How to Find a Flat to Rent in London

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide on your budget and stick to it.

   Have two figures in mind, one for the maximum you are willing to pay per week and the other per calendar month.
   
   Also factor the costs of bills into these figures.
2. 2

   Step 2: Start your flat search 3 months before your move date

   You will find that approximately 80% of rental properties are advertised a month before they are available , This will give you more choice and you will be more likely to secure a property within your budget. ,,,
3. 3

   Step 3: this will enable you to get a feel for the rental market and what you get for your money.

4. 4

   Step 4: Don't just narrow your search to one area

5. 5

   Step 5: keep an open mind.

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   Step 6: Websites such as findaproperty and rightmove are a good way to search for a flat but remember

7. 7

   Step 7: not all the properties listed will actually exist and it can be a way of agents getting your details onto their books.

8. 8

   Step 8: Be prepared to take a couple of days off work so that you can spend the whole day flat hunting and viewing flats when most other prospective tenants will be at work.

9. 9

   Step 9: Don't let a letting agent talk you into signing into a contract that you are not sure about

10. 10

    Step 10: walk away

11. 11

    Step 11: or at the least sleep on it.

Detailed Guide

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