漏 shutterstock.comLocated less than 60 km from Edinburgh, Dundee is the 4th biggest city in Scotland and the 2nd most densely populated. The City of Discoveries has a vibrant entertainment industry and cultural life, especially since the opening of the new V & A museum. Being home to two universities, Dundee also offers affordable accommodation options for students. In general, rent prices vary per neighbourhood and on whether you choose to live in the city centre or the outskirts.
One positive outcome from the city's struggles with unemployment (consult our article Work in Dundee) is that rent prices have been kept significantly down, so as to be affordable to people who have problems finding work. Nowadays, to rent a single-bedroom apartment in Dundee, prices start from 209 GBP; 247 GBP for a two-bedroom; 315,76 GBP for a three-room maisonette; 367,24 GBP for a four-room cottage.
.
Comprehensive and free
Read it now
Dundee is divided into several neighbourhoods, including residential areas which you can visit before choosing your accommodation. The city-centre, for instance, will please you with its magnificent 19th-century architecture, wide Victorian streets and recently renovated waterfront. It is a particularly popular and dynamic area.
You may also like Fintry, Charleston, Ardler, and even Baxter Park which are found in the North of Dundee. Lochee, for its part, is a historical neighbourhood in the Northwest. It used to host a particularly active textile industry.
In the East, Barnhill village and Broughty Ferry are calm neighbourhoods, ideal for families. If you would prefer a more lively and dynamic area, the West End is especially popular with students thanks to the presence of bars, coffee shops, boutiques, etc.
In the West, you are more likely to find posh apartments along with Edwardian style houses.
Get regular tips and advice to make the most of your expat life
It is best to be on the spot to find accommodation in Dundee, although you can browse offers on the Internet and in local newspapers. Word of mouth may also help if you have friends, relatives or contacts on the spot. However, you will have to visit the premises before signing the lease contract with the owner or real estate agency.
One thing you should be aware of, is that the City Council also provides about 13,700 housing accommodations for rent. These include apartments (flats) of several sizes, maisonettes and cottages in various areas of the city and the outskirts. The distinct advantage of renting from the City Council is, for one, the very affordable rent prices and the fact that no deposit is required. What is more, your tenancy will be safe and repairs to the apartment are complimentary. Anyone over 16 years old can apply for a council house in Dundee, and each applicant is treated equally regardless of nationality.
Useful links:
Get regular tips and advice to make the most of your expat life