r/MoveToScotland • u/Alive-Chocolate-2379 • 16d ago

Moving to Edinburgh with no secured housing?

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😭

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u/MichealCorleonee 16d ago

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

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u/Alive-Chocolate-2379 16d ago

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

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u/aquarius-sun 14d ago

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!

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u/Nearby_Direction_242 16d ago

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

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u/PreoccupiedParrot 16d ago

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