Three of the best one-bedroom homes for sale in Edinburgh now

If you can do without spare sleeping accommodation there are characterful homes on offer, finds Kirsty McLuckie

Properties with just one bedroom are sought-after in Edinburgh where the luxury of each additional bedroom comes at a high price.

The average asking price of a one-bedroom property in the city this month, according to home.co.uk, is £159,617, while the two-bedroom average asking price is £244,015.

First-time buyers wanting to purchase a smaller property also face stiff competition from buy-to-let investors, downsizers and those second home buyers seeking a pied-à-terre in the city.

There are also fewer smaller properties to choose from. The figures show that the number of one-bedroomed properties currently advertised for sale in Edinburgh is 122, while 375 are available for sale with two bedrooms.

If you don’t require a second bedroom, the number includes a good range of single-bedroom properties on the market, from compact houses to studio boltholes.

Colony flats are unique to Edinburgh, and are highly prized. Built largely in the Stockbridge area, the houses date from 1861.

They were put up by the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company in a move away from the Scottish tenement tradition in favour of working-class homes that would provide each family with its own front door and garden.

The main door upper or lower flats are prized for their charm and quirkiness and their liveability – they are flats, but feel like houses.

Picture: Knight Frank

No 14 Balmoral Place is located in the Stockbridge Colonies, in a pretty and quiet street.

Picture: Knight Frank

The ground floor flat has an appealing layout, with double bedroom, bright living room, kitchen and bathroom, great storage and a traditional working fire.

Picture: Knight Frank

It has been very well-maintained by the current owners and it has a private garden.

Picture: Knight Frank

The flat is compact, but spacious enough to be comfortable as a long-time home for one person or a couple.

Picture: Simpson & Marwick

The ground floor flat at 10 Eglinton Crescent has been converted from a townhouse but has the best of the entertaining space, even if it has just one bedroom.

Picture: Simpson & Marwick

The magnificent bay windowed lounge has room for a sitting area and a dining table but unlike the some drawing room conversions, the kitchen and bedroom are equally luxurious spaces.

Picture: Simpson & Marwick

The breakfasting kitchen is fitted with a central island, granite worktops and integral appliances, the large double bedroom has fitted wardrobes and there is a sizeable box room currently used as a study.

Picture: Simpson & Marwick

It offers very stylish living in the heart of the West End and would make a great party flat, even if stay-over guests would have to be on the sofa.

The studio flat at 6A Oxford Terrace is a different proposition.

Picture: Rettie

The lower ground floor flat, with its own front door is well laid out, but is just one room with a separate small kitchen and a shower room.

Picture: Rettie

Divided into a sitting room and bedroom by a low partition, it is very well designed, with plenty of storage space.

It would make an ideal bolthole for a city worker, would be popular as a holiday let, or make a compact home for minimalist singleton.

At a glance

Picture: Knight Frank

Where is it: 14 Balmoral Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh.What is it: A ground floor traditional colony flat with one bedroom and a shower room, a sitting room with open fire and a kitchen. The flat has its own front garden and private entrance.Good points: Beautiful traditional features such as the fireplace and fitted bookshelves give the whole place a quaint cottage feel. The location, in a leafy and quiet spot, is within walking distance of the shops in Stockbridge and the city.Bad points: You might never want to leave, but the flat has no potential for extension if your circumstances change.Price: Offers over £250,000.Contact: Knight Frank on 0131 222 9600.

Picture: Simpson & Marwick

Where is it: 10 GF Eglinton Crescent, West End, Edinburgh.What is it: A drawing room conversion, with good sized double bedroom, dining kitchen and bathroom.Good points: Impressive vast public room with period fireplace and bay window. Excellent property for entertaining, plus a small study.Bad points: Not a property for the social recluse. Expensive for just one bedroom.Price: Offers over £425,000.Contact: Simpson & Marwick on 0131 525 8600.

Picture: Rettie

Where is it: 6A Oxford Terrace, West End, Edinburgh.What is it: A studio flat with combined sitting room and bedroom, a separate kitchen and a shower room,.Good points: A great location between the West End and Stockbridge and a beautiful building. Well designed for a single personBad points: You would have to know guests very well before inviting them to stay overnight.Price: Offers over £180,000.Contact: Rettie & Co on 0131 624 4061.