Tips on renting and sharehousing in London

I’ve been renting and sharehousing (or flatsharing) since I was 18 when I had to move out of Toowoomba and then to Brisbane for university.  I’ve had some fairly interesting experience in Brissie – ranging from flatsharing with three guys (2 French, 1 Portugese) to four people (that was in such a state of flux because of the traveller ratio that I would get maybe one new flatmate every 1-2 months) to family friends and then colleagues.  But, this was Brisbane.  London is kind of a different ballgame and people have different experiences.

Except for one who lives out in Peckham, I didn’t really know anyone in London.  I had temporary accommodation booked out in Fulham (Oz central, apparently) which was disbanded when I realised that it was going to be a major issue getting my luggage to and from this place.  So, I decided on Kings Cross as my stop and headed out to find temporary accommodation – a hotel on my first night, then going to and from two different hostels.  It was quiet difficult as not only was it around Easter but it was difficult to be settled and wi-fi wasn’t free.  I ended up getting on to spareroom.co.uk at the British Library’s free wifi!

My first ever semi-proper accommodation (proper was a very long shot…) was in Barbican.  Things got out of hand when, after the ‘caretaker’ asked us to leave for two hours, when I came back to find a police van rounding up the stuff owned by the business on the ground floor for tax-evasion reasons.  It was a really rocky time, and I ended up half-moving out to Dublin before I decided to come back to London.

It is possible to start arranging accommodation before you arrive in London

I was arranging room viewings in between family outings in Dublin via SpareRoom.  Have a good think about your flatsharing profile, narrow down your preferred residential areas to 2-5, know your budget and have a good idea in regards to transport links (ie to work) such as whether or not that property is on the right Underground line.  Then, start securing in dates and times so that you are organised when you arrive.

The flat that I secured for half a year before we had to move out was Primrose Hill and it was my second viewing, which is in itself possibly a record.  Some elements that I focused on:

  • Some people will faff about and waste your time.  I had one guy who rescheduled 3 times.  I have my own deadlines so ended up striking his room off.  Also gave an indication as to what type of flatmate he would be…
  • Have a specific deadline.  My deadline was to secure a property in one day and to move in ASAP.
  • Cash helps.  Know how much you can pay in advance, in cash.
  • Have an idea of what would make a potential home for you and stick to it.  The flat that I secured in Primrose Hill reminded me of Toowoomba (my hometown) because of the park and the greenery so instantly fell in love with the area.

Have in mind key non-negotiable points

Have some key points in mind that must be met when securing a property as it may be difficult to find the perfect one, especially if you are in a tight deadline or have time constraints.  I had to find another place to live after Primrose Hill AND ensure that it’s in my criteria and set myself a deadline to secure a property within x number of days otherwise it’ll be a pain trying to juggle the demands of full-time work with room-hunting.

Another reason why it’s difficult juggling full-time work is that London is huge so you must factor in the travel cost, especially when having to use public transport.  But property and room viewings is a must, having been to spaces which looked good in the description but was downright depressing (why pay £ when you have to wear earplugs to sleep due to traffic?!) upon viewing.

Again – focus on your own key criteria

There are pros and cons in terms of living in London and while there are certain suburbs deemed desirable  or even famous, to live in there is no point being there if the area is far away from work, the area won’t help you feel settled, out of budget etc.  I find that transport has been a big factor in choosing an area, followed by the amenities (ie parks).

Have your paperwork ready

To be straight-forward, cash is one of the most important pieces of ‘paper’ that you need, followed by the various document you would require to produce – bank statements, proof of employment (ie on company letterhead, with signature, etc), proof of identification and so on.  It helps knowing exactly what paperwork is needed then producing it quickly as that will help decrease the administrative hassle of finding a place and you can focus more on the place itself.

Your flatmates are going to be varied

Unless you deliberately have set your criteria to ie Hammersmith, etc (where a majority of Aussies are), London is a huge transition city so there is a wide variety of flatmates.  It can be fun and interesting but at the same time, just because you are living together does not necessarily mean putting one’s guard down straight away.  Exercise caution, especially when moving by yourself:

  • If the ad looks suspicious, it probably is.  If the room viewing seems a bit…off, it probably is.
  • If doing room viewings, let someone else know the addresses that you are doing your room viewings in.
  • Are you liaising with a live-in landlord, a property manager, etc?  Are you taking on board a room that was cosigned by other people?  Do they request cash on hand rather than a bank transfer? Know and understand the risks.
  • Is there a contract (formal, informal) available which states the rules of property as well as all costs on paper?
  • Especially when living in central London which is desirable to be in, what are the rules in regards to visitors? For example, I was living in a flat where a visitor stayed for an extended period of time beyond the 10 days he was meant to be there.

There is no right or wrong preference

Some may want to experience bits and pieces of London, others may wish to stick to a certain area, there is no right or wrong preference.  In terms of practical stuff such as cashflow to have a roof over your head as well as safety…have that sorted out and that’ll be fine.

 

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