🏠 Edinburgh Market Defies the UK Slowdown: What the Latest Rightmove House Price Index Means for You

Sean McMahon
Oct 21
3 min read

📊 National Picture: Flatlining, Not Falling

The latest Rightmove House Price Index (October 2025) paints a picture of a steady but subdued UK market.

The average asking price for homes coming to market now stands at £371,422, up just 0.3% month-on-month — well below the usual autumn bounce of around +1.1%.

Year-on-year, prices are virtually unchanged (-0.1%), suggesting the market has levelled off after the post-pandemic surge.

Buyer enquiries and new seller listings were both down roughly 5% on last year, but still slightly ahead on a year-to-date basis.

The message? Stable demand, but cautious sentiment.

Rightmove notes there’s now a decade-high level of choice for buyers — great news if you’re looking to move, but it means sellers must price competitively and ensure top-quality marketing to stand out.

🏙️ Edinburgh & the Lothians: Holding Strong Amid the Slowdown

While the national picture looks flat, Edinburgh is quietly outperforming the UK average.

According to the latest ONS data, average property prices in the capital sit around £289,000, up roughly 4.5% year-on-year.

That’s in stark contrast to the national figure of -0.1%, confirming what many local agents already feel: the Edinburgh market remains resilient.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

Area	Avg. Price	YoY Change	Property Type Trends
Edinburgh (Citywide)	£337,218	+4.5%	Flats dominate transactions
Edinburgh South (EH10–EH17)	£358,556	+2.0%	Family homes performing well
Leith / EH6–EH7	£260,000–£285,000	+3.5%	High rental & investor demand
South Queensferry / EH30	£305,000	+4.0%	Good commuter demand
Linlithgow / West Lothian	£290,000	+3.8%	Consistent suburban growth

(Sources: Rightmove, ONS, ESPC data, Oct 2025)

The combination of strong employment, tight rental supply, and relative affordability compared with southern England continues to support Edinburgh’s housing values.

💬 What This Means if You’re Selling

Price with precision – With more homes on the market, buyers have options.
Launching at a realistic asking price backed by professional marketing will attract serious interest faster.
Presentation matters more than ever – Quality photography, video tours, and accurate floorplans can be the difference between a scroll-past and a viewing request.
Feedback & communication are key – At The Property Experts, we provide weekly progress reports, marketing analytics, and direct communication — because informed sellers make better decisions.
Autumn momentum – Although the national “autumn bounce” is muted, Edinburgh still sees solid demand into early winter. Don’t wait for spring — motivated buyers are already active.

🏡 For Buyers and First-Time Movers

Choice is improving – You’ve now got the most selection in over a decade. Take your time, compare listings, and negotiate with confidence.
Affordability advantage – Mortgage rates remain steady, and Scottish prices have held firm without overheating.
Think local, not national – The UK average hides regional realities. In Edinburgh, Leith, and South Queensferry, well-priced homes still move fast.

💼 For Landlords and Investors

Rents remain high across EH6–EH7, driven by record tenant demand and limited stock.

Even with tighter rent-control rules coming through the Housing (Scotland) Bill, yields remain strong for well-maintained and compliant properties.

Now’s a good time to:

Review your property’s compliance (EICR, PAT, Gas Safety, EPC, Legionella, Lead & Asbestos checks).
Assess rent levels to ensure you’re not below market value.
Plan ahead for EPC upgrades before new energy standards come into force.

*We can provide a free, full compliance audit when you request a property valuation.*

🧭 Outlook for Winter 2025

Expect Edinburgh to remain a steady, resilient market while London and the South soften further.

With affordability still strong, robust employment, and ongoing regeneration in Leith, the city continues to outperform.

However, sellers must be proactive — gone are the days when every listing sold itself.

Smart marketing, strong presentation, and responsive communication will separate successful sales from stale listings.

⚙️ Our Takeaway

📈 UK market: Flat but stable.

🏙️ Edinburgh: Outperforming, modest growth.

💡 Strategy: Price smart, market beautifully, stay compliant.

At The Property Experts, we believe data should drive decisions.

Whether you’re selling, letting, or just curious about your property’s current value, we can provide a free, instant online valuation and a comprehensive in-person audit to check compliance and maximise your return.