Discover East Lothian: Gilson Gray’s guide to Scotland’s Coastal Gem

Located on the east coast of Scotland, East Lothian is renowned for its stunning coastline, charming towns, and award-winning beaches. If you haven’t yet visited Seacliff Beach, Gullane Bents, Yellowcraig, or Belhaven Bay, it’s time to add them to your must-see list. With their pristine sands and picture-perfect views, these spots offer ideal settings for leisurely strolls or invigorating dog walks. For the more adventurous, the waters are perfect for surfing or paddle boarding, embracing the great outdoors is a way of life here.

But there’s so much more to East Lothian. From world-class golf courses to friendly communities, excellent schools, and convenient commuter links to Edinburgh, it’s no wonder the area is so popular among property buyers. And with high employment rates and a population that grew by 7.7% from 2018 to 2023, according to data from the National Records of Scotland, demand for family homes continues to rise. Here the experts at Gilson Gray talk property prices, where to invest and why…

Property Prices and Value

East Lothian’s property prices average around £300,000, though this varies by location. North Berwick tops the scale, with prices over £500,000, while Dunbar offers more affordable options around £250,000 to £300,000. Musselburgh and Tranent provide even more budget-friendly choices, typically between £220,000 and £280,000. Properties in East Lothian generally hold their value well, with established areas like North Berwick and Gullane maintaining strong demand.

The Rental Market

East Lothian has emerged as a highly sought-after location for rentals, becoming one of the busiest and fastest-growing regions for the Gilson Gray Lettings team over the past 12 months. With an average rental price of £1,403 per month, the region faces a high demand for properties, as demand continues to outstrip supply. As a result, rental prices continue to rise, but properties are still being quickly snapped up across a variety of types and price points.

If you need assistance with navigating the rental market in East Lothian or have any other questions, contact Lisa England, Senior Property Manager by email on LEngland@gilsongray.co.uk

Where to Invest

East Lothian offers plenty of hidden gems, both along the coast and further inland, appealing to a wide range of homebuyer tastes and preferences. For those dreaming of quaint village life, Dirleton or Aberlady are popular choices. Meanwhile, property prices in Gullane continue to soar, thanks to its three golf courses, art galleries, historic castle ruins, beach, and top-notch restaurants including The Bonnie Badger from Tom and Michaela Kitchin. Larger towns such as Haddington and North Berwick boast bustling high streets with independent shops, restaurants and vibrant outdoor living. In fact, North Berwick was named one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Live in 2024.

Up-and-coming areas

Attracting first-time buyers and second-steppers with its new developments and affordable homes, Wallyford is gaining popularity. Its excellent transport links and expanding amenities make it a promising choice for many. The recently opened Wallyford Primary School adds to the area’s appeal.

Tranent is also experiencing a surge in new housing projects and modern amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With ongoing improvements to local infrastructure, including new schools and recreational facilities, Tranent offers a welcoming environment for families and first-time buyers alike

Prestonpans is experiencing a revival, offering a mix of traditional and new properties. Its strong community spirit and seaside location make it appealing to families and first-time buyers. The new development at Blindwells in Prestonpans is creating a vibrant and modern community that’s quickly catching the eye of potential buyers.

New Builds and Incentives

The region is seeing significant development, with new build areas in Dunbar, Wallyford, Tranent, Prestonpans and Musselburgh offering attractive incentives such as help with deposits and legal fees. These incentives and warranties make new builds an appealing option for those seeking modern homes with added value.

Easy Commuting

East Lothian is just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, and it’s also well-connected by public transport. With train stations in Longniddry, Drem, North Berwick, East Linton and Dunbar, regular bus and train services make commuting easy. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move up the property ladder, East Lothian offers plenty of options to choose from.

A Vibrant Lifestyle

East Lothian blends relaxed country living with easy access to city life. It’s a place where you can embrace a healthy lifestyle while soaking up Scotland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. There’s so much to explore right on your doorstep too. Step aboard Concorde at the National Museum of Flight, take a boat trip to the Bass Rock to see the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets and discover the art of whisky-making at Glenkinchie, one of Scotland’s few remaining Lowland distilleries. Or marvel at the dramatic ruins of Tantallon Castle perched on its clifftop.