Buying a house has never been so expensive. The average house price has gone up by around 10%, in the past year.
Because of this, more people are looking into renting a property either as an alternative option or until the prices drop. With so many houses and flats becoming available to let, it’s tricky to know how to get the best value for money.
In this guide, we’ll go through our top tips for finding a new home that suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Set a budget
Having a clear idea of how much you can afford (per month) will help whittle down your available options, making the search that little bit easier.
Make sure to include council tax, bills, internet and any other services into your total budget. Take into consideration your household income and what you’re willing to spend per calendar month (PCM) so you’re confident you can afford it.
If the home is unfurnished, add on how much you’ll need for new appliances, furniture, and any decorative pieces you want to purchase.
Make a checklist
Before booking viewings, make a list of all the things you want in a new home.
Do you want it to be furnished?
Do you want it to be near a school?
How long do you want the tenancy to be?
Asking yourself questions like these makes the search a lot simpler, as well as giving you ideas of what to ask when it comes to the viewing itself.
Top Tip: Be prepared and do your research before the viewing so you know exactly what to expect and what you need to ask while you’re there.
Clarity is key
Signing a contract is an important process, and it’s vital you have a clear understanding of what is involved and what you’re entitled to throughout the tenancy. There are several things it’s important to find out before you sign on the dotted line. These include what documents you’ll need to provide, how much your deposit will be and what you will be entitled to if any disputes occur?
Having these details in writing ensures you’re protected in the long run.
Can you imagine yourself living there?
Most tenancy agreements run over a twelve-month period, so it’s vital you feel comfortable in your surroundings.
It’s only natural you want to live in an area with similar people, i.e. age, lifestyle and family size. There’s no guarantee that the letting agent will tell you much about your potential neighbours (not to be secretive, they simply might not know much about them apart from an estimated age and family size), but it’s worth asking for an idea of how your time there will be.
Another thing to do your research on is the local amenities. If there’s no corner shop in sight, nightclubs are a long drive away or there are no nice areas for Sunday afternoon walks, it’s understandable that this will alter your perception of the property.
EasyLet Residential are here to help
Looking for a new rental property can be a daunting task, but not with EasyLet Residential. We have all the tools and knowledge to help you through the process.
Our team are on hand to answer any of your queries. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. To speak to us directly, give us a call on 01925 633011. If you prefer, you can send over your questions to info@easyletresidential.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
