ESPC House Price Report - September 2013
Summary
- The number of homes sold in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife during the third quarter of 2013 rose by 43.8%.
- Total sales during the third quarter were at their highest level since 2007.
- House prices showed modest annual growth in most areas. In Edinburgh, a 0.3% increase took the average house price to £212,429.
- There was an increase in the percentage of sales where the Home Report valuation was achieved, reflecting the improving market conditions for sellers.
- In Edinburgh 40.6% of properties sold between June and September achieved their Home Report valuation, up from 26.8% a year ago.
- The average house price in most areas showed a small annual increase.
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Full report
The upturn in buyer activity in the property market in East Central Scotland continued during the third quarter of the year according to the latest figures from market leader ESPC. The total number of sales recorded between July and September in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife rose by 43.8% annually and to the highest level seen since 2007.
The increase in sales was particularly notable for one and two bedroom flats with rising activity from investors and first time buyers having fuelled demand. In Edinburgh there was a 53.3% annual rise in the number of two bedroom flats sold, while sales of one bedroom flats in the Capital increased by more than 56% annually.
The number of sellers coming onto the market also increased, though at the more modest rate of 11.8%. As a result market conditions have become more favourable for sellers than has been the case for a number of years.
With sellers in an improving position, the percentage of sales where the Home Report valuation is achieved has risen in most areas. In Edinburgh, 40.6% of properties sold between July and September achieved their Home Report valuation, up from 26.8% during the same period a year ago and from 23.4% in 2011.
David Marshall, business analyst with ESPC said:
"A majority of properties are still selling for less than the Home Report valuation, but the percentage of sales where the valuation is achieved or exceeded has been steadily rising as market conditions for sellers have improved. On average, properties in the Capital are currently selling for 2.4% less than their Home Report valuation compared to 4.3% a year ago.
"For those thinking of buying it’s important to remember that there is a significant level of variance around this figure. Just over a quarter of properties sold over the last three months achieved a selling price higher than the valuation, while one in 10 sold for more than 10% below the valuation figure. As you’d expect, the likelihood of a property achieving its valuation decreases the longer it spends on the market. Generally speaking, smaller properties are also less likely to achieve their valuation than larger family homes and you can see significant variances across even relatively small geographical areas, so it’s well worth speaking to your solicitor estate agent who’ll be well placed to guide you on what to bid."
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