Desperately seeking 3-beds in High Wycombe (for students...)

Squiggly_Diddly

Just wondering if anyone out there could help..

My daughter & 2 of her friends are due to start Uni in HW next week. We have spent the past 6 weeks trying to find them somewhere to live, the estate agents there have been very hard work, one minute they have properties, then they don't. The one agent that seems to specifically deal with students have messed us around & are incredibly unprofessional (I have been reading some interesting reviews about them online today :eek:). We have been shown round several houses, said 'yes' and then within 24-48 hours suddenly it's a case of "the landlord wants to rent privately" or "the landlord doesn't want to rent to students".

We have continued to be in frequent touch with local agents, (including other nearby towns) and they have registered on many sites aimed at finding student accommodation and after having been let down yet again this afternoon (a private let) we don't know what else to do. At this rate the girls won't be able to go.

So I guess I'm just putting a plea for help out there to see if anyone can suggest anything... (as we live 100 miles away this is making it even harder!). The Uni housing office have provided a list of private lets, but nothing is left.

And I know the reputation students have, but they are 3 nice girls looking for somewhere to live for the whole 3 years - all have jobs they are transferring or lined up ready to start. Just nowhere to live & it looks at this rate like they never will have.

PasturesNew

One of the problems you're up against is: 3 individuals, not related, wanting to share a house.

Since April, the HMO rules changed, so you're restricted to [1] places that were already an HMO before that date [2] newly licensed (and legal) places. You can't just rent a house to 3 unrelated people, without licensing and fire regs/fire doors etc.

You do really need to, therefore, be looking for student-specific places, ideally. As they'll be OK/good to go.

Squiggly_Diddly

All the places that we have seen have been through estate agents, so it seems they are unaware of these rules then. And unfortunately there do not seem to be any student specific places left... I am at my wits' end at the moment, I have no idea where they are going to go (and with numerous other stressful things going on in my life it's hassle I don't need). We are all immensely frustrated.

mellymeep

Can they not move into student halls?

theartfullodger

B&B or hotel

Squiggly_Diddly

Unfortunately all the Halls are full & have been for ages. B&B or similar is beginning to look like the only option at the moment & at least it puts them nearer to keep looking for something long term.

I'm just so fed-up with all the estate agents who have repeatedly kept saying there would be loads of accommodation available...

silvercar

Places in halls may appear as students don't always turn up to start their course.

m1ntie

Hi, I live in High Wycombe.

Try the University accommodations officer also Wycombe District Council may have a list of landlords with licenced HMOs.


There is a great deal of competition for houses at this time of the year. They may have more success getting a room each in a shared house although they may not all be in the same house.

Try spareroom.co.uk

m1ntie

Hi again I have just checked spareroom.co.uk - there are loads of rooms including one house with 3 rooms in.

Regards Robert

getmore4less

How far(distance/time) are they prepared to commute? (car or public)

Whats the budget

Squiggly_Diddly

I think she has been looking at spareroom but will get her to go through it first thing. She has a car & a job in Harrow lined up, one of the others is going to be based on the amersham campus & is reliant on public transport (as is the third girl though her job/course are in HW). So anywhere in that triangle now I imagine would be best. Budget is up to about £950/£1000 for a house to share, but obviously less is better!!

I have said they may have to look at hotel/b&b for the first few weeks at least, just a shame it is so stressful & uncertain for all of us!