The most popular homes on espc.com in July 2024
The ten properties, gathering over 70,000 views on espc.com between them, showed that once again, there was incredible demand in the market for houses over flats, and for properties that offered more long-term prospects than typical first-time buyer-friendly options, with seven of the homes offering three or more bedrooms. Nine of the properties on the list were houses, with the tenth being a duplex upper flat.
There was an even spread of attention between Edinburgh and East Lothian, with four properties in each of these regions making the list, alongside one in Midlothian and one in the Scottish Borders.
Properties were generally on the more affordable end of budgets this month, with the cheapest property marketed at ￡150,000 and the most expensive coming in at under half a million pounds, listed at ￡495,000. Properties were also in typically more affordable areas overall, with a concentration in areas such as Tranent, Musselburgh, Leith and Dalkeith.
We usually see at least one renovation opportunity in among the top ten, and this month’s list offers three properties packed with potential for those looking to create their own dream home. By contrast, there are also a number of turnkey properties too, appealing to many buyers looking for a smooth and simple transition into their new home.
In a shift from the patterns we’ve seen in recent months, most of the properties are still available; a combination of more choice for buyers and slightly slower selling times may account for this shift. Three of the ten homes are already under offer, with one going to a closing date imminently, however of the available homes, most were listed for sale in the latter half of July.
ESPC CEO Paul Hilton said: “This month is an interesting twist on what we’ve seen recently with our most popular properties. This month has a much more balanced spread of locations appealing to property seekers, although we’d expect to see these higher levels of interest in Edinburgh and the more affordable areas of East Lothian that this month’s list indicates.
“Budgets are definitely on the more affordable side this month too, with all of our top ten homes coming in at less than ￡500,000, and two under ￡200,000, meaning there appears to be plenty of interest in the market from first-time buyers and younger second-steppers, searching for family homes that offer long-term stability and flexibility too. I’m not surprised to once again see incredible demand for houses over flats; with the financial market having been so turbulent in recent years, we can expect that homeowners and aspiring homeowners would like to find a home that they can spend the next few years in comfortably without the worry of outgrowing it.
“While there are more of the homes still available than we’ve seen in recent months, viewing requests for July were up 16.6% year on year, suggesting there is no shortage of interest in property, even if the speed of sale this year is taking slightly longer. It will be interesting to see how the market moves once we can reflect on August in a few weeks’ time, especially if buyers have been feeling empowered following the interest rate cuts.”
1. A fully renovated one-bed cottage in Newington
Top of the list this month is this rare find: a one-bedroom cottage in Newington that would make a perfect first property purchase or a city pad for a downsizer! This freshly renovated property is packed with history and heritage, so it’s unsurprising to see it take the number-one spot.
Property Details
Selling agent: Warners (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: Offers over ￡185,000
Status: Available
2. A previous ‘Scotland’s Home of the Year’ winner in Willowbrae
Second this month is this delightful property, which won the 2023 series of Scotland’s Christmas Home of the Year. Extensively renovated, this four-bed, three-storey property was as tastefully decorated as you’d expect, and unsurprisingly was incredibly popular with househunters – in fact, it’s already been snapped up.
Property Details
Selling agent: Warners (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: Offers over ￡480,000
Status: Under offer
3. A turnkey end-terrace in Gilmerton
Taking the third spot this month is a stylish three-bed end-terrace house in the popular suburb of Gilmerton, brought to the market with chic interiors that tick a whole host of trends. Plus, there’s a gorgeous summerhouse that would make an ideal home office or studio. In total turnkey condition, we can see why so many buyers have flocked to take a closer look!
Property Details
Selling agent: Mov8 (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: Offers over ￡230,000
Status: Available
4. An intriguing renovation project in Dalkeith
Number four this month is a very intriguing prospect that’s caught the eye of many – a two-bedroom cottage in Dalkeith that offers a wealth of potential for renovations. This traditional stone cottage is set in pretty gardens, and there’s much that could be done to create a unique property on this plot.
Property Details
Selling agent: MJ Brown, Son & Co
Price: Offers over ￡150,000
Status: Available
5. A glossy detached house in Tranent
Located in ever-popular Tranent is the property taking the fifth spot this month; a super-stylish detached house with four bedrooms, two bathrooms and glossy, contemporary décor throughout. Needing absolutely no work and offering a fabulous family home, we can see why this property is already under offer.
Property Details
Selling agent: McKinnon Forbes
Price: ￡355,000 Fixed Price
Status: Under offer
6. A detached two-bed packed with potential in Dunbar
Grabbing the attention of many this month is this super spacious, two-bed detached home in Dunbar. Offering plenty of potential for creative renovation, this charming home has mid-century style in abundance and lovely gardens, all set in one of East Lothian’s most sought-after locations.
Property Details
Selling agent: Blair Cadell (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: Offers over ￡350,000
Status: Under offer
7. A modern detached four-bed in Tranent
Another fabulous family home in Tranent takes the seventh spot this month. This fixed-price property offers plenty of space and flexibility, with neutral, tasteful décor throughout and a lovely large garden. This property is still available for anyone looking for an idyllic East Lothian home!
Property Details
Selling agent: McDougall McQueen (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: ￡370,000 (fixed price)
Status: Available
8. A turnkey three bed in a popular pocket of Musselburgh
Number eight this month is a sleek and stylish three-bed family home in the always-popular Musselburgh. Located close to the train station, this immaculate property has fresh, glossy interiors and a great garden, making it an easy and ideal option for busy family life. Unsurprisingly, this property is in high demand, and is going to a closing date shortly.
Property Details
Selling agent: Gilson Gray (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: Offers over ￡250,000
Status: Closing on 12 August
9. An incredibly elegant Georgian villa in the Scottish Borders
Ninth on the list this month is a stunning Georgian villa in the Scottish Borders, which offers a fairytale feel. The B-listed building is charming in its grandeur, and the property is set in expansive mature gardens that give it a secluded feel. Inside, there’s plenty of period features to enjoy alongside lots of opportunity to modernise and create a home that’s something special. No wonder this has attracted so much attention!
Property Details
Selling agent: Melrose & Porteous
Price: Offers over ￡495,000
Status: Available
10. A seriously stylish three-bed in the Leith Links Colonies
Making up the top ten for July is this uber-stylish three-bed double upper, set in the sought-after Colonies beside Leith Links. Incredibly chic throughout, with showhome-worthy interiors and spacious proportions, this gorgeous property has already been whisked off the market by a savvy buyer.
Property Details
Selling agent: Neilsons (ESPC Chartered firm)
Price: Offers over ￡350,000
Status: Under offer
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