Find the very best houses to rent in Edinburgh

Feb 16 2010 By Mary Barabe

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The beautiful city of Edinburgh is one of the world’s great capitals. The historic buildings, spectacular parks, iconic architecture, grand avenues and lively nightlife combine to make it like no other place on earth. Finding houses to rent in Edinburgh is possible with a little help.

It should come as little surprise to know that Edinburgh attracts a huge amount of tourists every year, or that a growing number of people are choosing Auld Reekie as a place not just to visit, but to live in.

Every district has its own identity, and each of them retains a village-like atmosphere. Leith, for example, was once a separate town in its own right but was incorporated into the city in 1920. Lying on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth, it was at one time a run-down area, but in recent years extensive redevelopment has given it a new lease of life.

Until 1896, Portobello was also a distinct town that wasn’t part of Edinburgh. It’s located on the shore and has the feel of a traditional British holiday resort. Once a favourite of the great Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott, it has become a modern-day favourite with tourists and residents alike.

The wonderfully named Oxgangs is a popular suburb and is located to the south-west of the city. Mainly farmland until the 1950s, the area is characterised by a strong sense of community among the locals. The name comes from an ancient Scottish land measurement, equivalent to around 20 acres.

The name Murrayfield is known the world over thanks to the magnificent rugby stadium that’s located in the area. The district itself is also home to an ice rink and is known as one of the most affluent in the city. It’s located west of the centre, and the main A8 road runs through it.

Finding houses to rent in Edinburgh is easy, thanks to the local papers, various websites and a good supply of estate agents. Your search will depend on budget as well as individual needs. It may be that you need to be close to the mainline railway station at Waverley, which is in the heart of the city. If your work involves regular air travel, proximity to the airport will be a must.

Many of Edinburgh’s schools are among the finest in the whole of Europe, so if you have young children you’ll want to know where the best ones are located. In any large city, there will always be plenty to choose from and the Scottish capital is no exception.

With so many things to take into consideration, the best thing to do at the start of your search is to contact a local letting agent. As well as education and transport, they can advise on entertainment, sporting facilities, medical amenities, local council legislation, waste management and dozens of other aspects that will require attention.

All it takes is a quick google online for a property-finding website, and you'll have all the expert information you need on hand. If you’re after a bungalow in Braepark, a semi in Stenhouse or even a mansion in Meadowbank, you’ll find the whole process of finding houses to rent in Edinburgh a lot simpler with a little inside information.