Between 1 July and 21 September 2026:

• 90.3% of properties sold by Paris Steele have achieved a sale figure of at least their Home Report valuation.        
• On average, Paris Steele clients have achieved 3.9% above Home Report valuation.
• The average selling price of properties we have sold has increased by 15.5%, from £311,095 to £359,186.

As we move into autumn, the East Lothian property market remains steady, with consistent levels of activity expected through the early part of the season. As we move closer to winter and Christmas, however, the usual seasonal slowdown is likely to become more noticeable.

The market is more considered than in previous years. Buyers have greater choice, sellers need to be realistic about pricing, and transactions can take longer as purchasers take time to weigh up their options. However, demand remains strong for well-presented properties that are correctly positioned in the market.

Our own results between 1 July and 21 September reflect this continued demand. Paris Steele has brought 28.6% more properties to the market versus the same period last year, compared with virtually unchanged levels of new listings across ESPC as a whole.

Sales performance has also been encouraging. Our average selling price has increased by 15.5%, from £311,095 to £359,186, while the total value of sales has risen by almost 12%, from £9.96 million to £11.13 million.

For sellers, perhaps the most significant figures are those relating to Home Report valuations.
90.3% of properties sold by Paris Steele have achieved at least their Home Report valuation, compared with an ESPC average of 73.9%. On average, our clients have achieved 3.9% above Home Report valuation, compared with 1.9% across ESPC.

A more uncertain economic backdrop

While housing policy and property taxation are devolved in Scotland, wider economic uncertainty can still influence buyer and seller confidence. This may be one factor behind a 13% reduction in ESPC properties valued above £500,000 coming to market, as some higher-value homeowners wait for greater clarity around the economy and borrowing costs.

The Bank of England held Bank Rate at 3.75% in September, although three members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted for an increase to 4%, highlighting the continued uncertainty around the future direction of interest rates.

Against this backdrop, we expect the East Lothian market to remain balanced through autumn, rather than move significantly in either direction.

What does this mean for sellers?

There are still buyers who need to move and sellers with genuine reasons to sell. We continue to see well-presented, appropriately priced properties attracting strong interest, with our sales figures demonstrating that buyers remain prepared to compete for the right home.

As we approach Christmas, however, seasonality will increasingly influence activity. Buyers can become less inclined to begin a move as the festive period approaches, while some sellers choose to wait until the New Year.

For anyone considering a move this autumn, the fundamentals remain clear: realistic pricing, strong presentation and effective marketing matter more than ever in a market where buyers have greater choice and more time to make decisions.

Our performance since July demonstrates that a more measured market does not mean reduced opportunity. With the right approach, properties can continue to achieve strong results, and we remain confident in the underlying strength of the East Lothian market.

Thinking Of Moving?

Contact Cameron Thomson from Paris Steele today for a free property valuation and expert advice on how to get started. Email cthomson@parissteele.com, call us on 01620 497497, or pop into our North Berwick or Dunbar offices – we’d love to help.

This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The information contained in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge as at the date of publication. As laws, regulations, guidance, and other relevant information may change over time, the content of this article may no longer reflect the current position.

The information contained herein may not apply to your specific circumstances and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal advice.

If you require advice about your own situation, we recommend that you seek advice from a qualified solicitor. If you would like to discuss your circumstances or find out how we may be able to assist, please do not hesitate to contact our team for advice tailored to your individual needs.