When the Tall Ships sailed from Aberdeen in a flurry of white canvas last month there was a positive atmosphere around the city which was refreshing and long-awaited. Too long has the sentiment surrounding the city been swathed in negativity, including the mindset surrounding our property market.

Since 2014, the market has been challenged by the burden of oversupply and lack of demand. Sellers abounded, but buyers were conspicuous by their absence.

However, the latest market report by the Aberdeen Solicitors’ Property Centre provides positive data, which suggests that a degree of confidence is returning to the market. The number of transactions in Q2 2025 – that is successful completions – were up by a satisfying 13% on the same period last year.

The latest ASPC figures suggest the potential for a return towards a supply balance – and it is further encouraging that the mark-up ratio stood at 0.99, meaning that the majority of transactions that were completed went at figures around the asking price.

In recent years, those who found a house they wanted to buy, would perhaps struggle to achieve a sale within a short time period. Now, when such buyers act, their own home has potential to sell more quickly, creating greater fluidity in the market.

Semi-detached and detached properties appear to be particularly in demand at the moment – with an increase in transactions of 25.2% and 8% respectively – indicating that families are upsizing and that local movers are re-entering the market.

It is also worth taking into account that, the current market represents a tempting buying opportunity for those moving into the city and first time buyers, as prices still remain modest compared to equivalent cities. First time buyers, who previously would have had to depend on the Bank of Mum and Dad for a deposit, have a fighting chance of entering the property ladder.

Aberdeen itself remains an attractive and fulfilling place to live and the regeneration of the city centre continues apace with the completion of Union Terrace Gardens, construction of the new market and redevelopment of the Aberdeen beachfront.

The West End of the city remains high on the wish list of many families seeking good school catchment areas and accessibility to the city centre. With the continued popularity of the satellite towns of Ellon, Stonehaven and Inverurie continuing their trend of established demand.

Developers continue with to pursue new projects, with Malcolm Allan Housebuilders releasing houses at the Treetops site, in the desirable west end, and Bancon Homes breaking ground on their new site in the popular suburb of Milltimber.

With the increased activity, it is reasonable to be quietly optimistic about the market if the trend continues and confidence continues to build. We can but hope for a fair wind ahead.

Felicity Forbes-Davidson is a partner in the Aberdeen residential offices of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors.