Moving from London to Scotland's Property Market


12 months on; what Michael Woda has learned.


It’s been 12 months since I made the move from London to Scotland, and what a journey it’s been - full of learning, adapting, and growing.

While the types of people I connect with haven't changed dramatically, transitioning into a new location has meant getting to grips with how the Scottish property market operates compared to the English market.

Key Reflections

Thank you, Google Maps!
Honestly, you’ve been my best friend while navigating new geographies across Scotland, trying to match the right candidates with the right clients—sometimes hoping there’s a perfect fit waiting just around the corner.

As a whole, the property market in Scotland offers a different pace and business culture compared to London. Where London can often operate at breakneck speed, Scotland thrives on strong local relationships, community-driven networks, and a deep-rooted sense of trust.

The market size here is smaller, but that brings a refreshing level of engagement and collaboration that feels more personal and meaningful. I’ve loved meeting new clients, getting to know incredible candidates, and spending real time understanding their ambitions as they navigate a property market full of life.

Building Relationships from the Ground Up

Starting fresh in a new city meant establishing credibility and building relationships from scratch. There’s still a lot more to do, but over the last year, we’ve made incredible progress by:

  • Attending key Scottish property industry events.
  • Leveraging LinkedIn for property recruitment and networking.
  • Tapping into local networks.

Thanks to these efforts, we’ve been fortunate to see consistent success across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and Aberdeen. While much of this success has been in estate agency recruitment, we’re also working on a diverse range of roles in property managementcommunity hostingnew home salesmarketing, and more.

Looking Ahead

Now, 12 months in, the foundations are set. The focus is on:

  • Deepening relationships with clients and candidates.
  • Refining our knowledge of the Scottish property market.
  • Continuing to deliver top talent across Scotland.

The move from London to Scotland has been hugely rewarding. Yes, every market has its differences, but the fundamentals of good recruitment - trustunderstanding, and adding value - remain exactly the same.

Let’s Connect

If any of this resonates with you - whether you're looking to make your next hire or exploring new career opportunities - let’s have a chat.

With our reach across the property market in Scotland and beyond, I’m confident we can help you find the best talent or your next move.

Contact Michael Woda on 0131 608 4553 or michael@gkrinternational.com