Twenty four percent increase in number of houses sold in Scotland

14,662 properties were registered as sold in Scotland from January to March 2010 according to official statistics released today by Registers of Scotland (RoS). This is an increase of 24.3%, up from 11,799, on the same quarter in 2009, which was the lowest period on record since 2003.

An average property in Scotland sold for £147,854 during the period, which was an increase of 5.4% on January to March 2009.

Flats* showed the largest increase, up 7% to £114,444. There was an increase of 25.9% on volume of sales in detached properties, showing movement returning to the top end of the property market, with the average price up 5.1% to £223,920.

The total value of the residential property sales in the period is up 30.9%, on the same quarter of 2009, to £2.16billion.

The official statistics from RoS cover all residential sales, including sales for cash not involving a mortgage.

* Flat refers to all types of flats, maisonettes, tenements and four-in-a-block properties.

To view the statistical news release and full report which provides the local picture across Scotland, visit:www.ros.gov.uk/public/news/quarterly_statistics.html

ENDS

For further information, please contact: Communications, Registers of Scotland, tel: 0131 528 3792 or email: communications@ros.gov.uk

Notes to editors

1. Tables showing the average house price, median price, number of sales and value of sales by local authority area during the quarter (January to March 2010) compared to the previous quarter (October to December 2009) and the same quarter in 2009 are available in the statistical report at: www.ros.gov.uk/public/news/quarterly_statistics.html

2. Graphs showing trends in residential property prices and sales volumes from 2003-2010 are available at:www.ros.gov.uk/professional/eservices/land_property_data/lpd_stats.html

3. The statistics have been produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for official statistics.  The Code of Practice requires the statistics to be produced, managed and disseminated to high professional standards.

4. Monthly house price statistics based on local authority area are also available at: www.ros.gov.uk/professional/eservices/land_property_data/lpd_stats.html

5. This quarterly report tracks the movement of property prices in Scotland on the activity in local authority areas across the country.

6. The method of calculating the figures has been independently audited to ensure that the information is accurate and comprehensive.

7. RoS has developed a methodology for delivering statistics based on house type. This covers four house types: Detached, Semi-Detached, Terraced and Flatted (encompassing all types of flats, maisonettes, tenements and 4-in-a-block properties).

8. RoS is the Government Department responsible for compiling and maintaining registers relating to property and other legal documents in Scotland. RoS records and safeguards the rights of the individual whilst providing open access to information on the registers.

Communications, Registers of Scotland
Meadowbank House, 153 London Road, Edinburgh, EH8 7AU
Tel: 0131 528 3792, fax: 0131 479 3672, email: communications@ros.gov.uk