There are very few neighbourhoods in Scotland that can claim the kind of layered character that Old Aberdeen carries so naturally. Cobbled lanes, medieval architecture, a world-class university, and one of the city’s most beloved green spaces — all sitting within a postcode that still offers some of the most accessible property prices in the north-east. Whether you are a first-time buyer weighing up your options, a landlord looking to strengthen your portfolio, or a tenant searching for a home with genuine personality, Old Aberdeen and the AB24 postcode deserves your full attention.
This guide from Martin & Co Aberdeen walks you through everything you need to know about living, buying, renting and investing here in 2026.
A neighbourhood unlike any other in Aberdeen
Old Aberdeen is one of the city’s most historically significant areas. The neighbourhood sits just north of the city centre and is anchored by the University of Aberdeen’s stunning King’s College campus, whose crown tower has stood since 1495. The streets around it — College Bounds, The Chanonry, and Don Street — feel genuinely unlike anywhere else in the Granite City.
Yet Old Aberdeen is not frozen in time. It is a living, breathing neighbourhood with a diverse and energetic community. Families, professionals, academics and long-term residents all call it home, and that mix gives the area a warmth and vitality that is hard to replicate.
The AB24 postcode extends beyond the historic core to include Seaton and Tillydrone, broadening the range of property types and price points available. This variety is one of the reasons the area appeals to such a wide cross-section of buyers, tenants and investors.
Property types and what to expect in 2026
AB24 offers a genuinely varied property landscape. In the historic heart of Old Aberdeen, you will find traditional granite properties — tenement flats, stone-built terraces and converted period homes — that carry real architectural character. These properties attract buyers and tenants who want something with substance and history.
Moving into Seaton and the wider AB24 area, the stock broadens to include post-war housing, modern flats and more affordable terraced homes. This range means the postcode works for a wide variety of budgets and needs.
Based on sold-price data covering the latest 12 months, the average sold price across AB24 is approximately £128,000. Flats and apartments average around £110,000, terraced properties around £155,000 and semi-detached homes around £197,000. Individual prices vary considerably depending on the precise location, property condition and specification.
Old Aberdeen itself can sit above the wider postcode average for certain property types. Over the latest 12-month period, the average sold price across Old Aberdeen was approximately £138,000, with flats and apartments averaging around £107,000.
Under the Scottish home-selling system, most residential properties brought to market require a Home Report, subject to limited exemptions. The Home Report includes a Single Survey, Property Questionnaire and Energy Performance Certificate. Many properties are marketed on an Offers Over basis, although this is a marketing convention rather than a legal requirement.
For buyers purchasing their first home in AB24, Land and Buildings Transaction Tax applies in place of Stamp Duty Land Tax. Eligible first-time buyers benefit from an increased LBTT nil-rate threshold of £175,000, potentially saving up to £600 in tax.
The rental market in AB24: What landlords and tenants need to know
The lettings market in AB24 is active and supported by a broad mix of tenants — including university staff and academics, young professionals, students, healthcare workers and households who want convenient access to northern Aberdeen.
Official rental data for Aberdeen is published for the wider Aberdeen and Shire broad rental market area. According to the latest ONS figures available in August 2026, the average private rent across Aberdeen and Shire was £846 per calendar month in July 2026, unchanged from a year earlier.
Average rents by bedroom number across Aberdeen and Shire in July 2026 were:
One-bedroom properties: £601 per calendar month Two-bedroom properties: £777 per calendar month Three-bedroom properties: £964 per calendar month Four or more bedrooms: £1,578 per calendar month
By property type, flats and maisonettes averaged £673 per calendar month, terraced properties £846, semi-detached properties £882 and detached properties £1,334 per calendar month.
Individual rents in AB24 may sit above or below these wider-area averages depending on the property’s location, condition, size and specification.
For landlords and investors, Aberdeen continues to attract attention because lower purchase prices can support comparatively strong gross rental yields. Recent 2026 market analysis has reported city-wide gross yields of up to 9.8%, while current Martin & Co Aberdeen guidance cites reported yields of up to around 8.6% in AB24. Actual yields will depend on the individual property’s purchase price, achievable rent and ongoing costs.
Almost all new private tenancies in Scotland since 1 December 2017 operate as Private Residential Tenancies under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. These tenancies are open-ended, meaning there is no fixed expiry date, and landlords must rely on the applicable statutory grounds and procedures if they wish to recover possession.
Landlords must also comply with the Repairing Standard and other Scottish legal obligations applying to private rented homes.
There is currently no minimum EPC band that a private rented property in Scotland must achieve in order to be legally let. Proposed minimum energy-efficiency standards are intended to apply to new tenancies from 2028, subject to the regulations being introduced and brought into force. Landlords should therefore keep future requirements under review rather than treating a minimum EPC rating as a current 2026 legal condition.
At Martin & Co, we manage properties across our national network, and our Aberdeen team understands the Scottish PRT framework in detail and supports landlords — whether they own one property or an entire portfolio — with everything from tenant referencing and tenancy agreements through to property management and compliance.
Seaton Park and green space
One of Old Aberdeen’s most underrated selling points is its proximity to Seaton Park. Sitting alongside the River Don, this park extends to approximately 27 hectares and is one of Aberdeen’s largest green spaces, offering riverside walks, formal gardens, open lawns and a genuine sense of escape from the city. It is a significant draw for families and outdoor enthusiasts, and it adds real lifestyle value to properties in the northern part of AB24.
The River Don itself provides walking routes through the area, and Aberdeen Beach is within easy reach, offering coastal walks and leisure facilities close to the city centre.
Schools and education in AB24
For families considering a move to Old Aberdeen, access to education is an important part of the area’s appeal. Primary schooling is provided through Aberdeen City’s school network, with individual catchments depending on the exact address.
The University of Aberdeen itself is one of Scotland’s ancient universities, founded in 1495, and its presence shapes the character of the neighbourhood — bringing cultural events, green campus spaces and a substantial community of students, academic staff and researchers.
For secondary education, families in AB24 have access to Aberdeen City’s wider school network. Catchment arrangements should always be checked directly with Aberdeen City Council for a specific property address before buying or renting.
Transport and getting around
Old Aberdeen is well connected for a neighbourhood with such a historic feel. The city centre is accessible by bus, with regular services operating through the AB24 area. Cycling and walking are also practical options for many journeys between Old Aberdeen and the city centre.
Aberdeen Railway Station provides direct rail services to Edinburgh and Glasgow, with journey times typically around two and a half hours depending on the service, as well as direct long-distance services to London King’s Cross.
Aberdeen International Airport at Dyce is accessible by road and public transport, serving domestic and international routes.
The Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route was delivered as part of a major transport project with an overall estimated cost of £745 million. It has improved road connectivity around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, particularly for journeys that previously had to pass through the city.
Shopping, dining and everyday life
Old Aberdeen has a village-like quality that residents genuinely value. The area around the university campus has cafes, small shops and a community feel that is distinct from the bustle of the city centre. For broader retail needs, central Aberdeen is within easy reach.
Union Square provides a substantial range of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. The wider city centre also has independent restaurants, cafés and retail businesses.
Rosemount, a short distance from AB24, is particularly well regarded for its independent shops, food businesses and neighbourhood cafés.
Who is Old Aberdeen AB24 ideal for?
For buyers, AB24 offers genuine value. The combination of comparatively accessible flat prices and first-time-buyer LBTT relief can make this postcode a practical entry point into Aberdeen homeownership. Buyers who want character and history in their home rather than a new-build may find the granite properties of Old Aberdeen particularly appealing.
For sellers, well-maintained properties in AB24 can attract interest from buyers seeking relatively affordable homes close to the university and city centre. The level and speed of demand will depend on the individual property’s price, condition and presentation.
For landlords and investors, AB24 combines relatively accessible entry prices with an established rental market. Reported gross yields can be competitive, particularly where purchase prices remain low, although investors should assess each property individually and factor in management, maintenance, compliance and other costs.
For tenants, Old Aberdeen offers something genuinely different — a neighbourhood with real character, green space on the doorstep, strong links to the university and convenient access to the wider city.
Frequently asked questions about Old Aberdeen AB24
What is the average property price in AB24 in 2026?
Based on sold-price data covering the latest 12 months, the average sold price across AB24 is approximately £128,000. Flats and apartments average around £110,000, terraced properties around £155,000 and semi-detached homes around £197,000. Old Aberdeen itself has recorded an overall average of approximately £138,000 over the same period.
What are average rents in Old Aberdeen AB24?
Official rental data is published for the wider Aberdeen and Shire rental area rather than specifically for AB24. In July 2026, average rents were £601 per calendar month for one-bedroom properties, £777 for two-bedroom properties and £964 for three-bedroom properties. Individual rents in Old Aberdeen and AB24 will vary depending on property size, condition and exact location.
Do I need a Home Report to sell a property in AB24?
In most cases, yes. Under the Scottish home-selling system, most residential properties marketed for sale require a Home Report, subject to specific exemptions. The report includes a Single Survey, Property Questionnaire and Energy Performance Certificate and must generally be made available to prospective buyers.
What tenancy legislation applies to rentals in AB24?
Almost all new private tenancies created in Scotland since 1 December 2017 operate as Private Residential Tenancies under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016. These tenancies are open-ended, and landlords must follow the applicable statutory grounds and procedures if they wish to end one.
What is LBTT and does it apply in AB24?
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax is the Scottish property transaction tax and applies to qualifying property purchases in AB24. Eligible first-time buyers benefit from an increased nil-rate threshold of £175,000, which can reduce their LBTT bill by up to £600.
What rental yields can investors expect in AB24?
Current market analysis has reported gross rental yields of up to around 8.6% in AB24, while Aberdeen-wide figures have been reported as high as 9.8%. These are headline gross figures rather than guaranteed returns, and the actual yield on an individual property will depend on its purchase price, achievable rent and ongoing costs.
Your next step with Martin & Co Aberdeen
Old Aberdeen is one of Aberdeen’s most distinctive residential areas — for buyers, sellers, tenants and investors alike. The combination of historic character, established rental demand, comparatively accessible prices and potential for competitive rental yields gives AB24 broad property appeal.
Whether you are ready to book a free property valuation, explore homes for sale or to rent in Old Aberdeen, or simply want to talk through your options with a local expert, the team at Martin & Co Aberdeen is here to help. With over 30 years of experience in residential lettings and sales across the Martin & Co network, we have the knowledge and local presence to guide you through every step of your property journey — without any fuss.
Get in touch with Martin & Co Aberdeen today. There is no obligation, and our valuations are completely free. Let us help you make your next move with confidence. Book a valuation today.
