The firm’s latest figures for the first quarter of the year (Q1 2025 January – March) support these findings, with the Galbraith residential team in Dumfries and Galloway handling 14 percent more sales compared to the same quarter the previous year. 

241 property viewings were conducted, and 43 market appraisals were carried out over this period. Transaction values ranged between £200,000 and £765,000 during Q1, with the corresponding average percentage prices achieved being 3.5 percent over the asking price.

 

David Corrie, partner and head of sales for Galbraith based in the Castle Douglas office, said: 

“We have witnessed buyer confidence improving in the market due to falling interest rates and therefore mortgage rates coming down, allowing people to reengage and make a move. Spring-time is a naturally active time of the year, spurred on by the favourable weather encouraging sellers to get their property ready for the summer market.

“There is an active second home market in Dumfries & Galloway and the increased Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS), now up to 8 percent, is starting to have a ripple affect across the whole market. People are reassessing a second home purchase, particularly in the higher end of the market when increased levels of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) are also being paid, and consequently prices are being restricted.

“However, prices remain stable in the £200,000 to £400,000 market where properties with interesting features, a small portion of land or usable outbuildings remain in high demand. As such, there has been a number of successful sales completed at competitive closing dates where sensible pricing has been key. Buyers continue to be attracted to the area from the south as well as other parts of Scotland due to its accessibility from the central belt, the size and value for money and the semi-rural lifestyle on offer with stunning coastline and beautiful forest parks.” 

Marion Currie, sales associate for Galbraith in Castle Douglas, also commented:

“Our figures for the first quarter of the year have reflected this increase in activity across the board. A great number of good quality market appraisals during early and mid-spring have led to a range of diverse and interesting instructions now about to come to the late spring/early summer market.  New sellers have witnessed the good sales we have seen recently and have the confidence to move forward now with their own sale.

“Sensible pricing is still key in the current climate though, with buyers exercising caution in their approach to offering, mindful of the many economic factors affecting both their own finances and the UK as a whole. That said, popular locations and types of property such as smallholdings and coastal properties are still attracting competition leading to large numbers of viewings and closing dates.”

Recently sold through Galbraith in Dumfries & Galloway:

  • Black Quarter Farm, a 20-acre smallholding near Newton Stewart offering an ideal lifestyle property at an affordable level, attracted over 30 viewings, received 6 offers and sold successfully at a competitive closing date.

 

Currently for sale in Dumfries & Galloway with Galbraith:

  • Mulloch House Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway is a stunning energy efficient farmhouse which has been recently renovated. The sale includes an extensive range of outbuildings, 12 acres of land and a modern detached 2-bedroom cottage. For sale at offers over £795,000, Mulloch House presents a stunning lifestyle package.  

 

  • Ardoch Drummore, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, a spacious detached four-bedroom property with extensive garden. For sale at offers over £340,000, Ardoch is a hidden gem in a small rural hamlet offering a lifestyle family home 4 miles from Scotland’s most southerly point, the Mull of Galloway.