Young couple looking to rent, need advice

lee20010

Hi there, me and my partner currently live in her parents house which is fine, but we'd like our own space. We both work for the same company, and pay out very little a month even though all our money is spent (Though I should add I've just cleared all my debt and am helping a family member at the moment which should change in september)

We don't earn loads of money, I'd say after tax about £1700 for the both of us. I'm 23 and she turns 21 next week. We live in Newbury, Berkshire, and wondering, how exactly does the routine work when finding a place to live..

My credit rating isnt great but that's due to a mobile phone company, nothing in regards to CC's loans etc.

Any advice would be very helpful.

kentmum1973

After tax that sounds more than enough to afford rent on a studio or one bedroom flat. You need to register with a local letting agent and take it from there. There is normally an admin charge for checking references sadly. And you will need at least six weeks deposit in cash, but earning the amount you do and living at home should not be a problem.

lee20010

Well between September and November, 5 accounts should be paid..This being 2 mobiles un-used. Laptop, littlewoods and my partners loan. We owe her dad around £2.8k as her car blew up.

But how much money should we be looking to save...Also remember we hardly have any belongings...minus small hd tv, computer, laptops, xbox's, bedroom stuff..

gazfocus

Have a look on rightmove and see what properties in your area are renting for. Majority of the properties listed on rightmove also state how much of a deposit they require and you'll soon start to spot trends with certain letting agencies (i.e. in our area, there's one letting agency that always want one month's rent plus an additional £100 for deposit). Roughly, you'll need a months rent, plus deposit, plus admin fees (about £200 max for admin fees but again, totally dependant on the letting agency). Don't forget you'll also need to fork out for council tax which is something to consider when finding a property.

lee20010

gazfocus wrote: »

Have a look on rightmove and see what properties in your area are renting for. Majority of the properties listed on rightmove also state how much of a deposit they require and you'll soon start to spot trends with certain letting agencies (i.e. in our area, there's one letting agency that always want one month's rent plus an additional £100 for deposit). Roughly, you'll need a months rent, plus deposit, plus admin fees (about £200 max for admin fees but again, totally dependant on the letting agency). Don't forget you'll also need to fork out for council tax which is something to consider when finding a property.

Is council tax up front?? Or per month? I've looked on rightmove and the norm with Newbury is....it isn't a cheap area, and theres only 5 places under 700pcm...I dont need a 2-3+bed place.. So it's hard, and with me not driving, going the distance seems unlikely sadly

flora48

Council Tax is paid monthly for 10 months of the year. So the yearly amount is divided by 10 and paid each month except Jan and Feb, unless this is the time you move in which case you have to pay what is owing in the void months.