New buyer interest in Scotland’s housing market fell sharply in August, according to the latest RICS Residential Market Survey.
In Scotland in August, more RICS surveyors said new buyer enquiries fell than rose — a net balance of −68%, the softest reading for several years.
The same survey showed more surveyors reporting falls than rises in new listings to sell (−47%) and in newly agreed sales (−47%).
Slightly more still saw prices rising than falling (+5%), and a net +13% expect sales to pick up over the next three months.
Surveyors linked the slowdown to challenging mortgage rates and tax levels. Bank Rate remains 3.75%, with the next Bank of England decision due on 17 September; economists widely expect another hold.