A pigeon infestation, mountains of droppings and a property in need of some serious TLC – this Edinburgh flat is certainly not for the faint-hearted!
Auction House Scotland is preparing to bring a rather unusual property to auction, with a two-bedroom flat in Edinburgh's East Crosscauseway offering buyers the chance to turn a property that was quite literally taken over by pigeons into something worth cooing about.
The flat, which has been empty for a considerable period, became home to an unwelcome flock of feathered visitors. A broken window provided the perfect invitation for pigeons to move in, leaving behind an extraordinary amount of droppings throughout the property.
While the photographs tell a rather messy story, there is some good news for prospective buyers – the pigeons have now been removed and the property secured. The clean-up, however, is likely to be a rather bigger undertaking!
With a guide price of just £100,000+, the property will go under the hammer at Auction House Scotland's livestream auction on 26 November 2026.
Despite its rather colourful history, the flat occupies an enviable central Edinburgh location in the popular Newington area, close to the University of Edinburgh, the Old Town, the Meadows and Holyrood Park. Independent cafés, restaurants, bars and excellent transport links are also within easy reach.
The property will require a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and upgrading, making it an exceptional project for experienced builders, developers and investors looking to spread their wings in the Edinburgh property market.
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.
However, location is everything in property, and this flat has a fantastic position in central Edinburgh. 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.
It might not be everyone's idea of a dream purchase, but we're confident it will get people talking. After all, opportunities like this don't come along every day – and this one certainly has ruffled a few feathers already!”
There is no Home Report due to the property's condition, and no internal viewings are available. Auction House Scotland has not inspected the interior, and prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the condition and extent of works required before bidding.
Click here for further information, to see more photographs or view the legal pack.
Alternatively, contact Auction House Scotland on 0141 339 4466.
