Looking to rent a property? 

1) Start your search early 

When looking to rent a property, it’s important to start your search as early as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute as it's a very competitive market and the best properties usually get snapped up quickly. Start by researching different areas and neighbourhoods. Many websites have interactive maps that let you quickly scan for available rentals in your preferred area. We also recommend widening your search area as it can often surprise you how close you can live to your preferred area either walking or via transport links. 

By taking the time to do your research and start your search early, you’ll be more likely to find a rental that meets your needs. 

2) Know your budget 

Before you start looking for a property to rent, it is important to know your budget. Think about how much you can afford to pay in rent each month and consider all-in living costs such as bills, utilities, travel/commute, Wi-Fi, gym membership etc. These are all important factors when calculating your budget. 

There are many modern rental options in and around cities now that offer bills included rent, and facilities such as a gym. Check out our information on Build-to-Rent and Co Living for more on this.   

Will you be sharing with a friend or partner? It's important to have the discussion early on to see what works for you. 

3) Have a realistic idea of what you want 

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of looking for a new place to live, but it's important to have a realistic idea of what you want in a home. Think about the things that you absolutely need in a rental apartment, such as location, size, and storage space you'll need.  Also consider any extras that you would like, such as proximity to public transportation, on-site amenities, or pet-friendly policies. 

The likelihood is, there will always be compromises, so it's about creating a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. Must-haves should include items that you absolutely need in a property, such as a certain number of bedrooms, or a modern kitchen. Nice-to-haves can include features that are not essential but would be desirable, such as a garden or swimming pool. Knowing the difference between the two will help you narrow down your search more effectively. 

It's also OK to change your mind, this is normal the more properties you find. For example, perhaps a property doesn't have a garden however it is in an amazing location, is great for transport and is next to a park. It’s about weighing up what is more important, whilst allowing for some flexibility.  

4) Consider all-in living costs 

As mentioned before, when looking to rent a property, it’s important to make sure that you take into account all the additional costs associated with renting. On top of the rent, you need to factor in things like council tax, bills, utilities, travel/commute costs and any other services that you may need such as Wi-Fi or having a gym membership. 

It can be easy to forget about these costs when you are in the excitement of house hunting, but taking the time to consider them is vital to ensure that you can afford your new home. To make sure you don't end up financially stretched, create a budget that allows for all these additional costs, so that your dream property doesn't end up becoming a financial burden. 

Another factor to consider is the cost of running your home! Newer builds benefit from increased efficiencies in terms of energy. Zoopla recently reported that 85% of new-build homes were given an A or B Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating in 2022, compared to only 4% of older homes. EPC Ratings go from A-G, A being the most efficient. Knowing this can help your decision and save you money on energy bills. 

Many refurbished, modern or new build rental apartments offer inclusive bills such as Wi-Fi and utilities, and some even have facilities within the building such as a gym and spaces to work from! Often, the total rental price appears more than traditional options, but when you factor in the all-in living costs, it can be more affordable. 

5) Consider Furnished vs Unfurnished  

When looking for a rental property, it is important to decide whether you want the property to be furnished or unfurnished. The main advantage of renting a furnished property is that you don't need to purchase furniture yourself, saving you time and money. 

Unfurnished properties can be cheaper than their furnished counterparts, but they do require you to purchase all your own furniture. You also need to consider the cost of removalists to transport your furniture if you are moving from a different location. Additionally, it may take some time to get your furniture delivered and set up. 

Ultimately, whether you choose to rent a furnished or unfurnished property will depend on your individual preferences and budget. If you have the time and money, investing in quality furniture for an unfurnished property may be worth it in the long run. However, if you’re looking for a quick move-in option, then a furnished property may be the better choice. 

Remember, you can always decide to keep a few select items you really love if there is space in your new furnished place! 

6) Be prepared to move fast 

When you’re renting a property, it’s important to be prepared to move fast. The rental market can be highly competitive, and you don’t want to miss out on your ideal rental property. To ensure you are ready to make the most of any opportunity that comes your way, make sure you have your documents, references, and deposit ready. 

When sending an enquiry, any other information you can give the landlord such as when you can move, and any flexibility on dates etc. will give you an advantage. This information makes it easier for the landlord to make a quick decision, and the more likely you are to secure the property over someone with a less detailed enquiry.