Finding suitable accommodation in Aberdeen in the right location is essential for a positive expat experience. Most expats tend to rent rather than buy a home in Aberdeen, at least initially. Negotiating an unfamiliar city and its property market can be challenging for new arrivals, so expats should do their homework before moving.
Expats should take some time to familiarise themselves with the various areas and suburbs in Aberdeen to narrow down their choices. Other factors expats should consider before starting their accommodation search include their budget, proximity to work, schools, and public transport, and the type of property they want to live in.
Areas and suburbs in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is home to various areas and suburbs suited to diverse interests and needs.
Young professionals and students moving to Aberdeen enjoy living in Old Aberdeen. The historic centre is conveniently located near the University of Aberdeen, making it ideal for students and those working in the city centre. Old Aberdeen also boasts several independent boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife spots.
Bridge of Dee and Garthdee are other areas for young professionals and students to explore. These neighbourhoods are conveniently located near the city centre and the Robert Gordon University.
Families will have plenty of options in Aberdeen. Bridge of Don is a quick 10-minute drive from the city centre and has excellent schools, parks, and golf courses. Homes in this area are often built on spacious lots, with new constructions available.
Those looking for a village atmosphere will enjoy living in Cove Bay. Although slightly further from the city centre, the neighbourhood has excellent public transport links.
Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Aberdeen
Types of accommodation in Aberdeen
From Aberdeen’s distinctive granite townhouses to luxury apartments, there's sure to be a home that meets your needs.
Aberdeen offers fully furnished, semi-furnished, and unfurnished accommodation options. Those on short-term work assignments who won't be in the city for long will likely want to opt for fully furnished housing. Those in the city for a longer period may prefer unfurnished accommodation. It's quite easy to purchase reasonably priced furniture.
Expats on a tight budget will find plenty of house-share options in Aberdeen, especially given it's a university town. Renting an individual room in a larger house shared with others is fairly common among students and young professional expats starting out in Aberdeen.
Some new arrivals initially choose to rent short term via a holiday-let website. While short-term rental costs are higher, the property is usually furnished and all bills are included. This is also often a fantastic way to get to know the city's different neighbourhoods before committing to a long-term lease.
Finding accommodation in Aberdeen
Finding property in Aberdeen can be a challenge for new arrivals who don’t have much knowledge of the local market. Some expats will be lucky enough to have their accommodation arranged by their employer, but there are several resources for those who need to find a home on their own.
Before moving to Aberdeen, newcomers should browse property portals online to get an idea of what's available within their budget. While it is possible to deal directly with property owners, most people enlist the services of a letting agent who has local knowledge of Aberdeen’s property market.
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Renting accommodation in Aberdeen
Making an application
Having found your ideal home, you'll need to submit an application. This should include documents proving your identity, copies of bank statements or payslips, and your previous landlord's contact details for reference checks. A guarantor might be required in some cases.
It's important to note that while expats may be asked to show their passport for identity verification, they don't need to show any kind of proof of a 'right to rent' in Scotland – this is a requirement in England only.
The landlord might wish to do a credit check on you or your guarantor. This is allowed but they need permission to conduct the check and they must pay for it themselves.
Deposits and fees
It's standard to pay the equivalent of one or two months' rent as a deposit when signing a lease. Note that according to Scottish law, charging more than two months' rent as a deposit is illegal. When you move out, the full deposit has to be returned, though costs can be deducted for damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent or utilities, or cleaning bills if the home is left dirty.
Note that if you don't have a UK credit history, you might also be asked to pay several months of rent up front. Six months is the maximum allowed, but landlords can sometimes be negotiated down to three months.
Leases
There's no fixed length for a private lease in Scotland, so it's indefinite or open ended until either the landlord or tenant ends the lease. Before signing, expats should ensure they fully understand the lease agreement, including its terms and conditions.
Terminating the lease
Scotland's rental laws are favourable to the tenant. You only need to give 28 days' notice to your landlord if you want to move out before the lease term is up.
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Utilities in Aberdeen
Before committing to a contract, find out whether utilities are included in the rental price. In most cases, you'll need to budget for gas and electricity as additional costs, plus council tax.
Ensure that utilities are turned on and ready for use before moving in. Most landlords will provide utility companies with the final meter readings, but expats are encouraged to take their own readings to avoid being potentially overcharged.
Setting up Household Utilities in the UK
Bins and recycling
The City of Aberdeen collects general waste weekly. Alongside regular bins, the municipality also provides two additional recycling bins – a brown bin and a mixed recycling bin.
The brown bin is used for food and garden waste and is collected alongside the general waste bin. Mixed recycling bins are collected biweekly.
The City of Aberdeen also provides a number of recycling centres that are accessible by appointment. These recycling centres accept various recyclable materials, including bulky waste like furniture, garden waste, and hazardous waste like car batteries and engine oil.
Parking
Residents living in a controlled parking zone can apply to the city council for a parking permit. Both fixed and flexible permits are available: fixed permits are eligible for one specific car, while flexible permits may be used for any vehicle. There are also numerous car parks and on-street parking spaces scattered across Aberdeen, including free ones.