The data reveals that the number of properties for sale in Edinburgh has reached its highest point since July 2015. Back then, the inventory of properties for sale in Edinburgh was 2,419, whereas as of October 2023, the number has risen to 2,368. This implies a greater range of options in the market, providing homebuyers with increased opportunities to find their ideal housing.

Meanwhile, property sales volumes in Glasgow and Perth have also seen slight increases, at 12% and 6% respectively. However, Aberdeen experienced a 3% decline.

David Alexander, CEO of DJ Alexander Estate Agents, stated, "With interest rates having been raised 14 times since December 2021, people might have expected a slowdown in the property market's activity. The Scottish property market has seen fairly strong growth over the past year or so. The degree of this increase in transaction volumes is surprising and may be a sign of the market cooling. More properties are lingering on the market, or sellers are eager to sell to cope with the rising costs of mortgages."

Data also indicates a significant rise in the number of detached and semi-detached properties for sale in central regions. In Edinburgh, the number of advertised detached and semi-detached properties for sale has increased by 114% and 61% respectively, while in Glasgow, the figures have risen by 26% and 16% respectively. Other property types in various Scottish cities have witnessed relatively even distribution, although Dundee saw an 80% and 59% increase in the inventory of detached and semi-detached properties.

These data suggest that the real estate market in Scotland is undergoing a certain adjustment. The increase in supply offers more choices for homebuyers and could lead to price stabilization or a slight decrease. However, the market still faces some challenges, including rising mortgage costs and the phenomenon of lingering properties. For homebuyers, this is a time to stay vigilant about market trends and make cautious decisions.