Renting in Leeds

Mayila

That's what we are planning on doing. Staying a week end and checking all these areas.
Thank you so much for all the precious advice. I have took notes of the areas I am interested in and the ones to avoid.

porgiegeorgie

Hi Mayila,

I currently live in Kirkstall near to Kirkstall Abbey, we pay £500 for a one bedroom house with garden, driveway and garage. Admittedly our rent hasn't gone up in three years but other similar houses on our road have rented out for about £600 and there are some flats nearby that rent for less.

I really like this part of Kirkstall because it's a bit cheaper than nearby Horsforth and Cookridge (where I used to live); it's a quick drive to Horsforth town centre; bus routes straight to Leeds in one direction and the airport/Yeadon/Horsforth in the other; few minutes drive or 20 minute walk to Headingley train station which is a 12 minute train journey to Leeds and the new Kirkstall Forge rail station is opening soon with a train to Leeds in seven minutes. The abbey and surrounding park is also really pleasant. The area is quiet and safe feeling area with lots of families but is not too far from where things are happening. The Bridge inn and West End house are also both nice pubs not too far away.

Have I sold it to you yet?

I can't comment on any areas in South Leeds but around North and West Leeds other areas to consider might be:

OK and not too pricey areas:
West Park;
Rodley;
Farsley;
Pudsey (which is a bit further out).

Nice but slightly pricier areas:
Horsforth;
Cookridge.

Slightly studenty but probably OK:
Headingley;
Meanwood;
Parts of Kirkstall.

Personally I wouldn't like to live in most of Bramley and Armley, but have friends who have and have said it's fine! Hyde park is also student central so wouldn't recommend there either.

Bond,James_Bond

I currently rent in the City Centre; very modern purpose built apartment block, on 12th floor. Well furnished and great location. Pricey at £700, though I moved from Manor Mills on the fringe of the City Centre in Holbeck Urban Village - I had a large studio type flat there, again well appointed and furnished at that was £525 pm

I wouldn't touch Armley - a colleague used to rent there and her always described it as "Beirut, West Yorkshire".

Tamsin_Temrin

Isn't Kirkstall currently under water?

WeAreGhosts

There's also Mirfield. Rentals are cheaper. If you're going by train then it's not too bad (the carriages can be full if you travel at peak times). I wouldn't recommend it by bus, though, it's a very tedious journey.

starving_artist

Marktheshark wrote: »

Unfortunately £600 a month is student house share budget. the lowest 1 bed in that area is around £650 per month, but it is walking distance to town so transport costs will be zero.
Any nearer to town and you hit £750 a month.

I know someone who rents a one bedroom flat in one of the residential developments near Leeds Bridge in the city centre for £550 per month so it's possible within your budget. The letting agents they use is called Martin's.

Mayila

Another question, which letting agency did you rent your flat with? I went to Leeds and viewed a flat with Wetherop but it seemed a bit dodgy so if anyone knows of a reliable one let me know please.