House prices fell by 0.5% over the quarter, while annual prices rose by 1.4%, and five-year annualised price growth was flat at 0.0%. 

Across Aberdeenshire, year-on-year price growth remained positive, with the countryside recording the strongest annual increase at 6.0%. Stonehaven experienced a larger quarterly decrease, alongside a stronger annual rise compared to other main towns.

A total of 1,127 residential property transactions were recorded in the first quarter, a decrease compared with the final quarter of 2025, reflecting seasonal patterns.
However, transaction levels were 0.6% higher than the same quarter last year, indicating that overall market activity has been maintained.

Sales by property type were:
• 384 flats
• 438 semi-detached houses
• 305 detached houses

Properties continued to sell close to their advertised prices, with an average sale-to-asking-price ratio of 0.98, indicating that homes generally sold for very close to asking price.
Around 24.4% of properties listed on ASPC went on to sell during the quarter, lower than the previous quarter but higher than the same period in 2025.

John MacRae, chairman, said: “The University report’s 3 indices show almost an exact replica of the figures for the last quarter of 2025. Such small changes as there are, are statistically insignificant.

“The indices are a general indication, but the report, also gives further information, in more detail. There is information on house price movement in the main centres of our area. These, generally, are in line with the indices, although there are some exceptions. Stonehaven shows a greater decrease than other areas in the first quarter, and a greater increase, yearly. Countryside areas show a markedly superior increase, yearly.

“Other sources of information can give added insight on the price data – web traffic is an indication as to how the public are acting. In the first quarter the number of web searches increased by 33%, year on year.

“Additionally, sales in the first quarter held up well at 1,127 (2025 1,121). We have had a start to the year which is reassuring. The second quarter will provide a fuller indication on how 2026 will be.”