First time renting - Help please

melstar11

You are going to have to make some compromises. From somewhere like Chorlton, Whalley Range, etc you can choose to walk when the weather is good and shift times conducive or take the bus. Different bus companies have different fares and there will be early and late buses along major routes. Where is it that you will be working? Those of us with local knowledge can give you specific advice. You may also need to look at houses shares or being a lodger.

Allumis

I'll be working in Arndale House inside the Arndale Centre, I've already got a flat mate sorted which is why I'm looking for a 2 bed property as I couldn't afford somewhere on my own.

Almost an hours walk wouldn't be feasible, we're talking Manchester the wettest city in the known universe. �� I currently don't have a bike to cycle to work with so that again would be additional cost probably equal to the fees which is what I'm trying to avoid/opposed to.

Are their any local letting agents that have lower fees that don't advertise on rightmove or zoopla? I realise I'm in a bit of a pickle as I'll have one weekend to find, sign for and get a property (18th and 19th of March) with me moving on the 31st. I just find it obscene that such high fees can be charged

greensalad

Allumis wrote: »

I currently don't have a bike to cycle to work with so that again would be additional cost probably equal to the fees which is what I'm trying to avoid/opposed to

I can tell this is your first time renting. That is how much renting a property costs. You might get lucky and find a private landlord but it's unlikely. You will struggle to avoid those costs. That's what renting costs.

As for the bike, yes if you don't have one you'll need to go purchase one, but it'll save you money in the long run. You can pick up a second hand bike pretty cheap, or ask your company if they offer a cycle to work scheme. Or do what I did and order from Tredz using their 0% 9 month finance. I paid £40 a month which wasn't bad at all and now I have a nice bike

mrginge

A promotion that leaves you out of pocket doesn't sound like much of a promotion to me.

Allumis

mrginge wrote: »

A promotion that leaves you out of pocket doesn't sound like much of a promotion to me.

Stacking shelves at your local supermarket for £6,800 per annum vs working as an IT Analyst for £21k imo is a promotion. :j

I think it's going to be a case of accepting the excessively high fees and using some of my savings not ideal as I feel as though I'm getting nothing of value for my money. It's worlds away from when I was a student and paid no fees only a deposit.

greensalad

Allumis wrote: »

I feel as though I'm getting nothing of value for my money

Welcome to the world of modern renting.

Miss_Samantha

Allumis wrote: »

as I feel as though I'm getting nothing of value for my money.

You get a place to live and a job that pays £14k more than your current one.

Pixie5740

What's the alternative? Living at home with your parents forever?

melstar11

There are lots of apartments on RM which meet the criteria you have set out. I'm afraid that refusing to pay the fees is cutting off your nose to spite your face. It has always been expensive to rent here. You would have to be dealing direct with a landlord in order to avoid such fees.

That will be more likely if you are further out but then you'll need to pay higher transport costs and accept you won't be walking to work.

Will work not help with a loan or some other payment to facilitate the move?

When I first rented in my first job I lived further out and commuted by bus because flats in trendier areas were more expensive for poorer quality accommodation. There are plenty of more modern flats these days, but they are no less expensive.

mrginge

Allumis wrote: »

Stacking shelves at your local supermarket for £6,800 per annum vs working as an IT Analyst for £21k imo is a promotion. :j

I think it's going to be a case of accepting the excessively high fees and using some of my savings not ideal as I feel as though I'm getting nothing of value for my money. It's worlds away from when I was a student and paid no fees only a deposit.

Congratulations.

14k pay rise should more than cover your extra expenses. Unfortunately, the better your job, the more you earn, the more things you tend to have to spend it on lol.

For example, the tax man is also going to start creaming you for over £2k of that increase as well...