The period recorded a general slowdown in sales volume and new listings. While the broader market saw steady growth, specific regions outperformed significantly.

East Fife emerged as the “star performer” with a 14.4 per cent surge in property prices, bringing the average to £294,153. The Borders and East Lothian also recorded double-digit growth of 10.3 per cent and 10.2 per cent respectively. In Edinburgh, the capital saw a more modest annual increase of 3.5 per cent, taking the average house price to £316,063.

Buyers seeking value found opportunities in West Lothian, specifically in Livingston and East Calder, where properties achieved averages of 97.9 per cent and 99.7 per cent of their Home Report valuation respectively.

The data suggests a maturing market where buyers are taking more time to decide. The median selling time was 24 days, three days slower than the previous year. However, West Fife & Kinross bucked this trend, with homes going under offer in a swift 15 days.

Volume metrics hint at a cautious financial climate as year-on-year new listings were down 8.9 per cent andsales volumes decreased 4.9 per centacross all the regions covered. Buyers paid an average of 101.8 per cent of the Home Report valuation, a marginal decrease of 0.2 percentage points year-on-year.

Despite the dip in volume, Dunfermline retained its title as the top area for both listings and sales volume.

Sellers appear confident in current conditions, with 86.0 per cent of homes listed using the offers over pricing structure – rising from 77.7 per cent in 2024. However, the number of properties going to a closing date dropped slightly, indicating a shift away from frenzied bidding wars toward more considered offers.

Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, highlighted the market’s resilience during a traditionally quieter season.

He said: “Properties are taking slightly longer to sell, and we’ve seen fewer closing dates compared to last year. Rather than viewing this as a negative, I see this as a sign of a maturing, more balanced market where buyers are taking time to make considered decisions.”

Mr Hilton added that the current conditions offer “real opportunities” for first-time buyers, particularly regarding affordable flats in areas like Dunfermline.