Why living in Edinburgh is rivalling life in London

With its elegant architecture, vibrant cultural scene and relative value, more buyers are looking north for their next home. We explore why living in Edinburgh is increasingly competing with life in the capital

Ellie Pryor

29 January 2026

6 mins read

Why living in Edinburgh is rivalling life in London — Edinburgh at sunset from Calton Hill © Mediterranean

“From world‑class festivals to Scotland’s renowned golf scene, there’s always something happening in and around the city,” says Ricardo Volpi, Director in the Knight Frank Edinburgh team. “Those are just some of the many attractions drawing people from across the globe, keeping the property market steadily rising and making it a great city to work in.”

The shift towards Edinburgh

Remote work, rising living costs and a growing desire for balance have reshaped where people want to live. Edinburgh has emerged as one of the main beneficiaries, offering big‑city appeal without the pressures of London. Volpi highlights several reasons for the shift: “Demand is fuelled particularly by its strong job market and excellent schools, but also its cultural appeal as a capital city.”

Lower property prices and overall living costs continue to drive interest. “Affordability can play a big part - when compared to London, the difference in size of property can be substantial,” he adds.
Buyers are increasingly seeking a high quality of life and easy access to nature, combined with the advantages of living in a well‑connected capital.
Edinburgh offers strong professional opportunities, a rich cultural scene and access to some of the best schools in the UK, both private and state. Its four universities also contribute to a highly educated, international population.

Quality of life and lifestyle appeal

Edinburgh blends cosmopolitan energy with a strong sense of place. From world‑famous festivals and historic landmarks to nearby walking trails and coastline, residents enjoy a rare balance of vibrancy and calm. This, along with the city’s strong community feel, makes it attractive to families and professionals alike.

Access to world‑class culture
Iconic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace sit alongside galleries and museums including the Royal Scottish Academy, which marks its 200th anniversary in 2026. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest performing arts festival, attracts an international audience every summer.
World‑class dining
Edinburgh now holds seven Michelin stars, including the 2025 additions of Lyla and Avery, alongside a wide range of relaxed dining and neighbourhood favourites.
Access to nature
“As well as Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, it’s easy to reach the Pentland Hills and other parts of the Scottish countryside,” says Volpi. Proximity to the coastline further adds to the appeal of living in Edinburgh.
Top education options
Around 21% of secondary pupils in the city attend private school, far above the UK average, reflecting the quality of institutions such as Fettes College, George Heriot’s School and The Mary Erskine School.

5 bedroom townhouse for sale in Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3

5 bedroom townhouse for sale in Great King Street, Edinburgh, EH3. Guide price £1,600,000

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Employment and economic growth

Edinburgh’s economy continues to strengthen, supported by a thriving financial district and an expanding tech sector. Major employers, universities and start‑ups are creating opportunities that rival London’s, while the city’s relative affordability and walkability enhance daily life.

Technology
In 2025, Deloitte named Edinburgh a leading AI City of the Future, while research from Barclays Eagle Labs shows Edinburgh has more high‑growth tech companies than any UK city except London.
Financial services
The city’s financial heritage dates back to 1695 with the founding of the Bank of Scotland. Today, more than 30,000 people work in the sector.
Tourism
Home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and globally renowned festivals, Edinburgh attracted 5.05 million overnight visits in 2024, with tourism spend reaching £2,565 million.

4 bedroom penthouse for sale in The Tower, Sassoon Grove, Edinburgh, EH10

4 bedroom penthouse for sale in The Tower, Sassoon Grove, Edinburgh, EH10. Guide price £1,800,000

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The buyer demographic: who’s moving north?

“Edinburgh has always seen a mix of buyers, but after the COVID pandemic and with a rise in remote working, I would estimate around half the buyers we see are from outside Scotland,” says Volpi. These include:

Families
“Many of the buyers we see are families, seeking both space and great schooling options,” he says.
International professionals
“We see a wide range of international buyers - from Americans and Canadians to those from the Middle East - who want a base in the Scottish capital for work.”
University students
Edinburgh’s reputation as a leading university city continues to attract a diverse student population from around the world.

What are the best places to live in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh offers a diverse mix of neighbourhoods and property types, from historic tenement flats to larger semi‑detached and detached homes. “For a three‑ or four‑bedroom flat expect to pay from £700,000 to over a million, depending on location,” says Volpi. “Decent‑sized family homes typically range from around £1 million to £2.5 million, but can exceed £3 million‑plus in the most desirable locations.”

Best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh for families
“To the south you have Morningside, Bruntsfield and Marchmont, which families love for the schools, community feel and period homes. Marchmont in particular has large apartments and is very close to The Meadows and the University of Edinburgh,” says Volpi. “To the north, Blackhall and Murrayfield offer a wide range of homes, from terraces to detached houses.”
Best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh for space seekers “For larger family homes look towards Ravelston and Inverleith - although prime examples don’t come to market very often.”
Best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh for young professionals and creatives
Leith is a favourite, thanks to its cultural scene, independent shops and restaurants. “Alongside areas such as Haymarket and Fountainbridge, it has seen regeneration, turning them into vibrant hubs,” he notes.
Best neighbourhoods in Edinburgh for downsizers
“The New Town and Stockbridge are very centrally located and have a lovely village‑like feel,” Volpi describes.

Frequently asked questions about living in Edinburgh

Q: How many people live in Edinburgh?

A: The city’s population was estimated at 530,680 in 2024.

Q: Is the cost of living high in Edinburgh?

While costs have risen, Edinburgh remains affordable compared with other major UK cities, especially London.

Q: What’s it like living in Edinburgh year‑round?

A: Residents enjoy a blend of culture, community and outdoor activity, supported by a compact, friendly city layout.

Q: Is the Scottish system for buying a house different to the UK?

A: Yes, there are several differences including an ‘offers over’ bidding system and requirements for sellers to provide a Home Report upfront. You can find more information about purchasing a residential property in Scotland here.