Alan Aitchison

Alan Aitchison, head of real estate and construction for Scotland at RSM UK, said: “The sluggishness in house prices is a direct indication of lack of consumer confidence at present, with broader cost of living increases depressing demand.

“There has been some positive news in the last 6 months with approvals for some major affordable housing projects going through across the Central Belt. However, the rate of uptake and progress on these projects is yet to be seen.”

He added: “The ongoing geopolitical uncertainty caused by the conflict in the Middle East will have an impact of house prices in the coming months as mortgage rates and inflation both rise.

“This will have an adverse impact on affordability, particularly for first time buyers. Looking ahead, the whole sector is hoping for some stability and what is generally accepted as an inevitable increase in demand to kick in at some point during 2026.”