Before you get too excited, let us explain. You can’t swap a postcode like you can a car number plate. It’s a bit more involved than that unfortunately. What we’re talking about is the significant number of people looking to move within the city. People who love Edinburgh and want to continue living here, but whose lifestyle demands a change.

This change might be about lifestyle, or it could be a need for something practical like more space or better links to work or school. In this article, we’ll explore the trend and post the questions that you’ll need to ask yourself before making a move.

Village feel or vibrant city life?

When is living in a city not living in a city? When you live in a pocket within that city that manages to create the community village feel without losing any of the convenience. Ask yourself what you’re looking for from your move in terms of atmosphere and people. Are you moving because you want a quieter pace and to feel more embedded in your local area? Or are you moving to be deeper in the busy city centre? 

Edinburgh is blessed with lots of areas that have a small-town feel. Stockbridge, for example, is loved for its independent shops, Sunday market and Water of Leith walks, and still benefits from being close to the city centre. Many people move to Leith for its waterfront, thriving food scene and creative businesses, taking advantage of the excellent tram connections. And of course, there’s Portobello for buyers wanting a genuine seaside feel without giving up city life.  Think about your dream weekend at home. What does it look like and which areas offer this on your doorstep?

Photo by Jacob Fryer on Unsplash

More space and better schools

A growing family is one of the key motivations for moving within Edinburgh. Moving outside of the city centre affords the opportunity for a bigger house, larger gardens and space for family-friendly add-ons like garages and driveways.

Corstorphine appeals to families looking for larger homes, good transport links and access to parks. It’s home to the world-famous Edinburgh Zoo – perfect for a family-friendly weekend day out – and Corstorphine Hill, which offers fantastic local woodland walks.

Bruntsfield and Morningside are both sought-after districts, just south of the city center. There are loads of family-friendly places to eat and some great schools, plus it’s only a 10-minute walk to The Meadows, home to Edinburgh’s largest children’s play area.

Be prepared to move quickly, as properties in these popular areas will get snapped up. Selling a house fast can be easier said than done, so consider cash house buying services if speed is of the essence and you don’t want to miss out on your dream home. Having money in the bank in as little as seven days could put you in a very strong position.

Take some time to consider exactly what you’re looking for, as well as how your life might evolve over the next 5-10 years. Unless you want to move again soon, it makes sense to futureproof your decision as best you can.

Edinburgh has so many wonderful areas to choose from, you’re sure to find one to suit you.