Friendly, expert mortgage advice in Edinburgh

There is no fixed amount — the deposit depends on the property price, the lender and individual circumstances. As a general illustration, on an illustrative Edinburgh property price of £342,140, a deposit at common levels would be roughly: 5% about £17,107; 10% about £34,214; 15% about £51,321. A larger deposit can, in general, widen the range of products available. Figures are rounded and for illustration only — not a quotation or a recommendation. (Source for property figure: PropertyData.co.uk, last updated 8 June 2026.)

Based on recent sold prices (HM Land Registry), the average house price across Edinburgh is currently around £342,140. Homes on the market now are typically guided between roughly £215,000 and £995,000 (asking prices; PropertyData.co.uk, last updated 8 June 2026). These are a guide to the local market, not a valuation of any specific property — individual values vary, and averages shift with the mix of homes available.

Edinburgh is often discussed by landlords because relatively accessible entry prices have supported an illustrative gross rental yield of around 4.7%. These are market figures only, not advice or a recommendation to invest. Rental yields, void periods, costs, tax treatment and borrowing all vary by property and by individual circumstances, and buy-to-let lending has its own affordability and eligibility rules.

Lenders assess affordability individually, so there is no single income figure. As a general market guide only, many lenders consider borrowing in the region of 4–4.5× annual income. As an illustration, an illustrative £342,140 Edinburgh property with a 10% deposit implies a loan of about £307,926, which on a 4.5× guide corresponds to a household income of roughly £68,428. This is a generic illustration, not an affordability result or a statement of what you would qualify for — actual lending multiples and affordability assessments vary by lender and by individual circumstances. (Source for property figure: PropertyData.co.uk, last updated 8 June 2026.)

First-time buyers buy in Edinburgh regularly, and the town's relatively accessible price levels are part of the appeal. Whether a mortgage is available depends on individual circumstances — deposit, income, credit history and a lender's affordability assessment — rather than on the town itself. A range of options can be available to first-time buyers, including lower-deposit products and government schemes where eligible. This is general information, not advice; for guidance tailored to your situation, speak to one of our advisers on 01977 802605.

In Scotland the purchase tax is Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT), collected by Revenue Scotland, rather than the tax used in England. LBTT is charged on a banded scale — currently nil up to £145,000, then 2%, 5%, 10% and 12% on the portions above each threshold. First-time buyers benefit from relief that raises the nil-rate band to £175,000. If you are buying an additional property such as a second home or a buy-to-let, the Additional Dwelling Supplement (ADS) — currently 8% on the whole price — usually applies on top. These are general figures, not tax advice, and bands can change; we will talk through the likely costs for your purchase.

The Scottish process differs from England and Wales. The seller provides a Home Report — a survey, valuation and property questionnaire — up front, before you offer, and homes are often marketed at "offers over" with a closing date for best bids. Once an offer is accepted, your solicitor concludes the deal through missives (formal letters between solicitors), and your lender will still need its own mortgage valuation before releasing funds. We will guide you through each stage in plain English.