The best areas for first time-buyers near Edinburgh

One of the biggest and most important purchases you will ever make is your home, and if you’re a first-time buyer, the pressure to ‘buy right’ can be substantial, particularly in the current financial climate.

With the cost-of-living crisis affecting millions, saving the money you need to buy your first home might be harder. Coupled with inflation affecting mortgage rates, you might be thinking of how and where to buy a home that’s more affordable for your budget.

Thankfully, ESPC is here to help – with over 50 years of helping buyers in Edinburgh, our unrivalled local knowledge can help you on your way to buyer bliss. So whether your priority is a good commute, access to the best local bars and restaurants, or making the most sensible long-term investment, we can guide you.

We’ve used the latest ESPC house price data to reveal the best and most affordable areas for first-time buyers, across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife and the Borders.

First-time buyers will pay LBTT (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax) on properties priced over £175,000 – so with that in mind, we’re sharing the best areas in the Capital where you can find one-bedroom starter homes for under the LBTT threshold.

Which one will be your favourite?

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Dunfermline

Fife’s newest city, Dunfermline is a popular choice for commuters and families, but thanks to its affordable prices and proximity to Edinburgh, it’s also a great option for first-time buyers looking for a home on a budget. Dunfermline boasts excellent transport links into the Capital and has a beautiful historic centre of its own to enjoy, with plenty of green space.

Over the past six months (May-October 2023), one-bedroom homes in Dunfermline had an average selling price of £107,554, making this a very good option for first-time buyers on a smaller budget.

Homes in Dunfermline went under offer in a median time of 19 days.

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Gorgie

Located to the west of the city, Gorgie has great bus links, and is in walking distance of Haymarket and the West End. Gorgie is home to Heart of Midlothian FC, and it’s close to Murrayfield Stadium, so there’s a lively atmosphere and great nightlife. Plus, there’s plenty of shops and supermarkets on your doorstep, with the city centre close by.

In May-October 2023, one-bedroom flats in Gorgie had an average selling price of £147,192, well under the LBTT threshold, making this a great area for first-time buyers in Edinburgh.

Properties in Gorgie went under offer in a median time of 21 days.

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Musselburgh

Just six miles from the centre of Edinburgh (and less than 10 minutes by train), Musselburgh is becoming increasingly popular with buyers. Offering a busy local high street, fantastic restaurants and bars, plus the beautiful harbour, beach and lagoons, Musselburgh provides a slice of coastal community cosiness, close to the city centre and trendy Portobello.

Over the last six months, one-bedroom properties in Musselburgh had an average selling price of £158,484, leaving plenty of money in the pot for furnishings and finishing touches.

Properties in Musselburgh went under offer in a median time of 47 days.

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Corstorphine

Usually renowned as a great place for family buyers, the popular Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine also offers plenty for first-time buyers. Just minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, with excellent transport links and a thriving local high street of its own, Corstorphine is a brilliant option for those looking for a home in a more peaceful part of the city, but still close to the heart of the action.

One-bedroom properties in Corstorphine had an average selling price of £192,983 over the last six months.

Properties in Corstorphine went under offer in a median time of 20 days.

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Thinking of moving to Edinburgh East?

The majority of Edinburgh East enjoys a coastline that looks out on to the North Sea and the southern suburbs share a boundary with the stunning area of East Lothian. It's a great location for people who love the city buzz, but also like having the option to visit the beach or easily escape to East Lothian or the Scottish Borders.

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First time buyer advice

Buying your first home can be hugely exciting but also a bit daunting. As the home of property, ESPC is here to help. Here’s our suggestions to make the process of buying your first home easier.

• Use our free property advice phone service.
• Keep an eye out for our regular free advice sessions at our Property Information Centre.
• Sign up to our regular email newsletter to be the first to know about our latest first time buyer articles, free virtual events and property picks.
• Check out our first time buyer guide.

Find out more about first-time buyer mortgages

Our team of independent mortgage experts at ESPC Mortgages can help you find the most suitable mortgage deal for your circumstances.

Get in touch with ESPC Mortgages and start your property journey today.

The statistics are based on properties sold or listed by ESPC agents between January and August 2021.