There remains a “strong desire” to live in East Lothian, according to the CEO of property experts ESPC.

Research from ESPC revealed an increase in county property sales year on year, with properties still in high demand.

Key statistics on house prices and selling times across East Lothian were revealed in the group’s new report.

Research found that, between May 1 and July 31, 2023, the average selling price in East Lothian was £289,387 – up two per cent annually.

On average, properties achieved 104.8 per cent of their home report valuations, showing that buyers were willing to bid competitively to secure their home.

East Lothian properties went under offer in a median time of 20 days, seven days slower than last year.

Sales of properties across East Lothian are up 3.8 per cent year-on-year, evidencing people’s desire to live in the area.

Property sales in Musselburgh were up eight per cent year-on-year, at an average selling price of £253,538.

Three-bedroom homes in Musselburgh proved particular popular, with sales up 33 per cent year-on-year at an average selling price of £281,387.

Haddington homes were also in demand, recording a 2.7 per cent annual increase in the volume of properties sold, at an average price of £270,853.

Property sales in Dunbar increased 28 per cent annually (average selling price of £286,425).

Properties in Port Seton sold most quickly, with the median time to under offer just nine days. Homes in Tranent also went under offer quickly, in a median time of 15 days.

In Musselburgh and Haddington, the median time to under offer was 20 days, consistent with the Lothian region as a whole.

Research found that buyers were often willing to offer above the home report valuation to secure their next home purchase in the county.

The average percentage of home report valuation achieved in Musselburgh was 105.6; whilst in Dunbar, properties achieved, on average, 105.2 per cent of their home report valuation between May and the end of July this year.

Between those same months, new property listings in Musselburgh were up 17.5 per cent year on year.

Reflecting on the data, Paul Hilton, CEO of ESPC, said: “East Lothian is always popular for home buyers as it is such a stunning setting, with access to not only beautiful beaches but open, outdoor spaces and it has a real community feel.

“Our latest data goes to show how strong the desire to live in this great area currently is.

“Musselburgh, Haddington and Dunbar are all really popular areas.

“In fact, Musselburgh was the area with the fourth highest volume of listings across the whole ESPC region over the last three months.

“An integral part to any buyer or seller journey is working with a solicitor estate agent to secure your move. ESPC, and our member firms, are vital to this process.”