Scots market experiencing ‘rise in activity’

THERE are signs of increased activity in the property market in Scotland, according to estate agents Strutt & Parker.

Edinburgh city sales team member Kirsten Stuart said: “In the first seven weeks of the new year we have seen signs of increased activity including an increase in enquiries, web hits, viewing numbers and the conversion rate of properties going from ‘for sale’ to ‘under offer’.”

Country house sales specialist Andrew Smith predicted price and demand would be steady in 2013, but he said some foreign buyers are waiting until after the referendum to invest.

He said many younger people were choosing to rent. “Buyers are no longer desperate to be on the property ladder and are more than comfortable to remain in rented accommodation until the market stabilises.

“We are also starting to 
see people questioning the wisdom of buying property even in the long term.”