💫 Area Spotlight - Eskbank, Midlothian
- Mark Lawrie
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Eskbank Area Spotlight: What Landlords & Property Owners Need to Know
A Slice of History
The Ironmills area of Eskbank has roots stretching back to at least the 1500s-1600s. By 1587, there were already four grain and cloth mills using the river power in what’s now the Ironmills area.
The “Ironmills” name comes from an iron foundry established in 1648, which later converted into flour and barley milling, and then even into a water-pumping station.
Eskbank House (on the popular Glenesk Crescent) was built in 1794 for the minister of Newbattle. It’s a Georgian villa and is listed (Category A) for its architectural and historical importance.
The railway played a big role in Eskbank’s growth. The Edinburgh & Dalkeith Railway (coal being its initial purpose) and later lines made Eskbank much more connected, turning what might once have been more rural/industrial outskirts into a commuter-feeder area.
The Eskbank & Ironmills Conservation Area was defined in recent years, aimed to preserve these historic mills, riverworks, and older buildings. This not only protects heritage but informs what kind of changes, extensions, conversions, etc. are likely to be permitted in properties in the area.
What Eskbank is Known For Today
Strong commuter connectivity: The reopening of the Borders Railway saw Eskbank station re-open in September 2015, giving regular, speedy and reliable train links into Edinburgh and beyond.
Mixed housing stock: there are older houses and villas (Victorian/Georgian), newer developments, flats, semi-detached and detached homes. This offers a great variety for Landlords and property buyers.
Attractive amenities and lifestyle: Green spaces, good schools, shops/supermarkets, and relative proximity to Edinburgh while maintaining a more suburban/“Midlothian” feel.
Conservation and heritage are real factors: the Ironmills area, Eskbank House etc mean there are areas with protected status, meaning architectural character is valued. Also, planning rules tend to consider heritage aspects more in some parts of Eskbank.
Property Market Snapshot: Sales & Rentals
Sales Data (with data taken from Rightmove):
Over the last 12 months, the average sold price in Eskbank is around £405,068.
By property type:
• Detached properties average ~ £463,406.
• Terraced properties ~ £410,538.
• Flats ~ £255,104.
Lettings Data (with data taken from On The Market):
Over the last 12 months, the average let price in Eskbank is around £1,400pcm.
There is a strong mix of traditional buildings, with a sprinkling of newer builds in modern, factored developments
The average time-to-let for properties in the Eskbank range from:
20 - 30 days for 1-bedroom properties
30 - 40 days for 2-bedroom properties
40 - 50+ days for larger, 3-4 bedroom properties
Why Erskine Property are the Local Experts
With having our office right in the very heart of Eskbank — we see daily what properties are coming up, how quickly they’re letting, and what tenants are asking for.
We monitor sales and letting trends locally, and know which streets are in demand.
Expert in compliance and heritage: we have experience helping landlord clients in conservation areas or older homes across Eskbank, meaning well-educated planning / maintenance.
Good tenant understanding: types of tenants (commuters, families, professionals) we see in Eskbank, their expectations, and how to match properties to them to reduce void periods.
If you own a property in Eskbank and would like to discuss it's rental potential, or indeed the management of it, get in touch with the Erskine Property Team today. We'd be delighted to offer tailored advice to help you understand and make the most of your investment.
📞 0131 378 1840
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