High house prices on East Lothian’s ‘Golf Coast’ are par for the course
Scotland’s premier towns – and their golfing connections – remain highly sought after by buyers from around the world, writes Andrew Smith
The Scottish Open returns to The Renaissance Club this week, once again putting East Lothian firmly in the international spotlight. As some of the world’s best golfers descend on Scotland’s Golf Coast, the tournament will bring thousands of visitors to the region’s towns and villages, showcasing not only its renowned fairways but also the lifestyle that continues to attract homebuyers from across the UK and overseas.
East Lothian has long been one of Scotland’s most desirable places to live, reflected in the fact that it is home to some of the country’s highest property values. Gullane, North Berwick and Longniddry all feature in Scotland’s top ten towns by average house price, ranking second, third and fifth respectively.
While golf undoubtedly plays a part in the area’s appeal, the attraction extends far beyond the sport itself. Residents enjoy beautiful coastlines, outdoor pursuits, excellent restaurants and independent businesses, as well as straightforward access to Edinburgh by road and rail. The combination of lifestyle and connectivity has helped cement East Lothian’s reputation as one of Scotland's standout residential markets.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s golfing hotspots continue to feature prominently among the country’s most valuable locations. In Fife, St Andrews and Strathkinness rank sixth and ninth respectively among Scotland’s most expensive towns. The Home of Golf remains a major draw for visitors and buyers alike, as St Andrews is set to host the Open Championship next year.
Further north, Auchterarder, home to the world-famous Gleneagles resort, sits among Scotland’s top 25 most expensive towns with an average house price of around £320,000 over the last year. Elie and Earlsferry continue to command strong prices too, ranking seventh nationally with average values of approximately £425,000, supported by the enduring popularity of both Elie Links and Dumbarnie Golf Links.
Scotland's premier golfing locations also continue to attract significant international interest. American buyers in particular remain active in the market, drawn by the combination of lifestyle, heritage, scenery and access to some of the world’s greatest golf courses. Over the past year, views of properties from US-based visitors increased by 68 per cent year-on-year on our site.
After the UK, the United States represents our highest volume of traffic. Overall, international visitors now account for over 10 per cent of all website traffic, with strongest interest coming from California, New York and Texas.
Scotland’s longstanding cultural and ancestral ties with North America continue to support demand, and increasingly as a place to invest, retire or establish a permanent home.
As the Scottish Open once again shines a spotlight on East Lothian and Scotland’s wider golfing landscape, it also highlights the enduring appeal of the communities surrounding these famous courses. For many buyers, the attraction is not simply the golf itself, but the opportunity to become part of some of Scotland's most distinctive and desirable places to live.
This growing interest coincides with the recent release of high-quality properties like The Seahouse in Gullane, overlooking the beautiful sands of Gullane Beach with glimpses of Muirfield Golf Club in the distance.
Andrew Smith, Director of Country House Sales, Rettie
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