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EXPERT ADVICE ESPC NEWS
New Year, New Home

First-time buyers: Balancing optimism with reality
A year of opportunity Of course, it would be naive to ignore the
warning signs on the horizon. Discussions
I’m particularly encouraged by the outlook of recession persist, with unemployment
for first-time buyers in 2026. The combination creeping upward and job applications reaching
of falling interest rates, improving wage- levels not seen since 2019. These economic
to-house-price ratios, and sellers valuing headwinds could impact buyer confidence and Here’s how ESPC can help you find your perfect property in 2026.
certainty over maximum price creates a purchasing power, particularly if businesses
genuinely positive environment for those pass on increased costs from higher minimum
taking their first step onto the property ladder. s 2026 the year you say new year, new And because a new beginning deserves a
wages and National Insurance contributions.
home? As we turn the page on another little added excitement, our January campaign
I year, many of us feel that familiar urge for also includes an exclusive competition. When
More accessible mortgage products and Regional outlook:
improved long-term affordability projections a fresh start and for some, that might mean you sign up to MyESPC this month, you’re
should bring more first-time buyers into the Strength across the board finding a new place to call home. Whether automatically entered for the chance to win a
market. These buyers aren’t just benefitting Across the regions ESPC serves, early signs you’re looking for a classic Edinburgh £1,000 John Lewis & Partners voucher, perfect
from better conditions, they’re becoming of increasing interest are already emerging. tenement flat, a four-bed detached house in for putting your personal stamp on your
essential to market health, keeping chains Edinburgh is expected to see steady price the suburbs, or a cottage by the sea, your new future home.
moving and unlocking properties for growing growth supported by robust demand. The chapter of 2026 could begin on espc.com.
families further up the ladder. Lothians will benefit from buyers seeking So if you’re feeling inspired to make 2026
space and value near the capital, while Fife may Our brand-new New Year, New Home the year you move, ESPC are here to help
This audience remains close to our hearts see particular uplift as improved affordability campaign is all about making your property you begin with confidence. Start your year
at ESPC, and we’re committed to supporting encourages first-time buyers and second- search a lot easier and smarter. At the heart of strong by joining our New Year, New Home
first-time buyers with the tools, advice, and steppers. In the Scottish Borders, lifestyle- it is MyESPC, your personalised property hub campaign, sign up to MyESPC, and take the
exclusive early access to properties that driven moves remain strong, and Dumfries that’s designed to simplify every step of your first step towards finding the home that’s
can make all the difference in competitive & Galloway is positioned to attract relocators journey. With free property alerts, you can right for you.
situations. seeking affordability and quality of life. set up saved searches based on the things
that matter the most to you: location, price,
property type, school catchment and much
more. Our filters help you narrow down what
you’re truly looking for in a home,
Looking ahead with confidence
ensuring you only see properties
It’s a big year with plenty happening - from elections to policy decisions to economic that meet your criteria.
uncertainty. But one thing remains certain: the property market in Edinburgh, the Lothians,
Fife, the Scottish Borders, and Dumfries & Galloway is fundamentally resilient. We are in Once you’re set up, MyESPC
the midst of a national housing emergency, and demand for property will remain strong. notifies you the moment a
property that matches your
I firmly believe that with interest rates falling, affordability improving, and pent-up demand criteria comes on the market.
waiting to be released, 2026 will be a healthy year for the Scottish property market. There In a fast-moving market, being
will be bumps along the way - there always are - but the underlying fundamentals point the first in the know can put
toward a year of steady, sustainable activity. you one step ahead of everyone
else, especially as the new year
inspires many to begin their
property search!

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