Find Flats For Sale in Edinburgh (Before They Go Online)

Looking for flats for sale in Edinburgh? Follow these tips from Cairn and find them before they go online.

Here’s something you might not realise: Some of the nicest flats for sale in Edinburgh are snapped up long before they make it to the market, let alone the property listing websites. 

So, how do these seemingly psychic house-hunters keep beating you to the punch? In this post, we share some of our favourite proactive property-searching tips:

How to Find Flats for Sale in Edinburgh Before They Hit the Market

1. Get to Know Your Local Estate Agents

The best estate agents work hard to keep their fingers on the pulse of the local market. And many develop close working relationships with sellers to achieve quick, profitable sales.

As a buyer, you can aim to do the same. By getting to know your local agents (being clear, friendly, and responsive in the process), you might just get a few hot tips in return. 

This is especially true if you know exactly what you’re looking for in an Edinburgh flat for sale (and you have your finances in order). If something matching your specifications becomes available, an agent will often be happy to let you know before it hits the market. 

2. Build a Team of Flat-hunters

Unless you have your reasons for keeping it a secret, tell your friends, family, colleagues, social media connections, and anyone else who’ll listen that you’re looking for flats for sale in Edinburgh.

That way, if they hear through the grapevine that someone they know or a friend of a friend is looking to sell, they can let you know ASAP. 

Word-of-mouth is an underrated way of finding properties, but it’s certainly effective! 

3. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Letter Writing 

Do you know which part (or parts) of Edinburgh you’d like to move to? If so, crack those knuckles and get writing. Post letters through doors in the area(s) you’re interested in, explaining who you are, your situation, and asking if they’d be interested in selling their property. 

This approach is a numbers game. Most may discard your letter, but for some, it could plant a seed. Maybe they’ve been thinking about selling and simply discovering that there’s interest could be the push they need.

Or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, you could knock on doors. Just be prepared for rejection.

4. Keep an Eye on the Rental Market

Finally, it’s worth remembering that everything is for sale at the right price.

If you see a property for rent that ticks all your boxes, there’s no harm in reaching out to the letting agent and inquiring about the possibility of buying it. 

Again, some landlords may have thought about selling up, especially if they’re finding it difficult to keep tenants, or if they live outside the city or country. By simply asking the question, you could prompt them to do a deal.  

Bonus Tip: Make Sure You Have Your Financial Ducks in a Row

It’s easier to move quickly when you’re ready to move. So, if you get wind of a dream property edging towards the market, and you want to nip in there and nab it early, you need to have your finances in order.

When you have the cash ready (or a mortgage in principle), you’ll seem less risky to the seller. And the attraction of a fast sale could encourage them to avoid the open market and deal with you exclusively.

Interested in flats for sale in Edinburgh? Get to know Cairn a little better. Reach out and tell us what you’re looking for — we’re always happy to help. Contact us here.

Did you know our Glasgow & Edinburgh branches specialise in Off-Market properties, Learn more about our approach to Tenanted Flats here.