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

Soundgirlrocks

Just had a look on rightmove, couldn't see any 1 beds for your budget in central london and foxtons will be more expensive, really think you need to be looking at zones 2&3, Colliers wood, Tooting and Balam might be more within your reach easy to get to 24 hour a day on night buses etc I don't know north london that well so can't make any recommendation there.

may_fair

wezznco wrote: »

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.

Brixton isn't nearly as bad as it used to be (but avoid Camberwell). I'd look at Vauxhall, Kennington and less attractive parts of north Battersea (e.g. Queenstown Road area*) which are all easy walking distance to Westminster (and walking saves money). Whilst your £900 pcm budget is at the low end for a 1-bed, if you're clever and dogged you should be able to find something (but if you go via gumtree etc, do beware of scammers).

Another thing to bear in mind is council tax. LB Wandsworth has extremely low rates compared to adjoining boroughs such as Lambeth, so do factor that into calculations of affordability.

ruggedtoast

I don't wish to be a negative Norman but I was looking in central London 11 years ago with a budget of about £650 and couldn't even nearly find anything.

Greenwich is nice and has a lot of flats above the shops. You might still find something around 900 there.

If you want to be walking distance from London's overpriced, overrated bars and clubs on your budget you'll be in Whitechapel / bethnal though. Not nice by most standards.

geoffky

stay away from foxtons...and i am serious..check your fingers after you meet them.

paddyrg

Caveat_Mortgagor wrote: »

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.

Yet here in Bath, prices are approaching London but the pay is quite firmly provincial!

It always amazes me when I see nice flats in some areas going for 5-figures when the equivalent here would be at least 4x higher, yet wages are similar. Northerners must live like kings!

wezznco

Thank you all for the great replies.

I'll stay away from Foxtons. Any agents that have a good reputation in London?

And current areas of interest:

• Vauxhall
• Kennington
• North Battersea (Queenstown Road)
• Archway
• Finchley
• Clapham South (friend reccommended)

As has been mentioned; living close to Westminster would save a lot in travel costs - which would in turn mean I could stretch to the higher end. Elephant and Castle has been mentioned by friends a lot, but not sure on the area?

Really appreciate your help -

Sam

magiciansgirl

Doesn't your hospital have an accomodation office? Hammersmith does, and they pin flats to rent on a noticeboard; doctors often go away to train or on secondment. Hammersmith also has an internal intranet where people advertise flats; I got one from there. Good luck!

ruggedtoast

Elephant and Castle is a complete dive.

Have you gone on Rightmove yet?

shar46y

We used to live in Finchley Church End - nearest tube was Finchley Central. Loved it there, it was green and leafy and residential, while still having access to shops, cafes and restaurants - but some might say it's a bit quiet/boring/retired people-tastic.:p

satchmeister

BitterAndTwisted wrote: »

Stay well away from Foxtons!

Check with the agents re fees before viewing, agreement fees; £500, reference check; £250 each etc etc etc