Aberdeen housing market holds steady in early 2026 as prices and sales remain stable

The Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire housing market showed broad stability in the first quarter of 2026, with only marginal price movements and steady sales activity, according to the latest Aberdeen Housing Market Report.

Published by the Centre for Real Estate Research (CRER) at the University of Aberdeen Business School, and drawing on data from ASPC, the report highlights a largely unchanged market compared with the end of 2025.

House prices in Aberdeen saw a slight seasonal dip of 0.5% over the quarter, although values remained 1.4% higher than the same period last year. Over a longer period, five-year annualised price growth was flat at 0.0%, underlining a market that has remained broadly static in recent years.

Across Aberdeenshire, however, year-on-year price growth remained positive, with countryside locations recording the strongest increase at 6.0%. Stonehaven stood out for experiencing a larger quarterly fall alongside a stronger annual rise than other main towns.

Sales activity remained resilient despite seasonal fluctuations. A total of 1,127 residential transactions were recorded in the first quarter, down on the final quarter of 2025 but 0.6% higher than the same period last year.

Flats accounted for 384 sales, while 438 semi-detached homes and 305 detached properties were sold during the quarter.

Properties continued to achieve close to their asking prices, with an average sale-to-asking-price ratio of 0.98. Around 24.4% of properties listed on ASPC went on to sell during the quarter—lower than the previous quarter but higher than the same period in 2025.

Commenting on the findings, John MacRae, Chairman, said: “The University report’s 3 indices show almost an exact replica of the figures for the last quarter of 2025. Such small changes as there are, are statistically insignificant.

“The indices are a general indication, but the report also gives further information in more detail. There is information on house price movement in the main centres of our area. These generally are in line with the indices, although there are some exceptions.

“Stonehaven shows a greater decrease than other areas in the first quarter, and a greater increase yearly. Countryside areas show a markedly superior increase yearly.

“Other sources of information can give added insight on the price data – web traffic is an indication as to how the public are acting. In the first quarter the number of web searches increased by 33% year on year.

“Additionally, sales in the first quarter held up well at 1,127 (2025 1,121). We have had a start to the year which is reassuring. The second quarter will provide a fuller indication on how 2026 will be.”