Edinburgh two-bed flat overrun by pigeons hits market for £100,000 as squatters 'leave their mark'
The Newington flat was taken over by pigeons who left mountains of droppings and twigs
A two-bed flat right in the heart of Edinburgh’s Southside has landed on the market, but the new owner could find themselves sharing the space with some unwelcome roommates.
Described as “dooer-upper”, the flat in East Crosscauseway with a guide price of £100,000+ has been taken over by a flock of pigeons who have called the derelict property home since flying in through a broken window.
Mountains of pigeon droppings and scattered twigs cover the floor of the flat, which has been deemed too unsafe for a home report or internal viewings.
The flat gave social media something to coo about when it landed on Zoopla late last week.
One Redditor posting on R/SpottedonRightmove, said: “My brain thought it was gravel at first, and I couldn't comprehend how it ended up there until I saw the flying pigeon.”
Another said: “I thought surely the ceiling fell down, then the ceiling picture both confirmed it and not, then saw the pigeons and just knew…”
Mandi Cooper, managing director at Auction House Scotland, said: “It’s fair to say this property has been a little different from our usual auction lots! We’ve certainly seen properties in need of renovation over the years, but this one really is on another level.
“Thankfully, the pigeons have now flown the nest, but they’ve certainly left their mark. The photographs give buyers a very clear indication of the challenge ahead, and there's no pretending this is anything other than a substantial refurbishment project.”
With the exception of its feathered visitors, the property has been empty for a considerable period of time and is certainly not a project for the faint of heart.
The flat is nestled in between the University of Edinburgh and Holyrood Park near independent cafes, restaurants, bars and bus links.
It will go under the hammer at Auction House Scotland’s livestream auction on November 26 now that the flock has been removed from the property and it has been made secure,
Ms Cooper added: “For the right buyer with the experience and vision to tackle the work, there is real opportunity to turn this property from a pigeon paradise into a desirable Edinburgh home.”