Leith has a conservation area; that does not make every Leith flat listed. The council’s Leith character appraisal describes the designated historic town, including the Madeira area and Leith Walk. Use its boundary, not a broad “Leith” label, when checking a purchase.
Why the boundary needs checking
The council appraisal records the current Leith Conservation Area’s designation in 1998, combining former Madeira and Old Leith conservation areas with extensions. It also records a 2013 amendment transferring part of Leith Walk and Pilrig Street to the Pilrig Conservation Area. That is a practical reason to check an exact address rather than assuming one street name always produces one answer.
Two streets to explore
| Street | Conservation area at street midpoint | Matched listed records |
|---|---|---|
| Constitution Street, EH6 | Leith | 36 |
| Great Junction Street, EH6 | Leith | 13 |
These are listed-building records whose titles name the street and which match our location check, not counts of flats. Street midpoints are only a starting point: boundaries can cross streets and records may use another address. Confirm the exact property on the council map. Source: council conservation boundaries and HES listing data; method and licences.
Compare Constitution Street and Great Junction Street, then inspect the Leith boundary map. Our street figures count matched listing records, not apartments and not outstanding repair bills.
Buying with renovation in mind
HES says changing windows and doors or making structural and character-affecting internal alterations will almost certainly need listed-building consent in a listed building. Conservation-area status is a different control. Establish whether the building is listed before relying on a plan for new glazing or a changed layout. Read our alterations guide, then take the exact proposal to the council.
Do the ordinary flat checks as well
The Home Report’s single survey is a visual inspection, and its property questionnaire covers matters including alterations and notices. Ask for both rather than treating a heritage map as evidence of condition. For shared repairs, ask your solicitor to check the title deeds and any information about works that have already been agreed.
For nearby alternatives, compare Pilrig with Leith rather than treating them as the same designation. Neither a listed-record count nor conservation-area status tells you what a flat should cost or whether it suits your budget.
Questions buyers ask
Is all of Leith a conservation area?
Leith is also a neighbourhood name. The council’s Leith Conservation Area has a defined boundary; check the exact address, particularly around adjoining conservation areas.
Does a Leith conservation address mean the building is listed?
No. Check the individual building’s listing separately. Conservation areas protect places; listings identify buildings of special interest.
Why check Pilrig as well as Leith?
The council’s Leith appraisal records a 2013 boundary change transferring part of Leith Walk and Pilrig Street to the Pilrig Conservation Area.
General information from open data, not legal advice. Confirm the details with the council, Historic Environment Scotland or your solicitor.
Not legal advice. This is a plain-English summary of official sources to help you know what to ask. Every property is different, so check the details with your solicitor, surveyor or the council before you rely on it.
Related
EH6 postcode area · Buying a listed flat · Tenement repair rules · Browse postcode areas · Search a street
Compare two streets · The Edinburgh flat buyer’s checklist · Data sources and limitations
Official sources
Checked 6 November 2026. Council Leith appraisal (PDF) · HES consents and permissions · mygov.scot Home Report guidance. Summaries are our wording; check the original guidance for your property.