You may wish to rent a property from a private landlord or agency during your time at the University. The number of properties available for private rental in Edinburgh is at an all-time low, due to circumstances outside of the University’s control. This pressure has seen a significant fall in the number of private flats available for rental by students. Changes to lease regulations also mean that designated ‘student flats’ – where students were offered 10-month leases with a break over the summer – don’t exist anymore. You can get in touch with lettings agencies and view properties using a property search website. Please note that accommodation suitable for families is limited. If you have children or dependants, please ensure you have confirmed arrangements for accommodation in place before you arrive in Edinburgh. Below are some places it may be useful to contact as part of your search. ESPC s1homes Citylets At Home in Edinburgh A Flat in Town Arden Estates Belvoir Cornerstone Letting Dove Davies Factotum Northwood UK Southside Management Umega Littlejohns Ltd Rettie Glenham Property Edinburgh Letting Centre There are also Facebook community pages which can help with your search: Edinburgh Student Accommodation 2024/25: Find rooms, houses, housemates Looking for a flatmate The Students’ Association has set up a website to help students looking for potential flatmates to share accommodation with. On it, you can: Find flatmates Form a group of flatmates Advertise spare rooms including private and University rooms Advertise flats Flatshare | Edinburgh University Students’ Association The Advice Place also has advice on renting a room or a flat from a private landlord on their website: Renting a room or flat | The Advice Place Purpose-built student accommodation This is housing built for students and managed by private companies. It tends to be a bit more expensive than University accommodation or private renting, but the standard of accommodation tends to be high and there are lots of en-suite rooms available. Below are the locations that currently have availability for 2024/25 and that are taking applications as of 10 October 2024: Provider Property Room type Allied Students Edinburgh College Residence Cluster flat Capitol Students Gorgie Cluster flat Capitol Students Westfield Studio/Cluster flat CRM Haddington Place Studio CRM Meadow Court Cluster flat CRM Murieston Crescent Studio/Cluster flat CRM Norton's Student Living Studio/Cluster flat Downing Students New Park Studio/Cluster flat Edinburgh College Milton Road Cluster flat Hello Student Buccleuch Street Studio/Cluster flat Hello Student South Bridge Studio Hello Student King's Stables Road Studio IQ Fountainbridge Studio/Cluster flat IQ Grove Street Cluster flat IQ The Mont Studio/Cluster flat IQ Elliot House Studio/Cluster flat Novel Huxley Studios Studio Prestige Student Living Gateway Apartments Studio Prestige Student Living Keel Houses Studio Prestige Student Living Mayfield Residences Studio Prestige Student Living McDonald Road Cluster flat Prestige Student Living Straits Meadow Studio Prestige Student Living Silk Mill Studio/Cluster flat Student Castle Causewayside Studio Student Roost Lady Nicolson Court Studio Student Roost Panmure Court Studio Student Roost Portsburgh Court Studio/Cluster flat Unite The Old Printworks Studio/Cluster flat Unite Sugarhouse Close Studio/Cluster flat Unite Shrubhill House Studio Universal Student Living 200 Cowgate Studio/Cluster flat Vita Fountainbridge Studio We are Homes for Students The Mill House Studio/Cluster flat We are Homes for Students 8 Roxburgh Cluster flat Yugo Arran House Cluster flat Beware of scams When you’re looking for private accommodation, be aware that there will likely be some adverts on property search websites that could be a scam. Some of the warning signs include a room being cheaper than other properties in the area, or pressure to act or transfer payment quickly. View any property in person or virtually before transferring any money, and secure accommodation through a registered letting agent or trusted accommodation provider. The Advice Place has a checklist of things to consider to make sure you’re signing up for a legitimate rental property: Accommodation scams | The Advice Place Where to live While areas such as Marchmont are ideal if you’re looking to live within walking distance from our central area, if you broaden your search criteria, there are lots of alternative places across the city that have great commuting links to our campuses. If you can’t find accommodation within the city centre, it’s worth considering properties in areas slightly further out such as Dalkeith, Slateford, Murrayfield, Corstorphine, Musselburgh, Loanhead and Penicuik. These areas have an easy commute by bus to the city centre and are more affordable. Some of our students have created their very own tours of the neighbourhoods they live in, to introduce you to what it’s like to live in different parts of the city: Neighbourhood tour videos Help with your rental property If you are struggling with navigating your lease or having problems with your private landlord, contact The Advice Place for free advice. The Advice Place Shelter Scotland can help you to take legal action if your landlord refuses to make repairs to your accommodation. Tribunal for private landlord repairs | Shelter Scotland This article was published on 2024-11-12
