Edinburgh is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world for quality of life. Moving from London brings you a stunning city, world-class culture, and significantly more space for your money — but there are important legal and logistical differences to plan for.
London to Edinburgh is one of the longest domestic removal routes in the UK. Most removal companies will treat it as a 2-day move — loading on Day 1, overnight in Edinburgh (or a service stop), and unloading on Day 2.
| Property Size | Typical Cost | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed flat | £600–£1,000 | 1–2 days | Often 1-day if small load |
| 2-bed house | £800–£1,400 | 2 days | Load Day 1, unload Day 2 |
| 3-bed house | £900–£1,800 | 2 days | Standard long-distance move |
| 4-bed house | £1,200–£2,500 | 2–3 days | Large lorry / 2 vans |
Average: £350,000–£600,000
Tourist area, tenement flats, exceptional location
Average: £400,000–£800,000+
Georgian architecture, elegant flats, Princes Street
Average: £350,000–£600,000
Leafy, prestigious, independent shops, families
Average: £200,000–£350,000
Up-and-coming, foodie scene, Michelin-starred restaurants
Average: £300,000–£550,000
Village feel, Water of Leith, antiques, deli scene
Average: £250,000–£450,000
Seaside suburb, sandy beach, family-friendly
Scottish property law is completely different from English law. You must instruct a solicitor registered with the Law Society of Scotland. They will also act as your estate agent if you are selling — a single firm handles both the selling and legal work in Scotland.
Sellers must commission a Home Report before listing. It includes a survey, energy report, and property questionnaire — you get this upfront, so you don't need to commission your own survey after making an offer.
Popular Edinburgh properties use a "closing date" — all offers are submitted in sealed bids by a set time. You must act quickly and decisively. Offers are usually made "over the Home Report value."
Once an offer is accepted and missives are "concluded" (exchange of formal letters), the deal is legally binding. No gazumping, no fall-through — unlike England's system.
Land and Buildings Transaction Tax replaces Stamp Duty. On a £330,000 Edinburgh home: 0% on first £145,000, 2% on next £105,000 (£2,100), 5% on next £80,000 (£4,000) = approx. £6,100 LBTT.
Yes — Edinburgh is Scotland's most expensive city for property. Average prices (~£330,000) are around 30–40% higher than Glasgow (~£200,000). However, Edinburgh remains significantly cheaper than London, and the quality of life is exceptional.
Very competitive in popular areas. Many properties attract multiple offers and close above the asking/Home Report value. You should be financially prepared (mortgage in principle, solicitor instructed) before starting your search. Have your solicitor submit offers same-day if needed.
Yes — prescription charges in Scotland are free for everyone, regardless of age, income, or condition. This is a notable saving compared to England, where prescriptions cost £9.90 per item.