Appreciating the many charms of East Lothian
Family-sized properties are especially popular here, says
EAST Lothian has always been popular with house buyers, but experts are predicting that the market conditions mean the next few months are a particularly good time to buy here.
The combination of great beaches, world-class golf courses, close proximity to the capital and quality of life means homes in the county don’t come cheap. With an average price of £213,821, East Lothian is much more expensive than both Midlothian (£169,380) and West Lothian (£140,047).
However, crucially it is more affordable than Edinburgh, where many buyers originate from. Malcolm Leslie of Strutt and Parker says the East Lothian market closely follows that of the capital: “If Edinburgh is doing well, then East Lothian tends to follow. At the moment, the market in Edinburgh is picking up and so now looks like a good time to buy as East Lothian is likely to follow.”
The area also attracts people from other parts of the UK. Leslie says: “Our typical buyer is looking at the family market and almost certainly will work in Edinburgh. But a good-sized family home in Edinburgh, in somewhere like the Grange, is just not affordable, whereas a similar property in East Lothian is a more realistic price.”
He cites a four-bedroom semi-detached property which sold this year just outside Longniddry at offers over £420,000. “I think we had 17 viewers in the first week or two, and it sold quickly and for a good price so there is a real appetite there for a quality family house.”
Within the area there are vast differ- ences in price; the most expensive villages have the combination of location – proximity to the hills is as important as distance to the sea and the city – amenities and schooling.
The priciest village in East Lothian is Dirleton with an eye-watering average sale price of £586,687, pushed up perhaps by Archerfield, the exclusive newbuild gated community just outside the village. Strutt and Parker are currently offering a six-bedroom house here with guest lodge for offers over £1.35 million, but the wider village is a good example of why East Lothian is so sought after. Dirleton is picture perfect, with a village green, a good handful of restaurants and pubs and is nestled between several golf courses and a sandy beach.
Hugh Cope of Chalmers and Co notes: “Demand is definitely for family accommodation for those looking to relocate.” Currently on the market with Chalmers and Co is a five-bedroom house in Burnside Court in Garvald in a good school catchment. At offers over £305,000 it compares very well to properties in the city and, for commuters, savings made in the purchase price will more than pay for travel costs.
Kathy Davis of GSB properties agrees that commuting distance is key, and points to a detached house in Cockburnspath, 1 Hoprig Square, priced at £329,500 which is ten minutes from Dunbar and 30 from Edinburgh. “It has outstanding views over the North Sea and rugged coastline to the East and the Lammermuir Hills to the West.”
As with East Lothian as a whole, she says, it is “absolutely perfect for a growing family.”