Glasgow City recorded 41 million‑pound transactions in 2025 – the highest ever seen – led by the West End, cementing its status as one of the UK’s most desirable urban neighbourhoods outside London. Pollokshields and the Park area also reported their busiest years on record, while South Lanarkshire and South Ayrshire posted unprecedented levels of high‑value sales.

These results helped Scotland’s prime market remain remarkably stable despite wider economic caution, with 460 sales above £1m and 51 above £2m across the country last year.

“Glasgow was the big story of 2025,” says Cameron Ewer, head of residential sales, Savills Scotland. “Demand for exceptional homes in the West End and across the city’s prime suburbs has outpaced anything we’re seeing elsewhere.

“The West End in particular has huge pull – it’s leafy, it’s lively and home to some of the most architecturally beautiful properties in the UK – but the real story is how far that demand is spreading. Buyers who want character, community and connectivity are increasingly looking west, and when the right home comes up, they are prepared to move fast.”

Mr Ewer added: “South Lanarkshire and South Ayrshire had their strongest ever years because buyers want space, design and lifestyle — and Scotland delivers that in a way few other UK markets can. Whether people are moving from London or moving across the city, they’re upgrading their quality of life.”

Despite constrained supply, Edinburgh once again delivered more million‑pound sales than any other Scottish location, recording 217 £1m+ transactions in 2025. Its scale, international profile and deep buyer pool mean the capital consistently outperforms even the strongest emerging markets.

Edinburgh also dominated the ultra‑prime tier, achieving 27 sales above £2m and three transactions over £5m — including one approaching £6m — reinforcing its role as Scotland’s cornerstone high‑value market.

Prime demand remained strongest in the New Town, West End, Stockbridge and Grange, while interest broadened into Dean Village and Juniper Green, reflecting buyers’ growing desire for character, green space and access to leading schools.

Crucially, Edinburgh attracts a diverse and resilient pipeline of buyers – from professionals and academics to relocators and returning expats – all drawn by the city’s architecture, cultural life and long‑term market performance. Pricing remained firm, and competition for the best family homes was intense.

Beyond the city, East Lothian achieved a record 38 million‑pound sales, led by North Berwick, Gullane and Archerfield, fuelled by continued demand for coastal living and proximity to Edinburgh.

Another unexpected story of 2025 came further south. The Borders and Dumfries & Galloway recorded their strongest-ever year, with 12 and seven million‑pound sales respectively — a landmark moment for both markets.

Activity was spread across Melrose, Peebles, Kelso, Castle Douglas and Thornhill, reflecting heightened demand from lifestyle‑driven buyers seeking scenery, value and space. Increased migration from the rest of the UK also played a key role, with many relocating buyers choosing high‑amenity market towns over major cities.

This southern momentum represents one of the most significant structural shifts in Scotland’s prime market, with areas once considered niche now competing confidently with long‑established hotspots.

Prime demand across St Andrews, Bridge of Allan, Auchterarder and the wider Perthshire/Stirlingshire region remained consistent, supported by local, UK‑wide and international purchasers.

The contrast, the Aberdeen area and the Highlands experienced more subdued activity, reflecting lower discretionary demand and ongoing economic transition.

“The data shows a market with real depth,” says Faisal Choudhry, head of residential research, Savills Scotland. “Across Scotland we recorded 460 sales over £1m last year - almost identical to 2024 – alongside a very strong 51 transactions above £2m, the highest level in three years.

“Edinburgh accounted for the largest share with 217 sales, while Glasgow’s West End delivered a record‑breaking 41. At the same time, the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway saw year‑on‑year growth of more than 40%, achieving their highest figures on record.

“This combination of stability at the top end and rapid expansion in emerging locations shows that Scotland’s prime buyers are increasingly motivated by lifestyle, value and connectivity – and this is reshaping the geography of demand across the country.”

Looking Ahead

New council tax bands for £1m+ homes, arriving in 2028, may prompt some long‑term homeowners to release larger family homes back into the market – but Mr Choudhry noted that clarity ultimately supports decision‑making: “Buyers and sellers can now plan with greater certainty. The strength of Scotland’s prime markets lies in their diversity, from urban Glasgow to the rising stars of the south, and that breadth positions us well for the years ahead.”