Why I chose to buy a flat In Portobello

Moving house is always a big decision, but when it involves relocating to a new city, it’s an even bigger adventure.

In 2021, my boyfriend and I found ourselves swapping the Granite City of Aberdeen for the vibrant capital of Edinburgh. It wasn’t entirely by choice, his job at the Royal Infirmary was the driving force, but it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to us.

I’m Megan, from the marketing team at ESPC, and here’s how my boyfriend and I found our perfect home in Portobello and why we’ve fallen in love with this charming seaside neighbourhood.

1. Why we decided to move from Aberdeen to Edinburgh

We had been living in a two-bedroom flat in Aberdeen for a while, renting comfortably while saving for a place of our own. At the time, buying a property wasn’t really on our radar - we didn’t think we had saved enough just yet. When my boyfriend’s job required us to move to Edinburgh, we initially planned to continue renting.

However, house hunting in the capital proved to be much trickier than we anticipated. The rental market in Edinburgh was particularly cutthroat in 2021. We’d apply for viewings, only to find that by the time we got there, the property was already snapped up. Being based in Aberdeen made this even more frustrating, as properties were moving so quickly that travelling down to view them felt futile.

After several disheartening experiences, we decided to explore the possibility of buying. On a whim, we started browsing properties on ESPC - and to our surprise, we discovered that homeownership was actually within reach. Suddenly, our search took a new and exciting turn.

2. Exploring Edinburgh’s suburbs

Since my boyfriend was based at the Royal Infirmary, we knew we wanted to be outside the city centre but still well-connected. Neither of us was particularly familiar with Edinburgh’s suburbs, so we cast a wide net. Our main criteria were straightforward: we needed good public transport links to the hospital and the city centre, and since I worked remotely, we wanted at least two bedrooms - one to serve as a home office.

We explored a few different areas, weighing up the pros and cons of each. We wanted somewhere with a community feel, but still close enough to the action. It was important for us to find a neighbourhood that felt safe and welcoming, with local amenities nearby.

3. Settling in Portobello

A few months before we made the big move, we spent a day in Portobello, and that was all it took. The area immediately charmed us. With its bustling high street, thriving local businesses, and, of course, the beautiful beach, it felt like the perfect blend of city convenience and seaside tranquillity. Plus, it had a friendly, laid-back vibe that we instantly connected with.

When we found a two-bedroom flat in the Barratt development, built in 2018, we knew it was the one. The property was exactly what we were looking for… a modern, second-hand flat with a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area, just a five-minute walk from the promenade. The large Aldi nearby was a welcome bonus for convenient grocery runs.

One of the things we loved about the flat was that it was essentially a blank canvas. This gave us the freedom to personalise the space and really make it feel like our own. Whether it was adding pops of colour with artwork or finding the perfect furniture to fit the open-plan layout, the process of transforming the flat into a home has been so rewarding.

4. Living the Portobello dream

Since moving, we’ve fallen head over heels for life in Portobello. In fact, I think my friends and family are probably tired of hearing me gush about it! The area has such a warm, community-oriented feel, making it easy to feel at home.

One of the best things about Porty, as the locals call it, is its wealth of independent shops, restaurants, and bars. My go-to spot for a relaxed evening is Smith & Gertrude, a cosy wine bar perfect for a glass of red and some nibbles. When I’m in the mood for fresh pasta, Aemilia is my top pick, and I love picking up seasonal veg at Root Down.

The transport links are also a huge perk. The number 26 Lothian bus runs straight from Portobello High Street to Princes Street, making it super easy to get into the city. It also stops at Abbeyhill, Murrayfield, and even Edinburgh Zoo, which is great for weekends out. For my boyfriend, the number 21 bus offers a direct route to the hospital, making his commute straightforward. And while we’re close to the Edinburgh bypass, making trips out of town relatively easy, the downside is the occasional traffic build-up when leaving the city.

One of the unexpected highlights of our flat is the parking space - a true luxury in Portobello, where parking can be a challenge. It’s made life much easier, especially when visitors come by.

If there’s one drawback to living in Portobello, it’s the rising property prices. While we absolutely adore our flat, the reality is that moving to a larger place in the area will be a challenge. Bigger properties here come with significantly higher price tags, which may eventually push us out. For now, though, we’re making the most of every moment in our home by the sea.

5. Why Portobello stole our hearts

Moving from Aberdeen to Edinburgh was a big change, but finding our home in Portobello has made it all worthwhile. The combination of the beach, the friendly community, and the abundance of local businesses gives it such a special charm. It feels like we’ve found the perfect balance - close enough to the city for convenience but with a peaceful, village-like atmosphere.

I’d recommend Portobello to anyone - whether you’re a young couple, a family, or even looking for a quieter spot to retire. With its vibrant high street, regular farmers’ market, and easy access to both nature and the city, it offers the best of both worlds. For us, it’s been the perfect place to start this new chapter - and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.