Where to look for non-renovated / unfurnished flats in London?

66z

It looks like all what's available on the London's rental market is freshly renovated and modernly furnished so to maximize the cash-in (considering the demand, makes sense).

Whereas we are looking for something plain and dirty.

There are two reasons for this, one not less important than the other: first, we don't want to pay for the stuff we don't need -- and second, we prefer decorating ourselves and bringing our own furniture. Oh, and one of us is a cat. Extremely well behaved but you'd have to see the discrimination to believe!

We have never understood the joy of living between these white walls using stuff selected by someone else -- and dread of spoiling anything so to preserve deposit which is really irreplaceable for us students.

Anyway, these kind of flats seem to be impossible to find with the agencies or even on Gumtree these days. There are always some pretty pictures attached which scare me away instantly. When I think of what we need I can picture council-type apartments in tower blocks, flats above shops, warehouse conversions etc. Places needing some work but granting certain creative freedom (and saving some) by that. So where should I look?

kristofrbowman

Acquaintances and agents are the only ways out to have the search. You must let people know about this and than whoever around has any recommendation will help You have it.

AlexMac

Tricky- As a small landlord with only 2 ex-council lets, I pride myself on letting in impeccable condition, sticking to the letter of the law (before TDS I used to refund deposits plus interst earned) and undertaking repairs /replacements very fast on the grounds that this is more likely to attract quality tenants. In 15+ years I've not had a bad experience or bad debt. The downside of your approach is maybe that a slovenly landlord might be less inclined to treat you well...? But good luck with your search; maybe local papers and small ads in shop windows rather than agents who prefer PLUs?

66z

Thanks for the response. I thought agents are not really interested in such properties as there's not that much money to be made -- I might be wrong though, I only tried asking a few and did that by email.

I also got this idea to try out the community notice boards -- I think it's a good idea to try searching locally.

Just looking for more tips regarding non-standard avenues of enquiry.

66z

Alex, just replied before seeing your post.

You are right, we might end up dealing with a dodgy landlord but that's a risk we are willing to take. We are not looking for service anyway -- but rather for a chance at adapting some space to our particular needs.

The cost is a strong issue as well with us being students -- and frankly, since we're not exactly money-oriented in our future outlook I can't see us any time soon if ever being able to afford a decent flat in London (and I'm talking rental here, much less buying).

So just trying to make the best out of our stay while studying..

[Deleted User]

Are you looking for a place by yourselves or a houseshare? You could try Moveflat.com - it can be useful for finding non-standard rentals.

Also worth thinking about what area you're looking in - if the area is quite run down then you are more likely to find places like this, but as AlexMac says you're also quite likely to get some cowboy landlords.

66z

Thanks for the link, will check it out.

We are a group, so ideally looking to take over a house, or a bigger flat. However we might as well split up, it all depends what do we find.

Location-wise South and East are the preferences but we're pretty much open to anywhere as long as there's frequent train connection.. Any areas you would recommend?

bitsandpieces

Unfurnished rentals in London should be straightforward enough to find (student-focussed agents often do more furnished places). Don't necessarily expect to save money, though - you can pay the same for an unfurnished place as a furnished (I've had landlords who wanted paying to put their cheap tat into storage if I wanted to rent a place unfurnished )

Be careful about looking for a place in poor condition, though. If a landlord can't be bothered to give a place a lick of paint and a clean occasionally in order to maintain a not-horrible cosmetic condition, will they be maintaining more important (and expensive) things like the boiler, plumbing etc? Remember that - compared to the rental value of even a dump in London - the cost of basic decorating will be insignificant. There's also the risk that, if you do get somewhere in poor repair and do it up, you could be kicked out at the end of your fixed term and the place relet at a higher rent!

Werdnal

So you want to spend your hard earned cash decorating and renovating someone else's property which you could be evicted from as soon as your fixed term ends? Nice little earner for the LL, precarious position for you!

So, you may benefit from slightly reduced rent and the opportunity to have the place done up to your standard and taste (with the LL's written consent in advance of course), but you have little security of tenure and are basically lining the LL's pocket, whilst improving their property and then likely to be kicked out. I would gladly be your landlord for 6/12 months if you are willing to chuck your own money at my rental property, then I could wave you goodbye and rake in much higher rent for my newly renovated flat - great deal for me, not so rewarding fo you.

If landlord has failed to update and decorate their own property, they should be fighting over you as tenants willing to do their dirty work for them ... think very carefully about this as I fear you are heading for an expensive and disappointing fall!! Thanks for doing up the place, here's your 2 months notice, now on your way ....

66z

Yes, I have done it before

Paint doesn't cost all that much really, and I like clean but rough, so I never plaster and do all the fine stuff. I so happen to never have lived anywhere for longer than 12 months (well, apart from parents home that is but I left that place 15 years ago), so I am used to leave it all behind on a regular basis. If someone can make use of my sloppy work, I'm happy but it's nothing like a professional makeover.

I am very serious about my work and studies, and just need some basic space I can adapt functionally and aesthetically for my needs, reasonable quietness, and relative safety (12 months is great). The furniture I have is light and is mainly for work, e.g. proper desk and chair, then I got foldable mattress and canvas wardrobe, and I don't need much more. Space makes me feel better than stuff, I like it really minimal. Err, I never thought this is going to be about me but as you see my requirements are somewhat different to those of the most people.

I am currently renting with like-minded although probably less radical souls in Lewisham, and at this place it seems everything what could happen, happened.

So thanks for the warnings, this advice is very relevant it's just that I am up for it.

66z

Just to make it clear: I am not looking for a dump specifically -- I am just trying to find a place allowing me for relative freedom to set up things my way. I haven't that much experience renting in London but have been struggling to find the kind of places I am talking about.

Regarding pricing, I was just hoping to take advantage of my minimalist needs and cut the costs -- Bitsandpieces has a good point about potential expensive disrepair, e.g. plumbing.. this may tip the scales and wipe the savings.