Chesterfield cost of living?

icream_soda

Hello everyone!

My boyfriend and I are a young couple moving soon to Chesterfield from across the water and we have no idea of what the average living costs will be.

I've been searching on the internet but there isn't much info. I think that for a couple something like £150 for gas, water and electricity would do, but I don't know about council tax, and these costs also vary from supplies, I think. Anyone in Chesterfield that can help out, please?

On top of that, we have the added problem that we can't arrange viewing with landlords because we're not in mainland UK yet, and won't be until we actually move in... Do you know of any reliable estate agents? I've contacted Hallam and Hills and Heywood properties, but we can't arrange any viewings and don't know if we can trust we'll get what we'll be paying for.

Any info is much appreciated. Thank you!

Grumpelstiltskin

Chesterfield is fairly average in cost of living for the north midlands.


Council tax, you will see that every property is banded, usually the estate agent's particulars will give the banding.


See this from the council website.


http://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/SiteDocuments/Tax_Benefits/cbc-council-tax-bands-15-16.pdf


Water you don't have a choice it's Severn Trent.


http://www.stwater.co.uk/


Based either on the council tax band or metered.


Gas and Electric you have a wide choice.


Estate agents I can't help you with.

AnnieO1234

We live about ten minutes drive if that from Chesterfield in Bolsover. Cost of living around here is much cheaper than the big cities. Have you definately chosen Chesterfield? Wilkins Vardy are a trusted local estate agent. (I have no connection) or you could try a larger chain like Blundells.

You might be best contacting an expat group for extra assistance with regards to a long distance rent arrangement. They'll likely need 6 months rent in advance to secure the tenancy as you have no UK credit history. Is there anyway you could stay in a hotel or similar for a week or two while sorting things out? Xxx

Hebblethwaite

I'm in the process of moving to Chesterfield so I definitely have some thoughts about local letting agents! I've taken up my new tenancy but haven't quite finished my old one so I'm living between places for the next couple of weeks.

I haven't yet received my council tax bill, but as Grumpelstitskin said, it will depend on the banding of your property. You may be able to get a reduction if you fulfil certain criteria too. For example, I'll get 25% off because I live alone - even as a couple, you may qualify for the 25% reduction if one of you isn't liable to pay (e.g. is a full-time student). In Chesterfield, I'll be paying less than I was for a slightly smaller and much shabbier house in a nearby city.

If you see a property that you fancy, you can check what the council tax band would be here. I'm band A (the cheapest) even though it's a nice house with a private garden on a quiet road. So that's about £750 per year with the single-person's discount or £1000 without.

My first water bill was also a pleasant surprise. I'll be paying £185 for an eight month period (about £23/month) which again is less than I am used to paying. I would pay even less if I asked for a water meter to be fitted as I live alone and don't use very much.

I'm expecting to pay about £16/month for landline phone (with free evening/weekend UK calls) and unlimited broadband though I should be able to get it for less by shopping around.

I've been paying about £57/month in my previous home for gas and electricity (combined) but I haven't submitted a meter reading in a while (the meters are quite difficult to access) and I think I'm going to get a nasty shock when I get my final bill from my old home. I suspect I'm going to find I owe quite a lot, even though my usage isn't particularly high.

Now, for letting agents... If you go through an agent, you can expect to be slammed with some hefty fees. There are the usual national companies like Blundells, Reeds Rains, etc. and they are particularly masterful at finding things to charge you for. I went with one of the big ones and although I love the house, I was very underwhelmed by the agents. There was a lack of openness about certain things which has cost me money and would make me think twice about using the same company in future.

The most seemingly honest agents I dealt with were Bothams Mitchell Slaney who charge a fraction of the administration cost of the other agents. That said, I find that you only get to know what landlords/agents are really like after you have signed the paperwork! Pinewood Lettings were quite rude on the phone and I chose not to view any of their properties. Your Move were very pleasant and helpful on the phone and called me back to say that unfortunately their current tenants had vetoed a planned viewing - regrettable for me, but I took it as a good sign that they treat their tenants with respect.

I'd suggest browsing Rightmove for properties rather than going straight to individual agents. It will give you a better sense of what is available and what it should cost. Overall, I did feel all the agents whose properties I viewed had posted photos that accurately reflected the houses, though obviously without showing their biggest flaws.

I still don't know Chesterfield very well, but I'm happy to try and answer any other questions you may have about living here. I've not got internet in the new place yet though, so my replies may be a little slow.

flora48

I have used Lime Living as an agent for my rental property. Jamie is knowledgable about the local area and I always personal service, he deals with sales as well. A change from the bigger estate agents. Rentals from about £500 per month should get you something decent.