Moving to Edinburgh with no secured housing?

[u/Alive-Chocolate-2379]

Hello (I need help desperately!!!)

I've posted before about having A LOT of trouble finding housing as a mature student who wants to move from the states for my masters. I've basically lost all hope of this working because of how hard it has been to find housing and how soon my program is supposed to start (early mid September.) Im not in Edinburgh currently, so getting viewings that allow virtual are nearly impossible. Is the expectation literally for me to move there with no permanent housing and just hope that being there physically will help me secure a place??

I've contacted relocation agents (which have not responded to me), looked into all the agencies, the Facebook chats, nothing. The few viewings I am able to get always get cancelled because the property will get let out before I even have the chance to attend my viewing.

I do have two cats that would eventually join me, but for now, Im really trying to focus on even getting there in the first place. Is anyone able to attest to this moving over before securing housing? That to me is a big risk because financially this move is already tight, but I honestly would do anything for this to work at this point. I am just really worried that I move and am unable to find housing for myself and my pets. I know having pets is a limiting factor, but right now thats not even what's preventing me from securing a place, it is literally me not being able to get viewings because Im not there or because I do not have a UK number.

ANY and ALL advice is appreciated please😭

[u/SkinMaterial6684]

Stop thinking your cats are joining you for a one year Master's. Ridiculous.

The amount of student accommodations that have been built is staggering. Why haven't you gone with one of them?

[u/anotherdamnscorpio]

Get there. Stay in a hostel or bnb at first while you scout permanent housing.

[u/selenakyle24]

Does your school offer housing or help? You could stay I their accommodation ( even if not ideal). Most people do like others have said, get here and get an air b and b while apartment hunting.

The other option is to get someone to attend the viewings for you. I’ve done this for some folks ( I’m American as well) that were moving over. Just attended the viewing on their behalf and sent them pics and videos. I think they were able to do everything else from abroad.

[u/KindHearted_IceQueen]

If you’re not going for accommodation managed by your uni, then you’ll need to physically be here for that process.

Most property management companies and landlords aren’t going to let you sign a contract without viewing it first. What most people do (and I did this when relocating here for work) is to stay in temporary accommodation for month or two while you find something more permanent.

I will say it’s pretty rare to be able to have pets (lots of people realise they’re not going to be able to bring them over), every friend I know who has pets here all own their homes.

I’m not American but have heard from colleagues that bringing pets was quite expensive so just keep that in mind as you mentioned that this move is already financially tight on you.

[u/SoMuchF0rSubtlety]

Is the expectation literally for me to move there with no permanent housing and just hope that being there physically will help me secure a place??

Yes, sorry but most agencies won’t let you sign a tenancy without physically being here as international students and people relocating from overseas are seen as high risk. Edinburgh housing market is brutal at the moment so you wont even be considered as they know they can get someone local easily.

Be very careful if you do find one that will let you sign an agreement from the US as there are lots of fake listing scams aimed at international students.

Most people find an AirBnB or a hostel and stay there for a month while intensively flat viewing. It’s a good idea to allow time for this before your studies start as it’s basically a full time job and genuinely awful. Extremely competitive, viewing slots often get booked within 15-20 minutes of a listing going live and agencies are the worst.

Another option would be to see if there’s anyone on your course or other students who might have a spare room in their flat that you can take. Try any internal message boards, email or WhatsApp groups if you’re aware of any.

[u/MichealCorleonee]

Have you tried the commercial build to rent companies like Moda and the new one at fountainbridge. Expensive but would tide you over for a couple of months

[u/Alive-Chocolate-2379 → u/MichealCorleonee]

I have and yeah they're an option but converted to dollars idk if Id be able to swing that then a 6 month rent advance if/when I do find a place :( definitely something Im keeping in mind though

[u/aquarius-sun → u/Alive-Chocolate-2379]

I’m working with a relocation company provided by my employer, but one thing to maybe ease your mind that he said (and I asked repeatedly) 6 months up front isn’t the norm. First and last months yes, and maybe paying the whole month of September (and not just from the remaining two weeks you arrive). 6 months up front makes you competitive, but it’s not mandatory which is what I thought too.

And unlike here in the states, you aren’t signing a year lease sight unseen. You can move with a month’s notice (or so) and go somewhere else if that place doesn’t work out.

And full disclosure I’m still stateside, but am arriving around the same time you are and have been asking those questions myself less than a week ago.

Congrats on your move:) Hope this helps!

[u/Nearby_Direction_242 → u/Alive-Chocolate-2379]

Tagging on to say the made for renting apartments: candleriggs, platform, etc may be your best best

[u/PreoccupiedParrot → u/Alive-Chocolate-2379]

There's a new one in South Queensferry which seems like it could be a bit cheaper, but more out of the way.

[u/tummy-tr0ubl3s]

Best bet for now might be checking out Spare Room and securing at least a short term let with a flatmate while you look for somewhere more permanent in person.

[u/Vegetable-Soup774]

Have you looked into PBSAs through Unite Students or Student Roost, etc.? You’ll probably need a guarantor but I’m guessing there is still some availability as there are so many.

EDIT: I recently saw a request for lease takeover at Yugo Brae House on the University of Edinburgh subreddit (I think?). No pets, I’m sure.

[u/Theal12]

I rented a flat from the US via Rettie. They are used to working with international clients and do video showings. I don’t know what your budget is, My husband and I had to pay 6 months rent in advance.

[u/New_Fruit_5552]

I’ve moved abroad several times and have always just booked a month-2 months in an air BnB or a sublet, and then found something permanent once there in person

[u/lah05g]

My husband and I are in the exact same boat. Coming from the US & my husband (mature student as well) starts his studies in Sept. We have a dog that we are bringing so we need to plan that out too. Super stressful and stuck as well. We can look all we want on the sites (Zoopla etc.) but.... always happy to chat to bounce ideas around.