Moving to a new city is an exciting journey, but finding the right place to call home can often be the most challenging part. Whether you're drawn here for work, study, or the lively arts scene, understanding the local rental market is crucial. With properties moving quickly and demand high year-round, starting your flat search early and remaining adaptable isn’t just recommended, it’s required.
Start Your Flat Search Early
Edinburgh's rental market is competitive, with demand often outstripping supply. Starting your search at least one to two months in advance of your expected arrival is advisable, but in some cases, you might consider starting even earlier. During peak seasons like university starts (Edinburgh has three major universities in the city) or the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, properties can disappear from the market within days, if not hours.
Stay Flexible
Relocating to Edinburgh proved more chaotic than I anticipated when we moved here, illustrating just how crucial flexibility is in this process. Our plan was to settle by the end of July at the latest, but reality had other ideas. First, coordinating our dogs' travel proved tricky, with logistics at Heathrow changing our timelines as live-animal customs availability dictated their arrival. Then, visa complications arose—mine arrived both after we expected it and with a shorter entry period than my partner's, throwing another wrench into our schedule.
As if syncing our visas and pet travel wasn't stressful enough, finding a flat added another layer of uncertainty. We started our search with plenty of lead time (April), yet it dragged on with no success, leaving us scrambling just weeks before the school year. It wasn't until mid-August that we finally secured a lease starting in September, a stark contrast to our original summer timeline. Handling our flat search remotely, we couldn’t shake the fear that it might all be a scam, having never seen the property in person—that we might show up with our bags and dogs and have keys to a dream. This whirlwind of delays and adjustments was a real-life lesson in the unexpected: in Edinburgh’s fast-moving rental market, adaptability isn’t just recommended, it's required.
While not ideal for those relocating for a job or school, flexibility in your initial living arrangements can significantly ease the transition. We recommend being adaptable with lease start dates, even securing a lease before your arrival if possible, to ensure you have a home waiting for you. Starting with a short-term rental or delaying family relocation until a long-term option is secured are strategies that can mitigate stress.
When searching for a home, carefully consider which 'must-haves' are truly essential. Although not ideal, evaluate what you need to be happy and comfortable. Often, the unique charm and prime location of an imperfect flat may compensate for the lack of modern conveniences. For instance, be aware that in-home standalone tumble dryers are rare in the UK; most places will have a combined washer-dryer. Additionally, many older flats, regardless of their size, typically feature just one bathroom.
Adapting your priorities will allow you to uncover unique properties that provide a memorable living experience in this historic city and enhance your chances of securing a lease.
Finally, it’s wise to allocate more funds than anticipated for your housing search—beyond just a month's rent and security deposit. Unexpected expenses, such as additional fees, the need for temporary housing, or employing an expert for assistance, can arise. Budgeting extra for these potential costs will prepare you for any scenario during your relocation.
Conclusion
Starting your flat search early and embracing flexibility not only increases your chances of finding a suitable home in Edinburgh but also reduces the potential stress associated with relocating. Remember, the Scottish property market moves quickly, and what’s available today might not be tomorrow. Prepare to make decisions swiftly and always have a backup plan for temporary housing if needed. Whether it’s extending your current rental, exploring short-term lease options, or considering serviced apartments, flexibility is key.
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