NORTH Berwick accounts for more than 40% of high-value property sales across key East Lothian markets, according to new research.
Data shows that four in ten property transactions in the town achieved more than £500,000, with 7.5% selling for £1m or above.
The research, produced for property consultancy Fyndd by HomeBench, analysed 733 sales recorded across six East Lothian areas over a 12-month period.
North Berwick recorded 69 of the 166 sales above £500,000 and 13 of the 31 transactions exceeding £1m.
The town recorded an average sale price of £513,745, with its highest-value transaction reaching £2.65m.
In contrast, Haddington and Dunbar recorded higher overall sales volumes, at 240 and 179 respectively.
However, only 8% of sales in these towns exceeded £500,000, and neither recorded a £1m transaction.
The neighbouring area of Dirleton and Archerfield recorded the highest average sale price at £1.23m, with ten of its 16 total sales achieving more than £1 million.
Gullane saw 48% of its 67 sales exceed £500,000, whilst Longniddry recorded 31% of its 58 sales above the same threshold.
The figures are released as North Berwick hosts the annual Fringe by the Sea festival and the Leuchie Lighthouse Trail, a public art exhibition supporting families affected by neurological conditions.
Matthew Little, consultant at Fyndd, said: “North Berwick’s scale sets it apart. It delivered more £500,000-plus and £1 million-plus transactions than any other individual area in the study.
“North Berwick is no longer simply a desirable seaside alternative to Edinburgh; it has developed into one of Scotland’s deepest and most active prime property markets.
“The town has broad appeal with a huge amount to offer, from its annual events such as Fringe by the Sea and one-offs like the Leuchie Lighthouse Trail to the constants such as beaches, golf, schools, independent shops and restaurants, a strong community and a direct rail connection to Edinburgh.”
He added: “The figures show that the centre of gravity of East Lothian’s prime market is firmly on the coast, with North Berwick providing the greatest volume and breadth of higher-value activity.”
