As the Genesis Scottish Open returns to The Renaissance Club, new research suggests East Lothian is no longer just Scotland's Golf Coast – it is becoming the country's most influential golf property market.

For centuries, St Andrews has rightly been recognised as the Home of Golf. Its history, The Old Course and international reputation remain unmatched.

But when it comes to where buyers are choosing to invest in golf property today, the picture is evolving.

Our latest research, undertaken with HomeBench, analysed every residential property sale above £500,000 across Scotland's principal golf destinations over the past two and a half years. The findings suggest that East Lothian has quietly overtaken Fife as Scotland's leading golf property market.

In 2025, there were 91 residential sales above £500,000 across Archerfield, Gullane and North Berwick, compared with 68 across St Andrews and Elie & Earlsferry. Even in the first five months of 2026, East Lothian continues to lead.

The numbers tell an interesting story – but only part of it.

Archerfield sets a new benchmark

Perhaps the most striking finding is Archerfield's emergence as Scotland's highest-value golf residential market.

Over the past twelve months, qualifying residential sales averaged £1,597,727, ahead of every other golf location analysed.

For many years, buyers naturally associated Scotland's most prestigious golf homes with St Andrews.

Today, Archerfield offers something different.

Large contemporary homes, generous plots, direct access to championship golf, privacy, beaches and Edinburgh Airport all combine to create a lifestyle proposition that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in Scotland.

The market has matured significantly over the past decade and is now attracting an increasingly international audience.

North Berwick's rise continues

While Archerfield leads on value, North Berwick has become Scotland's busiest luxury golf property market.

In 2025, North Berwick recorded 63 sales above £500,000, narrowly overtaking St Andrews on 62.

Just a year earlier the picture looked very different, with St Andrews recording 74 sales compared with 44 in North Berwick.

That reversal illustrates how rapidly buyer demand has evolved.

Importantly, this isn't simply about golf.

The combination of beaches, restaurants, independent shops, excellent schools, commuter links to Edinburgh and outdoor lifestyle has widened the area's appeal beyond traditional golf buyers.

It's no longer just about St Andrews

One trend we've observed repeatedly through Fyndd's buying agency is how international buyers now approach Scotland.

St Andrews remains the natural starting point.

It's where many visitors first experience Scottish golf.

Increasingly, however, buyers are extending their trips to discover the wonderful golf on offer right across Scotland. Nowhere is that more noticeable than in East Lothian - Scotland’s Golf Coast. Visitors, and pros alike, are playing courses like North Berwick, Muirfield, Gullane and Dunbar before deciding where they want to buy.

That change has accelerated over recent years.

The Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club has undoubtedly helped introduce East Lothian to a global audience, showcasing not only world-class golf but the wider lifestyle the region offers.

As I commented in our accompanying research:

"International buyers increasingly see East Lothian as offering the complete lifestyle package. Many begin their Scottish golf journey in St Andrews before discovering the quality and variety of courses elsewhere, returning to play North Berwick, Muirfield, Gullane and Dunbar. The Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club has also helped showcase East Lothian to an international audience."

Ru Macdonald, Founder of Linksland, sees exactly the same trend from the tourism side of the industry:

"In the midst of a golf industry boom, Scotland's links golf appeal has never been more desired or deemed more attainable to international golf visitors. As a result, the golf culture in towns like St Andrews and North Berwick creates an energy and atmosphere which is unique to Scotland."

That observation reinforces what we're seeing in the property market. Buyers are no longer choosing a house purely because it's close to a famous course. They're buying into a lifestyle and a community built around golf.

Golf continues to command a premium

Our research also found that golf remains one of Scotland's strongest residential value drivers.

Across Scotland, homes within 200 metres of a golf course achieved an average sale price around 20% higher than comparable properties located further away.

For buyers, proximity to championship golf continues to carry genuine long-term value.

Looking Ahead

None of this changes St Andrews' place in golfing history.

It remains the spiritual home of the game.

But if current trends continue, East Lothian is becoming Scotland's premier golf property market.

Its combination of championship golf, coastline, accessibility, lifestyle and increasingly diverse housing stock is proving difficult to match.

For buyers considering a golf property in Scotland, the conversation is no longer simply about St Andrews.

Increasingly, it begins there – but ends somewhere along East Lothian's Golf Coast.

At Fyndd, we specialise in discreetly sourcing exceptional homes across Scotland, from Edinburgh townhouses to coastal villas and golf-side estates. If you’re considering a move, we’d be delighted to discuss how we can help.

0131 210 0150 | hello@fyndd.co.uk

Is East Lothian becoming the New “Home of Golf”?