A guide to living in City of Edinburgh

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

There is an excellent number of shops nearby, with a Tesco express and Lidl within walking distance. There are also two Michelin star restaurants nearby if you’re fancying a nice date or some fine dining with friends. The area itself is fantastic, very quiet with no disturbances from any nearby roads in the evening.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

We are yet to have any issues with our flat and I have no doubt anything would be resolved very quickly!

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wouldn’t say there is anything I wasn’t clued up on before moving in. Our viewing was very informative and covered everything that was included with living here. We’re very happy!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The local area is convenient and safe, with good transport links and shops within walking distance. Everything we’ve needed has been accessible and easy to find. Our experience living here has been positive so far.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

So far, we haven’t encountered any major problems that required assistance. But based on our move-in experience, the team seems responsive and supportive, so we feel confident they’ll be helpful if anything comes up.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Nothing major so far — the move-in and settling-in process was well explained. Everything matched our expectations from the viewing and communication was clear throughout.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The McEwan is ideally located – just a short walk from Haymarket and with excellent bus and tram connections. There are great cafés, bars, and green spaces nearby. The area is quiet, safe and clean, with no issues with rubbish collection, noise, or parking. It feels like a calm pocket right near the city centre.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Every issue I’ve reported – even small things – was acknowledged and resolved quickly, often on the same day. The management team is proactive, communicative, and genuinely helpful. I’ve always felt well-supported as a resident.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The co-working space is far better than expected – a real game changer for anyone working remotely. Also, the app covers everything you need for day-to-day life. I’d recommend exploring all its features from day one.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Local area is nice with plenty of shops and social areas. No external noise unless windows open, Fountain Park very close and handy.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Management has been largely unresponsive, despite multiple attempts to raise concerns about the persistent noise issues. Even following changes in management, there has been no meaningful engagement or follow-up on the matters reported. I explored the option of transferring to another apartment within the complex to mitigate the ongoing disturbances. However, I was informed that an upfront payment would be required due to a change in policy. While I understand policy updates, this felt unreasonable considering the issues were internal and beyond my control — particularly as no deposit protection scheme was in place when I originally moved in.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Despite raising multiple complaints and even exploring the possibility of relocating within the building — which ultimately proved unviable — no meaningful action has been taken to address the problem. The only notable change has been an increase in rent, which feels particularly unjustified given the lack of resolution or support.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I'm so happy living at Platform Edinburgh, right in the heart of Leith Walk. I moved in 4 months ago and it has been a wonderful experience so far. The location is fantastic, everything is nearby and well connected. My children attend Broughton Primary School, which is just a 3 minute drive away, making our daily routine much easier.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The only suggestion I would offer is to improve the internal communication within the administrative team. Sometimes it feels like enquiries are passed between different people, which can lead to confusion or the need to follow up more than once to get a clear answer. A bit more consistency and organisation in this area would make the experience even better.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Just to be patient during the application process, that's all I would advice.