Market update from our Glasgow and Argyll branches – October 2026
We look at what is happening in the property market locally and nationally with updates from our branches in Shawlands, Cardonald and Dunoon.
September 2026
Before we look at this month, we can now reflect on our performance throughout September. As the above figures demonstrate, it was another productive month for the team. We agreed 32 new sales (compared to 34 in August) and brought 46 new properties to the market (up from 45 in August). Our team also remained busy on the road, conducting 75 market appraisals for homeowners considering a move (up from 71 in August).
Buyer activity remains consistently high; we registered 451 new buyers (compared to 469 in August) for our ‘Heads Up’ property alerts and conducted 645 viewings (698 in August) across our available listings.
In the rental sector, tenant demand moderated slightly from the summer peak, with 273 new tenants registering with us during the month (compared to 401 in August).
October 2026
October has been a month of intriguing contrasts in the Glasgow property market. While headline figures suggest a bustling period, a deeper dive reveals a more nuanced picture. Craig Smith of our Shawlands branch shares his expert perspective on the month's developments.
Buoyant Sales Amidst Shifting Valuations
“On the face of it, October has been another buoyant month,” comments Craig. “With a few days of the month still remaining, we’ve brought to the market and sold more properties than any other month this year.” This is certainly positive news, reflecting continued buyer confidence in well-priced properties.
However, Craig also highlights a significant underlying shift: “Behind the numbers, the signs are very different and of a market quietening. Almost all of the new properties we have brought to the market in October have been in the pipeline from previous months. This month, we have actually seen a dramatic drop off in new valuations and new instructions.” This suggests a potential slowdown in new properties entering the market, which could impact supply in the coming months.
Buyer Demand and Mortgage Rate Impacts
The contradiction extends to buyer demand. “It has been a similar contradiction when looking at buyer demand for the month. Viewing numbers per property and overall for the month are down,” Craig explains. Yet, despite fewer viewings, sales remain strong: “However, we have sold more properties than any other month of the year and sales continue to average 10%+ over the home report value.”
This indicates that serious buyers are still very much active, and properties that are accurately priced are achieving excellent results. The decrease in overall demand is likely attributable to rising mortgage rates, which are squeezing buyer affordability, alongside some pre-budget uncertainty. Craig notes, “If the mortgage market calms and rates steady now that the budget is out the way then we may still see a bit of lift in buyer demand next month.”
Lettings Market: 100% Occupancy!
The lettings market, in stark contrast, continues its robust performance. “The lettings market is still strong with tenant demand outstripping supply of properties,” Craig confirms. This demand was so high that for a period during October, Scottish Property Centre Shawlands’ managed portfolio was running at an impressive 100% occupancy, with no available properties for new tenants registering. This underscores the ongoing strength and stability of the rental sector in Glasgow.
Sale of the Month: 95 Bowman Street, Govanhill
Our standout sale for October was 95 Bowman Street in Govanhill. This ‘proper’ two-bedroom tenement exuded charm and character, boasting a wonderful dining kitchen. Its prime location, a stone’s throw from Victoria Road and a short walk to Queens Park, made it extremely popular. Listed at offers over £210,000, we were delighted for the owners to achieve a sale of more than 25% over the home report value at the closing date. A truly fantastic result!
Property of the Month: 266 Camphill Avenue, Langside
Our property of the month is 266 Camphill Avenue in Langside. This is the largest one-bedroom flat in its development, originally designed as a two-bedroom! Situated on the top floor, it offers stunning views, and with the convenience of a lift, you won’t need to climb any stairs. Did we mention it also comes with a private garage? On the market at offers over £169,000, this is an exceptional opportunity. Get in touch with us now to book a viewing and experience this unique property for yourself.
Rightmove House Price Index
We take a look at what is happening nationally with the Rightmove House Price Index for October 2026. Here are the keys takeaways and headlines from the report:-
Signs that soaring mortgage rates are now biting harder
- The average price of a newly listed home rises by 1.0% this month (+£3,575) to £371,015. However, prices are virtually flat compared with a year ago (-0.1%) showing that the market remains very price-sensitive
- There are signs that soaring mortgage rates are now biting harder, with new sellers in more affordable and previously resilient parts of Great Britain setting lower asking prices as buyers face mounting affordability pressures:
- The average two-year fixed mortgage rate has risen to 5.55%, from 5.29% last month and 4.25% before the war in Iran started, adding around £250 a month to the cost of a typical new mortgage since February
- New sellers in four of the five lowest-priced parts of Great Britain have set lower asking prices this month, including falls of 2.0% in the North East and 1.9% in Scotland
- London asking prices rise by 2.5% this month, clawing back some of the 6.0% fall over the summer. However, prices remain 1.7% below last year, and wider data indicators suggest that this month’s rise is not evidence of a broader recovery
- The number of sales agreed is down 8% on the same period a year ago, however this is broadly in line with the year to date, with deals still being done and sales activity showing surprising resilience despite higher mortgage rates
- The Budget is adding a layer of uncertainty to decision-making. Some first-time buyers may be waiting for more detail on the Your First Home scheme, while others will be assessing what any announcements could mean for their wider household finances
- In Scotland, average prices dropped by 1.9% this month to £203,415. Year on year prices are currently 1.5% higher than October 2025. Average time to find a buyer increased from 33 days to 34 days.
As always, if you have any questions relating to the property market or would like to discuss the current valuation of your home, please feel free to get in touch with your local Scottish Property Centre branch.
Looking to move in 2027? Get ahead and register for our ‘Heads Up Property Alerts’
Scottish Property Centre have branches in Dunoon, Cardonald and Shawlands covering the Argyll and Glasgow property markets. We have local experts serving local people.
Did you know we now do factoring? If you are interested in changing factors and would like to speak to our team at 7days.property get in touch with us now.
