Page 26 - ESPC_Feb26-V7

City or countryside? EXPERT ADVICE

Families: think long-term
property’s asking price
During Covid, areas such as Fife and East Affordability: look beyond the
Lothian saw significant growth as families Yes, your budget to purchase a property may
looked for space and flexibility. Years later, stretch further if you buy a home outside
some of those same families are choosing to the city. A three-bedroom house in Fife or
move closer to Edinburgh again as children the Borders might cost the same as a one-
grow older and lives become more city-centred. bedroom flat in Leith.

School runs may be local, but sports training, But commuting costs, fuel, parking and
social lives and weekend activities often time should all be part of the calculation.
aren’t. It’s something many parents only fully Sometimes the difference is smaller than
appreciate once they’re already doing the expected.
weekly journeys.
Tzana Webster, Head of Estate Agency at Ralph Sayer, shares expert tips
to help you weigh up city life vs countryside living

ne of the most common conversations I always encourage buyers to be honest with My practical advice
I have with buyers starts with the themselves: will you drive or rely on public
O same sentence: “We love Edinburgh... transport? How frequent are the trains or Before making a decision, treat it like a
but we’re wondering if we’d get more for our buses? What does peak-commuting time really research project:
money outside the city.” look like? • View the property more than once,

and at different times of day and/or
It’s a completely valid question. East Lothian, We’ve seen buyers drawn to places in East week
Midlothian, Fife and the Scottish Borders all Lothian like North Berwick or Dunbar for
offer space, scenery and value that can feel the coastal lifestyle, others to Midlothian for • Spend time in the area on both
worlds away from city living. But relocating proximity to Edinburgh, and increasing interest weekdays and weekends
isn’t just a financial decision: it’s a lifestyle in Scottish Borders towns such as Stow since the • Test the commute - by car or public
one. And, in my experience, there is no rail link reopened. All offer different versions of transport
universally “better” option. I’ve seen clients “connected,” but the experience of commuting
move out of the city and be delighted, and on a dark January morning is very different from • Join local Facebook community
others return to Edinburgh and feel the same a summer Saturday viewing. groups and see what residents have
sense of relief. to say
Lifestyle matters more than floor plans • Look at nearby shops, GP surgeries There’s no single definition of the “perfect”
The key is making a decision that genuinely Some people thrive on the energy of the city and what actually delivers on Just Eat home, as it can look different for everyone, and
fits your life. often changes as life does.
- the cafés, gyms, culture and spontaneity.
Others crave quiet roads, open skies and slower • Speak to schools directly if you have
Start with how you actually live evenings. Neither is right or wrong. children What matters most is choosing a location that
genuinely supports your priorities now, while
Your working pattern is often the biggest • Walk the streets in the evening, not giving you the flexibility to grow into what
factor. If you’re fully remote or semi-retired, Moving out of the city often brings gardens, just during viewings comes next. When a home fits your life, rather
distance from the city may matter very little. parking and breathing room. City living brings than forcing your life to fit around it, that’s
But if you’re commuting several days a week, walkability, convenience and variety. Both come • Write a genuine pros and cons list usually when it starts to feel truly right.
meeting clients in town, or tied to fixed office with compromises and being realistic about
hours, the daily journey becomes part of which ones you can live with and thrive in is far
your quality of life. more important than chasing an extra bedroom.
For more information get in touch on 0131 225 5567 or email tzana@ralphsayer.com
26 | espc.com espc.com | 27