A report from Knight Frank based on official data shows that the number of sales in this sector increased as the year progressed, with a sharp jump in sales during the second half of the year.
Indeed, the total number of sales completed in the final three months of 2014 was 88% higher than the period between April and June and more than double the number recorded over the opening three months of the year.
During the final quarter of 2014, £1 million plus sales took place in 11 different local authorities, led by Edinburgh, which accounted for 47% of the total sales over the three month period.
This was followed by East Dunbartonshire with 13% and Fife with 11% while over the full 12 months of the year, Edinburgh accounted for 48% of all £1 million plus residential sales in Scotland, followed by Aberdeen City at 17%.
According to Oliver Knight, of Knight Frank residential research team, the rise in high value property sales last year can be attributed to two factors, both of which have played a key part in boosting transaction volumes at this level of the market.
Firstly, the market has responded to the certainty provided by the result of the independence referendum. ‘After months of doubt about the outcome, buyers felt more secure about making a decision to move house or purchase a property,’ he explained.
Secondly, the announcement of the proposed Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) rates in October shed light on how purchase taxes would rise in April 2015, especially for more expensive properties.
‘Buyers now have a window when purchase costs are lower, especially given the changes made to stamp duty at the Autumn Statement in December, and many are taking advantage. From April this year, when the new LBTT rules come into force, a buyer of a property valued at £1 million will pay nearly £35,000 more in purchase taxes,’ said Knight.
‘We expect that the extra impetus for buyers of property valued above £1 million to complete sales before the new LBTT levy comes into force in April will mean the number of high value property sales continues to rise for several months. Even with the new higher purchase taxes, the relative cost of property in Scotland compared to London and the South of England means there is still a large effective discount for buyers making the move north,’ he added.
Ran Morgan, head of Scotland residential at Knight Frank, pointed out that the appetite for prime property, certainly in Scottish cities, remains high. Edinburgh continues to lead the way with the highest number of sales, followed by Aberdeen.
‘Despite forthcoming higher levels of tax, Scotland still offers excellent value compared with London and the south. Because of this we expect the market will be able to absorb the tax change in the long-run. Ultimately, Scottish property remains incredible value for money,’ he added.