countryside locations, the areas served by Your Move across Scotland cover a diverse mix of property markets.

In and around Edinburgh and Dalkeith, buyers can choose between city living and homes within easy reach of the capital, while Fife, including Dunfermline, Dalgety Bay, Glenrothes and Leven, offers everything from established family neighbourhoods to coastal living.

Further north, our teams in Dundee, Montrose, Elgin and Inverness help buyers and sellers navigate their respective local markets, while Stirling and Falkirk remain well placed for those looking for access to Scotland’s major cities.

Across Lanarkshire, our branches in Hamilton, Lanark, Wishaw and Coatbridge cover a wide range of towns and communities, while our Dumfries team serves buyers and sellers in the south of Scotland.

Each market behaves differently, which is why looking beyond national averages can be so important when you're considering a move.

Is now a good time to sell your home in Scotland?

There isn’t one perfect time to sell a property – the right time will depend on your circumstances and what you want to do next.

However, increasing sales volumes indicate that plenty of buyers and sellers have been making their move.

If you’re considering selling, one of the most useful first steps is understanding what your property could be worth in the current local market.

A valuation can take into account factors that national house price statistics cannot, including your precise location, property type, condition, recent comparable sales and current buyer demand.

Even if you’re not quite ready to put your home on the market, knowing its potential value could help you understand what your next move might look like.

Thinking of buying in Scotland?

For buyers, Scotland continues to offer a wide variety of property types and locations.

The Scottish buying process also differs from the rest of the UK, so it pays to understand how it works before beginning your search.

Properties are commonly marketed as offers over, offers around or at a fixed price, and sellers are usually required to provide a Home Report containing important information about the property.

Buyers should also factor Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) into the potential cost of purchasing a property where applicable.

Getting familiar with the process early can put you in a better position when the right home comes along.

Your local property market matters

Headlines about the Scottish property market can provide a useful overview, but they can’t tell you exactly what is happening on your street.

Property demand can differ from one town to the next – and even between neighbourhoods within the same town.

That’s where local knowledge matters.

With Your Move branches across Scotland, our local teams can help you understand what buyers are searching for, how similar properties are performing and what your home could be worth in today’s market.

Thinking about making a move? Book a property valuation with your local Your Move branch and find out where you stand in the current market.

Book a free property valuation


FAQs

Are house prices rising in Scotland?

Registers of Scotland reported a median residential property price of £198,000 in 2025–26, 4% higher than the previous year.

Are more homes being sold in Scotland?

Yes. There were 104,408 residential property sales in Scotland in 2025–26, an increase of 5% compared with 2024–25.

What is the average house price in Scotland?

Registers of Scotland's latest annual figures show a median residential sale price of £198,000 for 2025–26. This is a median rather than an average, and individual property values vary considerably by location and property type.

Do I need a Home Report to sell a property in Scotland?

In most cases, sellers in Scotland must arrange a Home Report before marketing their property. There are some exceptions.

How can I find out what my home is worth?

A property valuation from a local estate agent can provide a more tailored indication based on your property, location, comparable sales and current local market conditions.

The Your Move Content Marketing Team

Blog Signup

Get the latest news from Your Move direct to your inbox

Blog Signup

Get the latest news from Your Move direct to your inbox

Updated: 18/08/2026