Problems finding a new rental property in Bradley Stoke, Bristol

layanna_jade

Hi All

Just after some advice on how to stay ahead of the game. Myself and my fiancee are needing to move out of the rental property where I've been for the last 10 yrs to be closer to his work (Aztec West) and for when I start Uni in september.

The problem is, we're looking in Bradley Stoke (and closer surrounding areas) and seem to always be slightly behind everyone else when trying to view properties. I'll see a property online or in the newspaper and when I ring to view it, it's already gone.

Any ideas on how I can improve my chances?

Thanks

Mum_of_3_3

Maybe register yourself with a few local letting agents? Tell them what you are looking forward, how much you can afford and in what area and hopefully you'll be near the top of the list of people to phone when a property becomes available?

M_o_3

layanna_jade

Hi
I've done that but still seem to just missing out

MPH80

How often are you checking online? Have you set up a daily right move alert for new properties?

colli

Not much advice but if it's any consolation I know what you're going through. The Bristol rental market can be hard going for potential tenants at times.

Just keep at it, you'll find somewhere eventually. After looking for ages we were 10 days from having nowhere to live then loads of similar properties came up for rent at the same time giving us some decent choices.

Don't know how practical it is for you but if you could make yourself available for viewings at a moment's notice that would help.

Good luck!

Fire_Fox

Why not widen your search area to include somewhere less popular? Are you registered with the student accommodation service at the university?

layanna_jade

Thanks for the suggestions all, unfortunately student services can't do much as we're moving as a couple and all the landlords they deal with only do purely student let only.

I'm sure that something will come up - just getting panicked about moving etc.

aleksrothis

Are you checking property ads on http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/?

Also, classifieds in the Evening Post? Be aware - they may do what the Bath Chronicle does and include a free property section with your paper days after it was available at local estate agents...

kentishdoris

I know how you feel too - we've been looking a bit further out than you but the rental market seems mad in the South West.

A couple of things you could try. Firstly actually going to the area and doing a trawl of all the letting agents to ask if they've got anything coming up so they know you're really interested. Secondly asking an agent if you can book an hour or so with one of their staff and then getting them to book in as many viewings as possible on anything that's available on that day. That way you're not chasing places as they appear on the websites (which we kept finding had already been let!)

We have found somewhere but it was very much coincidence - we popped in the the branch and they said they had somewhere that had just come on to the market, booked to see it half an hour later and took it!

Fire_Fox

layanna_jade wrote: »

Thanks for the suggestions all, unfortunately student services can't do much as we're moving as a couple and all the landlords they deal with only do purely student let only.

Are you sure? Many student landlords are delighted to get foreign students as they tend to be older and more sensible: ditto couples. Here in Bradford student accommodation definitely offers flats as well as HMOs.

mustrum_ridcully

Is it a problem with maxmium rent you can afford that you're having?

A quick look on Rightmove gives me 60+ properties in Bradley Stoke available to rent. So properties are available...