From Hong Kong to Edinburgh: A Journey to Establishing Jade38
Six years ago, I landed in Edinburgh Airport on a rainy morning, expecting my stay to be a mere stopover. Little did I know, the City’s charm would soon turn it into my new home. There was something irresistibly romantic and alluring about Edinburgh that captivated me from the start. The high ceilings and large windows of the tenements offered a sense of space that felt liberating. Wandering through Stockbridge and Comely Bank, I was mesmerised by the conformity and beauty of the tenement buildings, unaware that one day, I would call one of them home.
Initially, I stayed with friends in an eight-story building in Granton, overlooking Newhaven Harbour. The modernity of the communal staircase carpets reminded me of new builds in other UK cities. Coming from Hong Kong, I appreciated the lift and the dedicated recycling areas, marvelling at the ease of waste seperation and recycling.
My fascination with spaces, homes, and interiors has always been strong, stemming from my work in styling projects before relocating. I loved decorating properties to maximise investor returns and bringing joy to families through thoughtful design. It felt like a natural progression when I started toying with the idea of property investment in Edinburgh. Although initially hesitant to invest in a foreign country, the more I learned about the city, the more intrigued I became. Edinburgh’s rental yield statstics were encouraging, and needing a place to stay myself, I decided to take the plunge as long as the numbers added up.
The journey pushed me out of my comfort zone, requiring rapid learning. I knew little about the local market or even how to run a household. My weekends were spent researching neighbourhoods, talking to homeowners and renters, and falling in love with the process. Understanding and appreciating the Scottish “offers over” system took time, but that was just the beginning.
During this time, I wished for a trusted companion to guide me through property hunting. Questions about property value, rental yield, and long-term investment potential swirled in my mind. As a newcomer, I lacked a strong local network, relying only on my limited knowledge and data. Additionally, I longed for someone who understood my cultural background and values without extensive explanations, to hold my hand and guide me through the maze.
Unbeknownst to me, the idea for Jade38 began to form during those back-to-back property viewings. I discovered a passion for exploring property potential and analysing rental yields. Over the years, I helped others rent and buy properties, becoming an accidental landlord. The demand for such services from international students and recent immigrants was clear, especially given the situation in my hometown, Hong Kong. Recognising the need for personalised, in-depth knowledge and a cultural understanding, I gradually entered the market.
Now, six years after my arrival, I am thrilled to officially launch Jade38. This venture is a culmination of my experiences, challenges, and discoveries in Edinburgh, and I’m exciting to offer a personalised approach to property investment and management, especially for those new to this beautiful city.
Join me on this journey as Jade38 begins its story, helping others to find their homes and investments in Edinburgh, just as I found mine.
