The Most Cruical Help I've Ever Requested (London Flat Renting)

wezznco

Hi all,

So - I've decided it's time to move out of my parents place. I'm 20 years old, been with my partner for 2 years.

Currently working full time (40hrs) at St Thomas' Hospital and the girlfriend is part time working (22.5hrs) on Oxford Street and part time university.

I've been paying £350 a month to my parents for the last year and a half and have saved enough to place deposits etc, also to furnish the property if need be.

So; the 'wants':

1. I would like a place as central as possible (Closest to Westminster)
2. Cost is a huge factor, I'd like to keep costs as low as possible, budget is looking at between £700 - £900pcm excl bills.
3. I'd like to be in an area that is safe for her, in other words; not Brixton or anywhere renowned for hastle.
4. 1 bedroom, 1 living room/kitchen, 1 bathroom.

Other than internet access (which I'm sure will be readiliy available) those are the 4 big things we'd like.

Are there any tips on areas I should be looking? Any private landlords that have flats in those areas who are looking for reliable, respectful tenants?

Any help would be.. I can't explain how grateful I'd be. Biggest step of our lives.

Thank you for reading - really appreciate it.

Sam

Caveat_Mortgagor

I'm sorry I have nothing constructive to say...... but it makes me sad that you are willing to pay so much in return for so little!

Glad I'm not in your part of the world paying those prices.

wezznco

I get paid a premium to work in London -> I pay a premium to live in London. It's relative to be honest.

We did grow up by the seaside, but the city is perfect for us right now and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad I'm in this part of the world, paying these prices and seeing these sites.

Soundgirlrocks

Hi, I think you may struggle to find some where central on that kind of budget. I suggest you look a bit further out as for areas I think you are probably better to look around an area as it can change from street to street in London - Brixton has some really nice (also expensive!) places and I've worked here for over a year and never had any hassle (I often walk to the tube after work late at night 10pm> no proplem)
A shared house might be better it's how most people I know live you get more for your money and the freedom of moving away fom parents.

Doozergirl

wezznco wrote: »

I get paid a premium to work in London -> I pay a premium to live in London. It's relative to be honest.

I'm glad you're glad, I'm London born and bred, but the pay and the accommodation you get for it is not relative at all.

People outside of London get paid with real money too. The increase in pay especially in the 'average' zone doesn't reflect the extra costs associated with living there. You'll probably see that when you go and view what's available for your budget

kmmr

There is an almost identical thread running in parallel to this one if you want to read that too. In fact - why don't you and Linux44 join forces!

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3290642

Alioth

Do you mean £700-£900 per person or per flat? If you're looking to rent the whole flat for £900, I think you need to be more open minded about the area you want to live in, or a price you're prepared to pay. Don't go by what's an area 'renowed for', visit it yourself, maybe it's not so bad.
I recommend two ways of looking for flats, first going to a lot of estate agents and registering your details (so that some may call you before the flat goes on the internet), and the second is checking gumtree and calling about the flats as soon as they are posted.
Since you work at the hospital you might look into 'key worker' schemes or an accomodetion service at your institution, if there is one.

Good luck!

wezznco

Thanks for your responses. Each to their own I say; I presonally believe the oportunity benefits of living in London far outweigh the costs. (Once again, this depends on your type of character)

My budget seems to be on the cusp of central living according to rightmove and foxtons websites.

Does anyone have any area suggestions? And/or trustworthy Estate Agent reccommendations?

Thank you,

Sam

BitterAndTwisted

Stay well away from Foxtons!

Alioth

I would suggest Archway - prices there are slightly cheaper than other locations of this proximity to the centre. Otherwise Finchley and Brixton, which have good transport links. Sorry if that's not what you want to hear. Good luck!

IronWolf

£700-£900 each?

If so you can live in Westminster, we pay £1400 a month and live about 5 mins from Westminster abbey. Westminster is a very safe area, there are guards with machine guns patrolling the streets near the home office