Houseshare or rent whilst deposit saving?

piggeh

I currently am on a fairly good wage of £38k a year and housesharing with others. TBH the houseshare is stressing me out and I find it really difficult to live with those I'm living with. I'm currently thinking of renting a 1 bedroom place by myself, and although it may take longer to save a decent deposit (maybe 3 years as opposed to 2 years) it would give me a lot more personal space and a chance to relax in the evening.

However I am usually a bit impulsive and realise maybe I am jumping in to commit to something which I may regret. My houseshare is £400 a month whereas to rent would be £750 a month (that's London for you). Both are very easily affordable, my net income is £2400 a month, ish, with little other commitments and no debt. I am tempted to go for a rental for 6 months and see how it works out, but was just wondering what others thought, as my mind likes to race away with its thoughts!

Other options:

Find a different houseshare (not too keen as I have no idea what others will be like)
Rent a 2/3 bed and get someone into the spare room to help pay bills (would give me control over who lives there but would have to cover periods if they're not there and if I dont like them, will have to give them notice to move out).

I did put in an offer for a flat but it was rejected, and considering whether to increase it or leave alone for now. The flat was really nice which adds a bit of pressure as to how quickly to decide what to do.

779

Renting a 2 bed and then then sub-letting the other room out I think would be far more hassle than it's worth, - ultimately you're responsible for the flat, so, personally, i wouldn't consider that route.

Remember it's £750 v £400, - but i'm presuming the £750 wouldn't include bills...?

If i was you I would try and find another house-share... - the next one might be much better, - you might actually really like your new housemates... - choose carefully, and if it does'nt work out, - then maybe rent then. I would give it one more shot.

KateLiana27

Have you been in houseshares before that you have liked?

If so, I'd say find a new houseshare as you're probably just unlucky in your present one. If you can tolerate it, you'll save up a bigger chunk much faster. However, if you're the sort of person who always gets irritated by housemates and would much rather have your own space (um.. like me ) I'd rent a one-bedroom. Life's too short.

I wouldn't go the subletting route.

piggeh

This is my third houseshare, I do get annoyed at housemates in each one, and it's pretty intolerable at the moment. My mind tells me its a lot of money to be renting though and its difficult to think clearly when I'm stressed by current living conditions!

KateLiana27

Sometimes you just grow out of it too. I didn't mind houseshares when I was a poor uni student and in the early couple of years of working, but after I was on a good salary I rented my own place. I really enjoyed that year of independent life and it was a fantastic experience, well worth the cost (then I got married and so have essentially committed myself to a lifetime of housesharing )

It comes down to a lifestyle balance between your future home/life and your current one. Only you can make that decision, but personally I wouldn't want to spend good years of my life living in misery if I could afford not to. It might help to start viewing a few flats to see what you'd get for your money, and researching the full costs (bills, council tax etc) on top of basic rent, to help you make a decision.

piggeh

Thanks for the advice, I think I'd rather spend a bit more and live a little whilst I'm.. young(?), I have an idea on the full costs, and should have about £600/700 left a month for deposit saving. As it's a 6 month lease I guess it's worth seeing how I get on.

pmlindyloo

Definitely go for the one bedroomed flat.

Nothing worse than living with people you don't like/get on with.

Agree with the comment that you sometimes grow out of house sharing (you don't say your age) but it's also about the kind of person you are. e.g. You don't like mess, the other house sharers aren't bothered. (Would drive me crazy!)

Being unhappy at home is, in my opinion, as bad as being unhappy at work. In both cases I would suggest a move!

Obviously you would need to budget carefully but as someone said 'life's too short'!

SAMMYE_2

Surely you can find a houseshare with likeminded people. Is it you that is the problem or do the housemates have issues like drunkeness staying up late being loud / dirty? Could you not become a lodger somewhere else? Try and think about in what situation you would be happy.

piggeh

Cheers for the comments. I have taken the plunge on renting a 1 bed flat for 6 months! Will see how it goes. Just paid holding deposit. God I'm nervous now lol. Houseshare really doesnt appeal to me at the moment, I had a look at what was available but nothing really grabbed me as an interesting houseshare.

KateLiana27

That was quick! I have a feeling you won't regret it though. Good luck and enjoy the freedom.

piggeh

Thank you Looking forward to it.