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Find an estate agent:
Talk to your colleagues / locals, search the Internet
and get Agents list. It is necessary to contact Agents
having good past records. You may not able to recognise
that unless you interact with them or get feedback from
your friends.
It is always safer to rent a flat/house through a well
known agent. Even if you see an advertisement in the
paper, please make sure that it is a reliable person.
There are incidents where the advertiser takes deposit
money from a number of people for the same flat (not
common, but have seen this happening)
Areas:
Identify areas where you prefer to stay. For this you
need to have view of the locations. Ask for local map
for the same.
If that happens to be near city centre or any such strategic
location, then the rents are likely to be high. Generally
speaking, Council Areas are not very safe.
Viewing:
Once you approach the agent, you must state the areas
of your preference, but also seek some advice from them.
Most of the agents are available on Saturday to show
the property. Some work even after office hours. But
in general they work between 9am-5pm.
Property:
You must make up your mind on whether you need Unfurnished
or Furnished house. Typically unfurnished house comes
at least with White Goods (Fridge, Gas, and Washing
Machine).
Some people prefer unfurnished property. Some basic
items such as Crockery, beds, cupboards then need to
be bought from the local shops. If you are in the UK
for shorter duration, consider buying a previously owned
furniture. Local newspapers and eBay are good starting
points.
When you leave the country, you can donate to institutions
like ‘Age Concern’. They will usually collect
your furniture free of charge for charity – of
course they will not pay you for the furniture, but
you will be contributing to a good cause.
In case of furnished house, one needs to still buy
some basic things such as duvets, TV, crockery (especially
if you do not prefer to use landlord’s crockery).
Obviously furnished houses are costlier than the unfurnished
ones. For a three bed house with full furnishing the
rent will be in the range of £650 -£800
depending on the area (outside London). The unfurnished
ones will be £50-£150 cheaper, again depending
on the area.
You may keep in mind proximity to schools (for kids),
surgery, office, local market, neighbours (there are
some areas in every city/town which one must not venture
into). However, everyone will recognise that not all
factors may get fulfilled in all cases.
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