Welcome to the Factotum blog, where we discuss everything from changes in Edinburgh, current legislation and legal requirements to the best place to grab some lunch.
Factotum are experienced letting agents for short term, long term, holiday and festival lets. A family business, Factotum have been managing an extensive range of Edinburgh properties since 1985. From traditional townhouses to mews houses, studio apartments and new developments, Factotum can accommodate individuals, private groups, corporate and student lets.
While residential letting is the core of our business, we also have years of experience of property factoring, main contracting, maintenance and upgrades through our network of trusted sub contractors and trade suppliers.
Property Properly Factored Since 1985 – that’s why more landlords are choosing Factotum.
Recent changes in government property taxation, stamp duty and income tax have undeniably sent out mixed messages as to the government’s view of buy-to-let landlords. On the one hand, they continue to postulate on their commitment to a healthy PRS (Private Rented Sector) confirming what a vital role the sector provides and acknowledging the desperate […]
Factotum is our name, our brand, our everything – but what does it actually mean? The origin of Factotum is from medieval Latin: • ‘Fac’, the imperative of ‘facere’ meaning ‘do’ • ‘Totem’, the neuter of ‘totus’ meaning ‘the whole thing’. ‘Do the whole thing’, translating roughly as ‘master of everything’. In modern English, Factotum […]
Edinburgh just wouldn’t be the same without its colourful history. Steeped in myth, folklore and legend, our fair city would be nothing without the interesting characters that built it. Here’s Factotum’s list of Edinburgh’s most interesting former residents. Deacon Brodie The Deacon Brodie name is now known as one of the Old Town’s […]
One of the choices you must make as a landlord is whether to let your property as furnished or unfurnished. Surprisingly, it makes little to zero impact on the rental valuation. Factotum looks at the pros and cons, as well as key factors to take into account when making this decision. How long do you […]
As a life-long resident of Edinburgh with a spell of study and work in London, I am always amazed by the words and local sayings we use here and take for granted, that leave the good visitors to our Fair City baffled as to their meaning, wondering whether we do indeed share a common language. Here’s […]
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. We all know when the milk in our fridge expires, or when our toothbrush needs to be replaced. It’s expected. These things are disposable. It’s more difficult to judge when it comes to the life span of more expensive items, like furniture. Especially when the furniture is for a rental property […]
We all know how difficult it can be to go out for a bite to eat or a drink when your dog is giving you their best ‘sad eyes’ and making you feel extremely guilty, but wouldn’t it be great to learn about some of the not so well-known dog friendly restaurants and bars? As […]
To quote Benjamin Franklin, in this world nothing can said to be certain, except death and taxes. Letting a property is a great way to generate additional income or enhance your pension / retirement income. Unfortunately, it’s not free from rental income tax. Here’s Factotum’s guide on what to expect when you rent your property. […]
Nobody ever said that customer service is easy. As a letting agent, our top priority is to keep our tenants happy, keep our landlords happy and in order to achieve that, we always strive to go above and beyond. Sometimes, however… that can prove to be a bit more challenging. From circuses and swimming pools to […]
There’s absolutely no doubt that the success of Airbnb and Airbnb agents has completely changed the landscape of the Edinburgh lettings market. It’s a fantastic business model. Allowing users to capitalise on their property by renting their spare room, it’s an easy way to make some extra money. The website that was originally designed to rent […]