Flat renting in Cardiff, advice and budgeting help?

guideme

............

kerri_dfw

I lived there for a year last year. We lived in the bay for £900pcm plus bills. Was rather expensive. Although our friend used to live by the train station for £650pcm plus bills so it varies. Their place was a lot smaller than ours though. Other friends live in the bay near where we lived and pay around £700 for a 1 bed but it's huge. I think average rents are around £600-£800 depending on what you're looking for. Then bills on top you've got c/tax of £100+ per month, gas & electric £60pcm, water was always included. You'd be better off with a shared house though, just move to a different one if you don't like the one you're in will save you loads of money in the long-term and you can save towards buying your own place.

clairecymru

I lived down the bay 2 years ago. Two bed flat was £650 a month. Electric only (no gas) £85 a month, council tax £135 a month, water was included, phone and broadband £25 a month.

guideme

Thanks

What about central Cardiff (I want to feel like I'm in the city which I wouldn't in Whitchurch for example)? Would it be possible to rent a flat alone on 14k when living a very cheap lifestyle?

I'd consider a house share but I'm in a similar situation right now (bedsit) and it's rubbish so I'm hesitant. If you have any advice on those too... I'm quiet, shy and private so don't want a studenty house.

hellokitty08

sure, but you might not like the area! I have never been to Cardiff, but I moved in to my own place on a very similar salary, with a rent at £425, £80 a month council tax, £20 water, £20 gas, £20 electricty, £11 TV license. And I was running a car.

How about these,

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-27778830.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-28120476.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-40347061.html

http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-to-rent/property-40378543.html

all within 1 mile of city centre (according to right move)

I also got a saturday job to help with the bills.

dimbo61

If you rent a 2 bed flat you can always share with just one other !
Have you looked at spareroom or easyroommate? as you may find someone looking for a Lodger to share the costs !

drwhofan

I currently rent a two bed in the Cathays area (c.20 min walk to central station).

It's a studenty area, but it's close to work, and the students are ignorable most of the year (freshers week = no sleep)

The two bed costs me £525 a month in rent, £55 council tax, and £25 water.

Utilities will depend on your personal usage.

Sainsbury's energy charge me £94.50 a month for both gas and electric, but going into winter I've got a credit of £250 (haven't had the heating on yet...)

Virgin media is £23.65 a month for unlimited cable internet (cable means I don't have to pay line rental)

c.£723.15 a month for a two bed that I don't have to share. Definately worth it

I first got this flat when I was earning £12,000 before tax, and it was tight, I had less than £80 a month free for food and anything else I needed.

But, I don't drink/smoke/go out much and now I'm earning more it means I can save money to pay off my student overdraft. :money:

guideme

Thanks guys, I'm pretty hopeful now!

guideme

Bump

Can everyone who knows Clifton Street at all tell me what it's like to live on please?

ryecatcher_2

I just moved from that area and I'd say Broadway (the main street that Clifton St branches off from) should be avoided unless you can cope with people playing their music LOUD at all times of day/night, traffic noise is also pretty intense.

As for Clifton St it depends on which end the flat is on - The Clifton pub is at one end so that's worth thinking about. In terms of location though it's only a 10 minute walk to town, with great public transport. If I were you I'd take a walk around and see what I thought but don't reject it out of hand just because the street looks a bit scruffy.

19lottie82

OP..... I'm sorry to say but I really don't think you can afford your own place. You earn just over NMW and will clear £1028 a month?

These flats are £450-£475 a month.....

This leaves you with £550 ish a month left for

- food / groceries
- council tax
- mobile phone
- gas / electric
- water
- contents insurance
- clothes
- Christmas / Birthday presents
- haircuts
- travel
- entertainment / nights out
- broadband
- TV license

And thats before any unforseen emergencies........

I'd concentrate on working hard to increase your salary and then you will be in a better position to rent your own place.