Edinburgh and London’s cheapest one-bed flats compared – price, size and condition

Edinburgh is known throughout Scotland for its high property prices.

Compared to cities such as Aberdeen, Dundee, or even Glasgow, those looking to purchase a flat or house in the capital will need to fork out considerably more.

It was revealed in January that the average house price in Edinburgh had broken £300,000 for the first time, with house buyers paying an average £40,000 more compared with the previous year.

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When looking at the UK as a whole, however, it is not Edinburgh that is the most infamous for its high prices, but rather London.

To see how the housing market compares between the two capitals, we decided to research the cheapest one-bedroom flats that have gone up for sale in the cities over the past seven days on Rightmove.

There are dozens of flats in London available exclusively for retirees, as well as auction and shared ownership properties — in which buyers purchase a share of a property from a housing association.

In the interest of making the comparison as even as possible, however, we aimed to find the cheapest one bedroom flat that could be bought outright.

Here are the cheapest Edinburgh and London one-bedroom flats that have gone up for sale in the past week.

Edinburgh

The cheapest one-bedroom property currently for sale in Edinburgh that isn’t available exclusively to pensioners is on Oxgangs Path East in the outskirts of the city.

With offers over £105,000 being considered, the flat isn’t all that much to look at from the outside, but the interior presents a blank canvas upon which the buyer can put their stamp on it.

It’s also surprisingly large, comprising of a large living room, a spacious bedroom, a kitchen, and a shower room.

The property listing on Rightmove describes it as an “ideal starter flat offering spacious accommodation in the established residential area of Oxgangs”.

It continues: “Neutrally decorated throughout and in move in condition, the accommodation comprises, Entrance hallway with store cupboard, bedroom with fitted cupboard, bright living room with electric fire and surround, fitted kitchen with range of units and integrated appliances to include electric oven & hob, fridge freezer and space & plumbing for a washing machine.

“A modern shower room completes the accommodation.”

While it may not be the bonniest property, £105,000 is a very reasonable price for what is quite a spacious flat.

As the listing states, it would make an ideal first home for somebody looking to get onto the property ladder.

London

The cheapest one-bedroom flat that we could find on Rightmove that isn’t for retirees or going up for auction is a first-floor studio on Charlemont Road.

While the location is more central than you might think, at £150,000 you’re getting a lot less value for your money than with the Edinburgh property.

Since it is a studio, the living space of the flat technically comprises only one large room, though the kitchen and bedroom are separated by a mini staircase.

The listing states: “If you are looking for an ideal investment opportunity then look no further. We are pleased to offer for sale this studio apartment that has plenty of living space.

“Situated London you are just a short walk to Eastham and Barking stations and is a great commuter centre.”

The kitchen has a “range of eye and base level units, part tiled walls, space for fridge freezer, integrated electric hob and oven with extractor hood above”, as well as double glazed windows.

Meanwhile the open-plan living area has fitted wardrobes and two skylights.

Overall, while it is certainly not a bad property, at the end of the day you are paying £45,000 more than the Edinburgh property for a small studio.