A pigeon‑overrun Southside flat hits the market, promising a daring renovation for the right buyer.
The latest entry on the Edinburgh property market is anything but ordinary. A two-bedroom unit on East Crosscauseway, nestled in the city’s vibrant Southside, has emerged with a startling visual record: mountains of pigeon droppings, twigs scattered across the floor, and a shattered window that once invited an unwanted avian colony.
Auction House Scotland has set a guide price of more than £100,000, but prospective owners will need to look beyond the price tag and confront a substantial refurbishment project that includes removing decades of bird-induced decay.
The listing went viral on social media platforms after appearing on Zoopla last week.
Reddit users on the r/SpottedonRightmove community described their first impressions, with one comment noting that the floor initially resembled gravel, while another likened the ceiling to a collapsed structure before spotting the feathered occupants. These reactions underscore the property’s reputation as a pigeon-infested curiosity rather than a conventional buy-to-let opportunity.
Bird infestation and safety concerns
The interior of the flat tells a story of neglect. A broken pane allowed a flock of pigeons to establish a semi-permanent nest, leaving behind copious amounts of droppings that have saturated carpets, walls, and fixtures. The accumulation of waste has rendered the space unsafe for a standard home report or in-person viewings, prompting the auction house to bar internal tours until the site can be secured. The presence of twigs and other nesting material further complicates any immediate move-in, as structural assessments must consider potential corrosion and health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to bird excrement.
Cleaning the property will not be a simple sweep. Contractors will likely need to employ professional de-contamination services to eradicate bio-hazardous residues, replace damaged plaster, and treat any lingering moisture issues that may have arisen from the birds’ habitation. The extent of the damage suggests that only a buyer with experience in heavy-duty renovation should consider the venture, as the financial outlay could easily surpass the initial guide price.
Prime location and valuation
Despite its current state, the flat enjoys a coveted address. Situated between the University of Edinburgh and the expansive Holyrood Park, the property benefits from proximity to a bustling student population, green spaces, and a variety of independent cafés, restaurants, and bars. Excellent bus links further enhance its appeal, making the site attractive for future conversion into student accommodation, a boutique rental, or a private residence once the necessary works are completed.
The £100,000+ guide price reflects both the location premium and the heavy cost of remediation. In a market where comparable two-bedrooms in the Southside often command higher sums for move-in ready units, this listing offers a unique bargain for investors willing to fund a comprehensive overhaul. The auction’s livestream format ensures that a wide audience can bid, potentially driving the final sale price above the initial estimate if interest from renovation-savvy participants spikes.
Auction timeline and buyer outlook
Following the removal of the pigeons, Auction House Scotland has secured the premises and scheduled a live-stream auction for November 26. Managing director Mandi Cooper highlighted the atypical nature of the lot, noting that while the company has dealt with “properties in need of renovation,” this case “is on another level.” She added that the birds have now “flown the nest,” but their impact remains visible, providing transparent evidence of the challenges awaiting the new owner.
Cooper also emphasized that the successful bidder will need “vision” and “experience” to transform the space from a “pigeon paradise” into a desirable Edinburgh home. The auction presents a rare opportunity for a developer or savvy investor to acquire a centrally located asset at a reduced price, provided they are prepared to tackle a substantial refurbishment project and navigate the associated health and safety requirements.
