The name’s Bond, James Bond. That well-known catchphrase of the 007 franchise was first said by Edinburgh’s one and only Sir Sean Connery, the first ever, and some say definitive, actor to portray the fictional secret agent. Believe it or not, the extraordinary actor had a humble beginning in life. Being born and raised in […]
There’s little doubt that Airbnb has affected the Edinburgh letting landscape. The company claims 120,000 people have booked through their website between the 3rd – 27th August 2018 for the Edinburgh Fringe, boosting Edinburgh’s economy by £48 million and bringing Edinburgh Airbnb hosts a personal profit of £15 million. So what is Airbnb? Saviour of the economy? Selling […]
If there’s one thing we feel passionately about at Factotum, it’s the Edinburgh Festival. When we’re not running about organising Festival Lets, we’re right in the heart of the action recommending our Fringe favourites. Briefs: Close Encounters Natasha: “Absolutely hilarious! They really get the crowd involved and you are guaranteed a good laugh. I’ve been […]
We all know that Edinburgh is a legendary city, and we’ve all heard a myth or two. It never stops raining, the Royal Mile is a mile long, and rubbing Greyfriars Bobby’s nose is a sure way to bring good luck. But how many of these so-called facts are actually true? MYTH 1: It […]
The Fringe, Edinburgh International Festival, Edinburgh International Book Festival, Edinburgh Art Festival… there’s no doubt that the Edinburgh population grows considerably every August. Visitors flock to our capital to soak up the atmosphere, the art, the architecture… but what about festival accommodation? So when you’re visiting Edinburgh – where do you book festival accommodation? A […]
As of the 31st January 2018, all letting agents in Scotland will be subject to The Letting Agent Code of Practice (Scotland) Regulations 2016. The Code requires the Letting Agent’s clients (landlords) to act in concord with the agent, in terms of probity in their business and personal dealings. Section 31 compels the agent to […]
The Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 that was passed by the Scottish Parliament earlier this year comes into force on 1st December 2017. It will become the de-facto tenancy and replaces the Assured and Short Assured Tenancies we have employed since 1988 (and before). These will remain in force but no new ones can […]
We make it no secret that we love dogs at Factotum. Our office Springer, Sam, is often joined by other staff dogs including Jackson the Jack Russell, Hanks the English Bulldog and Chica the Cockapoo. We’ve written about our favourite dog walks, our favourite dog-friendly places to eat and drink. Now it’s all about our […]
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 […]
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 […]