Fantastic student cookery demo at Mamma's Pizza

Last night we returned to Mamma's Pizza in the Grassmarket for a chat about starting your own business and another cookery demonstration.

Paul Duncan of Mamma's Pizza

Inspired and promoted by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE), we shifted the focus of the event slightly to add a more business-focussed element. Consequently, students heard from Mamma's owner Paul Duncan and our Operations Director Steve Coyle about their paths into business. 

Before too long, chefs Pete and Dave took over and demonstrated making a tasty Chilli con Carne with dark chocolate being the secret ingredient, creating your own pizza as well as cooking a tasty apple crumble - all in well under an hour. Granted, they'd proofed a batch of pizza dough beforehand.

The questions kept coming, relating to business, food and student flats for the new academic year, throughout the evening - until everyone settled down to tuck into pizza and chilli as well as trying home-made salsa and guacamole, topped off with a generous helping of apple crumble and custard. Yummy!

Are you planning to move soon?

A survey published today suggests that one in four UK adults are looking to move this year - this includes both 'renters' and 'owners'.

Figures show that nearly 50% of 18 to 24 year olds are looking for a new home, many of which will be students planning ahead for the new academic year. For us as lettings agents, February to April can easily be the busiest time of the year, when listings of student flats available for 2014/15 are posted on our website, viewings are held and prospective tenants come to our offices to secure their perfect home for the next year.

We'll be posting available students lets in early February and, this year, we're delighted to present our biggest range of flats yet. They're located throughout the city, with many three to six bedroom tenements in Marchmont, Bruntsfield and Newington - ideal for sharing with a few friends.

Take a look at our lettings process and stay tuned for all of our student flats to hit our website in a few weeks' time. Between now and then, we'll be bringing you tips on what to look for and how to avoid getting stuck with a 'rogue' landlord'.

Time for Edinburgh Uni's reFreshers Fair!

Whilst it's not too late to wish you and yours a Happy New year, we're looking ahead to the next academic year and have started planning for EUSA's reFreshers Fair!

If you've only just arrived at Edinburgh Uni or are starting to think about where to live next year, come and see us on Thursday, 16 January, at Potterrow Dome, from 11am to 3 pm.

Our team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about renting your first flat together with your friends, how to find the perfect student pad and how to deal with the paperwork involved. Sounds awfully serious? Well, we'll be running a competition on our stand, too! Not to mention all the events EUSA themselves will be running between 13 and 19 January.

Our student properties for 2014/15 will be launched in February, so now is a great time to like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to make sure you don't miss out on some of Edinburgh's most sought-after student flats!

Is your flat kept safe?

These dark days see the number of burglaries across Britain increase by up to 25% each year*, sparking a need for tenants to make their properties safe this Christmas. Don't get caught out and take a look at our tips below to stay safe: 

1. Locking up properly

It may sound obvious, but leaving without fully locking doors makes burglars’ work easier. To be safe, use both Yale and mortice locks whenever possible.

2. Safeguarding your valuables

If you’re planning to be away from home for any length of time, consider taking valuables such as jewellery, laptops and cameras with you. If that’s not practical, storing them in a safe deposit box may be an option. There are plenty of facilities locally that offer both large and small storage space.

3. Securing your windows

Closing all of the property’s windows and engaging any latches makes it harder for burglars to enter your home. Where possible, also lock your windows for added safety.

4. Switching the lights on

Putting one or two lamps on a timer switch helps make the flat appear inhabited whilst you’re away. Choose times when you would normally be home, such as afternoons and evenings to programme the timers.

5. Bringing your property in from the cold

Consider storing bicycles which you normally keep in a communal stair inside your flat, especially if they won’t be used during colder weather. If that’s not an option, check your home insurance policy to ensure they are covered for theft.

6. Telling someone you trust

Ask your landlord, a neighbour or a friend to keep an eye on the property whilst you’re away. If you know them well enough, it’s worth leaving a key (without your address listed on it) with them for emergencies.

7. Not telling everyone

Who can see your social media profile? An announcement that you are off on holiday may be just what the burglars have been waiting for, so unless you are sure that your page cannot be seen by the general public, keep your absence quiet. 

What do you really learn at uni?

Disney has asked students what they really learn when leaving home and starting uni - turns out housing and cooking are among your priorities.

House or flat hunting came 9th out of 50 and making spaghetti bolognese came 23rd, while making scrambled eggs and using the cooker and grill are also on the list.

Judging by the interest in our first ever student cookery demo last month, food is certainly one of your top priorities. We hope this Top 50 makes you chuckle - keep an eye on our blog, Facebook and Twitter for upcoming events.

What makes a good landlord?

We'd like to hear your thoughts on what makes a good or a bad landlord. To get you thinking, here's some inspiration from a recent survey.

Easy communications have come top of a list of what makes a great landlord, followed by dealing with any issues quickly. 

The survey by Upad also found that landlords scored high by giving tenants plenty of notice before entering a property, consulting on suitable times for repairs being carried out and generally keeping in touch throughout the tenancy. 

Tenant dislikes included landlords moaning about the cost of repairs, so-called accidental landlords being too precious about their previous homes, excessive admin fees and cheap furniture.

Learn to cook from the professionals with Mamma's Pizza and Cullen Property

Fancy learning how to make quick, tasty meals at home? There are still a few spaces left on our student cookery demonstration at Mamma's Pizza on 22 October. 

Find out how to make a quick pizza, tasty fajitas and a lovely lasagna - as well as a chocolate cheesecake. 

The event starts at 4pm sharp, and Cullen Property student tenants can attend for free. Tickets for others are £10 per person and each guest will receive a goody bag containing a £10 voucher towards a meal at Mamma's, recipe cards and more. 

For more info, click here or email us directly to book your space.