Advice needed!!!

Jacob93

Hello! I've been lurking on this forum for years but now in a situation I wouldn't have predicted I'm desperate for some advice and pointers...

So I currently live in London with my now ex partner... We are renting a one bedroom flat which costs is 1200 a month so 600 each and our tenancy runs out in September. I've been searching and searching for places but for £600 I'd literally get a room in a shared house and the idea of having to house share again doesn't sit very well with me, I like my own space... Plus I work shifts a mix of nights and days (12 hour shifts) so really do need my down time to myself.

I work 33 hours per week in the NHS as a midwife and I usually come out with about £1700 a month and most of the decent flats which I've seen where I'd be happy to live are about £1000 a month but I guess the thought of paying out £1000 a month by myself is so daunting. Do you think it's doable and does anybody have any tips for me to cut down on my spending, I've never been very good with money. Has anybody been in a similar situation and how did they cope? I'd rather pay more and have my own place than move into a bedsit or somewhere I can't call home. If I was to do an extra two night shifts a month I could potentially earn an extra £500 a month which would definitely help (payroll for extra shifts is also weekly so if I'm ever short I could do a shift). Any advice would be sooo appreciated!! Also would I get a reduction in council tax and how much for being a single occupant?

G_M

This is not really a property query - it's more about budgetting. Having said that:

You say your tenancy 'runs out' in September, but what exactly do you mean? The fixed term contract ends? Have you spoken to the landlord and does he want the property back? You might well be able to stay. Indeed, you don't even need to sign a new contract to stay. Read:

* Ending/renewing an AST: what happens when a fixed term ends? How can a LL or tenant end a tenancy? What is a periodic tenancy?

Yes - if you live alone you can claim a single person discount (25% reduction) on your council tax.

Take a look round other boards on the forum here for lots of money-making /money-saving ideas. Either the banking board, or the savings board can help you not just cut banking costs, but even make money.

the debt free board also has lots of tips - not just for people in debt but how to manage/reduce outgoings in order to avoid debt.

A good starting point is to sit down with a blank sheet of paper (or spreadsheet on your PC) and list wher ALL you money goes. Go trough your bank statement and list all regular payments; work out what goes on food each month; on clothes, fags, booze, transport etc

Once you have a clear picture, you an start looking for savings.

juniordoc

You can't expect to secure a decent standard of living in London whilst working less than full time,
Is there a way you can get extra hours written into your contract? You may not pass letting agent affordability checks if your plan is just to pick up the odd extra shift as this income will be unreliable in their eyes.

00ec25

as he says above, your problem appears to be lack of full time working

penguingirl

Is there any NHS accommodation available via your employer? Likely to be basic, but might be ok. Also, if you did need to share could you seek out other midwives/nurses as they will have similar shift patterns and are likely to be more considerate.

aneary

I used to live in London you are unlikely to get anywhere less than £1000.00

You options are share (either in an existing place or set up a share with friends), increase your hours and then you might be able to rent or if you have a deposit you could look at part buy part rent properties as you are a key worker you will have more options, or you will also qualify for immediate rent through (I think the website is first steps) again as a key worker you will not only have more options but you will be higher on the list.

aneary

Just to add you should look at this website https://www.sharetobuy.com/firststeps/youroptions

Brock_and_Roll

The obvious answer would be to get the heck out of London to somewhere where your income and job gets you a standard of living that you deserve!

Out,_Vile_Jelly

It's expensive renting in London on your own; you need to have a fairly decent salary and be good at budgeting. You also need a fair wedge behind you to move in; a month's rent upfront and usually six weeks for the deposit. Plus the usual rip-off fees.

I would try a house share for a few months while you do the extra shifts; this is a chance to save a bit and see how you cope with night work, and have a think about how important living in London is to you.

dimbo61

Go north young lady ( midwife ) and over 90% are female.
In many parts of the country away from London/South east you could rent and save for a deposit to buy your own home