Scotland’s Coastal Towns Drive UK Real Estate Surge

Discover how Scotland's coastal towns are leading a remarkable surge in the UK real estate market, attracting buyers, investors and reshaping property trends.

Scotland's coastal towns are currently experiencing a remarkable surge in the UK real estate market, with an astonishing 13 of the top 20 residential areas, ranked by average house price, nestled along the picturesque coastline, as revealed by recent research conducted by Rettie. Notably, Fife and East Lothian dominate this coastal real estate landscape, boasting nine of the top ten coastal towns by house price, while Kilcreggan in Argyll and Bute stands as the sole representative from the west coast to grace this prestigious list.

Fife, in particular, showcases five entries within the coveted top ten, including the charming locales of Elie and Earlsferry, St Andrews, Aberdour, Crail, and Limekilns and Charlestown. Elie and Earlsferry, in a display of market prowess, have achieved the highest average house price over the past twelve months, soaring to an impressive £869,459—an amount that comfortably eclipses the average prices of Scotland’s other coastal havens.

East Lothian contributes four notable entries to this coastal property pantheon: Gullane, North Berwick, Longniddry, and Lower Largo, Lundin Links and Upper Largo. Among these, Gullane claims the title for the highest average house price in East Lothian, clocking in at £504,139, outpacing North Berwick, which follows at £476,066.

The growth trajectory of house prices in four out of the top five coastal settlements has significantly outstripped Scotland’s national average of approximately 20% over the past five years. Elie and Earlsferry have witnessed a staggering 84% increase during this period, while Gullane has experienced a robust 40% growth. Longniddry mirrors this upward trend, and St Andrews has also enjoyed a commendable 57% increase over the same five-year span.

It is noteworthy that most of these higher-priced coastal settlements have seen average house price increases in recent years that far exceed the national average. Each of these towns and villages shares a delightful array of characteristics, including breathtaking beaches, rich historical narratives, and vibrant community life. The allure of these coastal gems lies not only in their natural beauty but also in the plethora of outdoor activities and scenic coastal walks they offer. Furthermore, their proximity to Scotland’s major cities enhances their appeal, presenting an attractive lifestyle that is palpably reflected in their premium property prices.

In St Andrews, Rettie serves as both adviser and sole agent to the developers of St Andrews West, a project that is on track to deliver hundreds of sustainable new homes to this historic town, further enriching its vibrant community and real estate landscape.