Annually, the hugely varied programme incorporates around 50,000 performances by artists, musicians, authors, comedians, dancers, jugglers, acrobats and actors from around the world. The audience is equally diverse, with everyone from students to seasoned culture vultures booking months in advance to see ballet, comedy, drama, opera, magic and circus acts, book readings and musical performances in a plethora of both permanent and make-shift venues across the city.
When the posters come down
For many of these visitors, the bustling, colourful and rather bohemian city would be scarcely recognisable during the remaining 49 weeks of the year. Yet it is perhaps when the last of the posters, bunting, banners and temporary venues have been taken down that the enduring attributes of the city become most apparent.
Edinburgh, more usually typified by Georgian conformity, law, finance and education, consistently attracts a large proportion of non-Scottish house buyers. In fact, around 15-20% each year are from outside Scotland, and Edinburgh continues to be one of the most searched for locations on Savills website.
Buying property in Edinburgh
Some buyers may have fallen in love with Edinburgh while visiting, but the majority have existing links with the capital. Many are expats living in locations such as Hong Kong or Singapore hoping to make an investment purchase in order to keep a foothold in the Scottish market. Others are families who are moving from London to Edinburgh for a more affordable lifestyle and education for their children.
Most buyers from outside the capital cite its reputation for a high quality of life, beautiful surroundings, highly regarded schools and comparative value for money as key drivers in their buying decisions.
House prices in Edinburgh
As a leading financial centre, Edinburgh also has a thriving broad-based economy with the majority of its residents employed in professional jobs and a growing number within the tech sector. The relative prosperity of the population is reflected in property prices that are 9% above the UK average and 52% above the Scotland average, according to the official UK House Price Index for May 2026. However, in terms of value for money, average values are still 46% lower than in London.
Edinburgh is often described as a city that is 'easy' to live in, with owners of handsome period town houses and spacious traditional city-centre flats enjoying easy access to the many facilities on their doorstep.
Its leafy suburbs of Grange, Morningside, Colinton, Barnton and Cramond are ever popular with young and growing families, as they are all located close to the city's many excellent private and state schools. Even in a more challenging market, well presented properties in these locations can attract multiple offers and achieve premiums for the seller.
Here’s our pick of some of the best Edinburgh properties currently on the sales and lettings market:
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