East Lothian housing market springs into bloom

As the mercury finally nudges into double figures and the hours of daylight begin to stretch, the positive change in temperature and seasonal shift is drawing both buyers and sellers out of their winter slumber.

The seasonal impact on the housing market is often sharply felt, perhaps none more so than in East Lothian. Traditionally there is a distinct drop off in stock levels after the autumn before the first new properties of the year surface, like the emergence of spring bulbs.

Only a matter of weeks ago crowds of families were sledging on the Lammermuirs. Contrast this to the weekend just past when the beaches near North Berwick, Tyninghame and Gullane were busy with the first bucket and spade brigade of the year. Not exactly balmy by any stretch but, yes, spring is most definitely in the air and it is being reflected in the number of for sale signs.

It is this quality of life and the wide variety of sporting and outdoor activities literally on the doorstep which is a key driver for people seeking to relocate to or stay within East Lothian. This is not to mention the excellent schools, proximity to one of Europe’s financial capitals, Edinburgh, and the high quality golf courses.

The economic and political epicenter of the area, Haddington, is seeing a raft of new house builds with no fewer than three active sites delivering over 200 new homes. This activity in itself is causing the market to move with people now deciding to get on the market either to upsize to a new build or in response to the added competition.

It also presents people with a conundrum: new build or not new build. Whilst you undoubtedly gain a shiny property with brand new fixtures and fittings, you often lose out on plot sizes and have to make do with smaller and more compact floor areas when compared with second hand properties at similar pricing.

We are currently marketing a 5-bedroom property to the north of the town centre at 32 Dunbar Road. Whilst not comparable to the new build houses in either layout or design, its unique features and extensive south facing walled garden sets this property apart. It is being marketed at offers over £425,000.

But Gilson Gray is not just active in Haddington. We are currently marketing properties in a number of towns across the county including a 3-bedroom detached at 50 Poplar Park in Port Seton on at offers over £190,000; and a 1-bedroom apartment at 136 New Street in Musselburgh available at offers over £100,000.

All of these houses are prominently displayed in our shop window at 55 Market Street in Haddington. Also, following the introduction of our new East Lothian telephone number (01620 849 162) our property consultant for the region, Iain Mercer, is now directly contactable for arranging our free valuation service.

Meanwhile, operating in its own bubble of prosperity is North Berwick. With demand for the seaside town continuing to outstrip supply and prices rising accordingly it will continue to be a hotbed for property.

Just wait until the sunshine really gets warmed up.

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For More Information Contact:

Iain Mercer
Mobile: 07713 626 887
Direct Dial: 01620 849 162
Email: imercer@gilsongray.co.uk

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The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any of the information contained in this blog, please seek specific advice from Gilson Gray.