Why I chose to buy a house in Leith

For years, we loved our life in the heart of Edinburgh. Living just off Broughton Street in a modern townhouse, we were right in the middle of the action... independent shops, bars, and restaurants on our doorstep, and a buzzing urban vibe that suited us perfectly.

But as much as we loved our home, we had to face the facts: with two kids, we were rapidly running out of space... something that comes as a premium while living in the capital.

I’m Claire, from the Business Development team at ESPC, and in this article, I’ll share my story on finding my perfect family home in Edinburgh.

1. The right time for a move

Our open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area was fantastic for entertaining, but everyday family life was a different story. We needed more breathing space, a garden for the kids to play in, and a guest bedroom for visiting family from down south. The challenge? Finding somewhere that ticked all those boxes while still giving us the city-living feel we loved.

2. The hunt for the perfect location

Having already lived in three different city centre locations, I wasn’t quite ready to swap urban life for the suburbs. We knew we’d need to move slightly further out to get more space for our budget, but I didn’t want to feel disconnected from the energy of the city.

We looked at Morningside and Comiston, drawn by their charming streets and beautiful Victorian homes. But the reality was that our budget wouldn’t stretch to the kind of home we wanted in that area. I had my heart set on a property with high ceilings, period character, and a bit of outdoor space, which is something that was proving hard to find within our price range.

So, we widened our search...

3. Why we chose Leith

Leith wasn’t unfamiliar to us. My husband had a flat there when we first got together, and as a die-hard fan of the local football team, he already had a soft spot for the area. Over the years, we’d enjoyed plenty of meals at the fantastic restaurants and pubs down by The Shore, so we knew the area had a lot to offer.

When we started researching, we quickly realised that Leith would give us more space for our money, without sacrificing the city feel we wanted. And then we found it: a beautiful Victorian semi-detached house that had been well-loved by its previous owners, who were now looking to downsize.

The house had everything we needed: four bedrooms, a generous living space, and a lovely garden that the kids instantly fell in love with at the viewing. It needed some modernising, but that didn’t put us off, it just meant we could really make it our own. Another buyer had already made an offer, but I like to think our kids’ excitement about the garden during the viewing played a part in swaying the sellers in our favour!

4. Life in Leith: A perfect fit

Moving to Leith has been everything we hoped for… and more. We’ve settled in so well, and the sense of community in Leith is something really special. Leith Links, just a short walk from our home, has become a huge part of our daily life. We even got a dog, which has made our proximity to the cycle paths and green spaces even more of a bonus. My son joined Leith Athletic football club shortly after we moved in, and it’s been incredible to see how much the club means to the local community.

Of course, the vibrant café and restaurant scene was a huge draw for us, and we love having so many great spots nearby. Constitution Street and The Shore are packed with fantastic places to eat and drink, and having them within walking distance makes it feel like we’ve retained some of the city centre lifestyle we enjoyed in Broughton.

One unexpected bonus? The new tram extension! It’s made getting to the airport incredibly easy, which is a game-changer for visiting family. And when we fancy a change of scenery, we’re only five minutes from Portobello Beach... perfect for dog walks and seaside coffees.

5. Reflecting on our move

Looking back, I can’t think of a single regret about moving to Leith. Our home is slowly transforming as we redecorate each room, and it’s been exciting to put our own stamp on the place. Yes, a Victorian house comes with its quirks - it’s definitely more expensive to heat, and those beautiful sash and case windows don’t quite match the insulation of modern double glazing - but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Ultimately, we wanted more space without losing the lifestyle we loved, and we’ve found that balance in Leith. It’s proof that sometimes, moving a little further out doesn’t mean giving up what you love... it just means finding the best of both worlds.

If you’re in a similar position, needing more space but not quite ready to leave the city, I’d highly recommend considering Leith. For us, it’s been the perfect move.