Are you planning to start a brand new life in London soon? But worried that you’ll get overwhelmed with the variety of flats available in different boroughs? London’s rental market is competitive, which can be very challenging for someone to find the perfect flat fast.
The diversity of London’s rental market is often an advantage to tenants, but having too many options can be stressful. For one, you need to look into several flats from different boroughs and weigh the pros and cons of each. This process alone can take a lot of time and effort.
To expedite the process, follow the tips listed below so you can find a flat fast in one of London’s top boroughs:
1. Determine Your Ideal Neighborhood
Location is one of the most vital considerations when finding a flat in London. Where the flat is located can significantly affect your day-to-day living, so pay attention to the neighborhood of your chosen flat. Ideally, it’s best to pick a flat accessible to public transportation, restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, and other amenities.
If you want to live in a flat with accessible transport links, consider looking at Camden. This borough has a tube station that connects to the West End of London and offers an overground station where you can access several other stations on the west and east side of the city.
Luxury apartments in London are more to your liking? If so, then Battersea is your best bet. This borough has several luxury properties, and the local government is currently building new ones. You can access all sorts of luxury properties in this borough!
2. Compile A List Of Must-Haves
Flats in London offer different amenities, and not knowing what you need can make the search more difficult. When you don’t know what you need, you’ll end up being attracted to every flat you’ll see—and this will keep you from choosing one soon enough.
Narrow down your search and compile a list of your must-haves. Take your time and determine the amenities you can’t live without and use that when looking for a flat.
Depending on your lifestyle, your list might include:
- Fully furnished or furnished
- Type of flat: new-build apartment, mansion flat, or converted house
- Proximity to tube stations
- Commute time from the flat to your place of work
- Proximity to various leisure facilities, such as bars, malls, and restaurants
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Availability of parking
- Availability of outdoor space and garden
- Pet-friendly amenities
3. Set Your Budget And Stick To It
Living in London opens countless opportunities but keep in mind that living in this city isn’t cheap. In fact, London is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
When finding a flat in London, don’t forget to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Never rent a flat that’s way beyond your budget as this will only cause a lot of problems in the long run. Aside from the financial stress, living in a flat that’s too expensive can eventually take a toll on your health and even on the quality of your life.
Most of the landlords in London will require your monthly earnings to be at least thrice the amount of the rent. For example, if you’re looking at a flat price at GBP£1,572, your monthly earnings should be at least GBP£4,716. If you’re earning less, the landlord will ask you to provide a guarantor.
Besides the rent price, don’t forget to budget other expenses, namely electricity, broadband, gas, and council tax. You also need to allot money for paying TV license in London every month.
4. Understand The Jargon
If you’re moving to London from abroad, it’s crucial to learn some jargon first. There are certain terminologies often used when renting a flat, and if you want to get the best deals, you need to learn all of these. Your search can turn into a disaster if your idea of a mansion flat is different from what the landlord will show you.
Here are some of the most commonly used jargons you’ll likely encounter when looking for a flat in London:
- House or flatshare: In this arrangement, you’re going to rent a room in someone else’s flat or house. You have your own bedroom, but other amenities will be shared with the flat or house owner.
- Maisonette: A house split into two separate flats with different private entrances.
- Mansion flats: These are the first purpose-built flats in London, originating in the late 1800s. Mansion flats are often made with yellow or red bricks and are very in-demand among locals.
- Purpose-built: These buildings were originally constructed to be used as flats.
- Studio: A flat with combined kitchen, dining, living, and bedroom space. Only the bathroom is located in a separate room inside a flat.
Start Your Search ASAP
Finding a flat in one of London’s boroughs can be tough, but certain tactics can make this process easier. So, what are you waiting for? Follow the tips in this article so you can find the perfect flat in London in no time!
