Contemplating a move from London to Scotland (Edinburgh outskirts )

Arfa__

@[Deleted User] : If Scotland went independent, I'd probably consider that another advantage of moving, especially if rejoining the EU followed thereafter. Though, I have to admit I'm not fully clued up on the full impact this could have, definitely something to consider.

@theoretica : Thanks for tip on ESPC, had only been browsing RightMove thus far, definitely one I'll be bookmarking.

[Deleted User]

Arfa__ said:

@[Deleted User] : If Scotland went independent, I'd probably consider that another advantage of moving, especially if rejoining the EU followed thereafter. Though, I have to admit I'm not fully clued up on the full impact this could have, definitely something to consider.

@theoretica : Thanks for tip on ESPC, had only been browsing RightMove thus far, definitely one I'll be bookmarking.

I am sure running up to the vote the pros and cons will be dished out, I'd assume Scotland would join (or remain actually in) the common travel area so as an Englishman you would be able to remain to live and work. As for the EU, it is generally accepted that if Scotland were to be come independent, if would take Scotland at least 5 to 10 years (once they are out) to meet the current criteria of joining the EU. So it would be a very long term benefit if it were to happen! But I feel the EU would perhaps "bend" the rules for obvious reasons and try to speed it up.

letsbetfair

Take a look on TSPC, too. House prices around Dundee are way lower than Edinburgh (you could get a stunning house in the Dundee area for your budget). Dundee has a fair amount of pharma/biotech work and is looking to grow the sector - lots of investment going in at the moment. There's also a large hospital (along with smaller centres) and two universities.
You'd be further from London, though can do it in under 6hrs on a direct train, and there's also a sleeper in normal times. Dundee is a nice place to live, too
Unless I had to move to Edinburgh for work, I'd not choose to buy there - you're paying a big premium, and personally I'd rather live in Dundee or Glasgow. Some people love it, though!

Owain_Moneysaver

Arfa__ said:

We're currently contemplating longer-term plans to move out of East London suburbs up to Scotland. Initially, we're thinking within the Edinburgh-Glasgow-Stirling triangle (but open to suggestions), 

Clackmannanshire and Fife can both offer better value in property.
6 bed detached, probably within your budget at offers over £399k. Unfortunately broadband is only 23 MB. (The "Fibre 900" on the Rightmove broadband checker doesn't serve that property according to BT.) Stirling and suburbs have Cityfibre/Vodaphone FTTP, Falkirk has Virgin Cable. Clackmannanshire has lots of cycle paths but no swimming pool and only one proper library - but you're not far from Stirling University and the kids can get the bus on their own without getting mugged. 
State schools certainly vary, but I think you're quite unlikely to find a really bad one. 

Arfa__

@letsbetfair Definitely cheap up in Dundee (was my 2nd choice Uni many years ago), this 8-bed ex-guesthouse near the centre looked interesting. Maybe a bit too big, plus the busy road and view of car wash across the road do spoil it a little. However, that extra 1.5hr further North, both from London and from Edinburgh airport do put me off a little.

@Owain_Moneysaver Did stumble on that property the other week actually, been on market a while. My wife stayed in Alva a couple of years ago and is familiar with the area. Good shout on broadband though, I had been taking reported speeds on Rightmove etc as true, this will be crucial to me working remote and something I shall definitely need to double-check.

fewcloudy

@Arfa__
I moved from Edinburgh to Dundee for work, and lived in Broughty Ferry for 4 years. Friends/family/work all brought me back although I liked BF.
I’ve also family in London, and you’re right; that extra hour or two makes a difference on the train down but I guess it depends how frequently you expect to do it. 

letsbetfair

Yeah - depends how often you'll be needing to travel to London or to fly. There may be a direct bus to Edinburgh airport again, and flights going somewhere useful from Dundee airport, after the dust settles from Covid...but who knows.
Your budget would give you a lot of choice in the area! There's also houses like these new builds - distinctive (not to my taste) design and expensive, but would have amazing views https://www.tspc.co.uk/4-Bed-Detached-Villa-For-Sale-Executive-Villas-Adelaide-Place-Dundee-DD3-6LE

zagubov

Have you thought about Stirling (about as far north as you can go and still have fast-trains, motorways and Waitrose).You've got access to Glasgow which has most of the cultural stuff, from the opera and ballet to the main modern music gigs. Plus Edinburgh which has the festival.

If your children are considering higher education, in Scotland it's a bit more limited as only 30% of school-leavers go to uni there, while in England it's 40%. On the good side, if they've been living there before applying I think they're eligible for their fees to be paid, but you should check.

MovingForwards

Don't rule out right move as that's where my property was advertised, not all are on ESPC. Plenty of people live in the commuter belts as we get more for our money, even taking into account the commute costs. 

fewcloudy

Arfa__ said:

We've also got several friends around Edinburgh, love the city, so be good to be nearby. 

For me that would be a fairly important thing to bear in mind. Having friends in the area is such a bonus when moving far away.
*they could also be the voice of reason in the boring "which is best Edinburgh or Glasgow" debate which too many sad locals persist in droning on about as if these are the only 2 places in Scotland!

Re. the Edinburgh-Glasgow-Stirling triangle, I agree with your thinking about location/work/Uni.
Linlithgow could be a contender for you.