Buying a house (and renting)

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Bunni
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Bunni » Thu Aug 30, 2018 9:33 pm

Yeah renting in London is a nightmare. Aside from the cost being so high compared to renting elsewhere, you also find snake landlords and agencies who still charge £100 for printing paperwork and gooseberry fool. So hopefully you’ve got a good deposit saved. Whatever that is, double it. In the case that you do find a flat share that only wants a month in advance for deposit, there’s gunna be an inordinate Amount of people equally trying to get in. Figure out what’s important, nightlife, greenery, away from tourists or budget and I’m sure locals on here will tell you decent areas.

Greenwich is nice and has transport links but will be very popular. Transport links to E&C isn’t too bad, so perhaps widen your search to an area that’s maybe one change off from the northern/bakerloo line. Factor in cost of travel with your budget too. Look up the price of travel cards from your chosen area. You might save a bit on rent going further out but if it’s gunna cost you twice as much to get in, your be better off saving time.


We’re back off holiday and married AF so next month once I’ve paid the credit card :dread: I’ll be opening our help to buy isa. Absolutely torn on wether to buy or not, but might as well save somewhere decent to maximise profit if we do go for it.

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That's not a growth
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by That's not a growth » Thu Aug 30, 2018 10:00 pm

Also, you can keep the interest from your H2BISA even if you don't use it for a deposit.

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No:1 Final Fantasy Fan
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by No:1 Final Fantasy Fan » Fri Aug 31, 2018 8:35 pm

Ecno wrote:
No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:Making the biggest move of my life! From Liverpool to London. I start my new job in London on the 1st of October but haven't found anywhere to rent yet. Any advice would be much appreciated from those who have rented in London.

I'll be working in Elephant & Castle however do not want to live there as I heard it isn't too nice. I like Greenwich but feel the commute might be too long. Anyway guys any advice you can provide would be great i.e. locations, rent privately or agents etc
Also is it really that competitive? I heard you have like half a dozen people after each available room so you end up having to be interviewed by the current flatmates/landlord.


Greenwich to Elephant and Castle is a completely reasonable commute. I've never shared with randomers in London, but I do remember when I was looking in San Francisco I got interviewed for spare rooms. I can't imagine it being as prevalent in London.

What are the key things you're looking for?

That sounds good! Coz I like Greenwich, feels nice and safe and the Cuttysark area seems nice.

Key things is a modern build with ensuite or a separate bathroom for my own use. I don't want a small dark old room. Also not sure if to take my car down with me? I might try renting a place with a safe parking space included and see how often I use my car for the first 6 months.

Bunni wrote:Yeah renting in London is a nightmare. Aside from the cost being so high compared to renting elsewhere, you also find snake landlords and agencies who still charge £100 for printing paperwork and gooseberry fool. So hopefully you’ve got a good deposit saved. Whatever that is, double it. In the case that you do find a flat share that only wants a month in advance for deposit, there’s gunna be an inordinate Amount of people equally trying to get in. Figure out what’s important, nightlife, greenery, away from tourists or budget and I’m sure locals on here will tell you decent areas.

Greenwich is nice and has transport links but will be very popular. Transport links to E&C isn’t too bad, so perhaps widen your search to an area that’s maybe one change off from the northern/bakerloo line. Factor in cost of travel with your budget too. Look up the price of travel cards from your chosen area. You might save a bit on rent going further out but if it’s gunna cost you twice as much to get in, your be better off saving time.


Thanks for all these great tips. I guess as long as I am near a tube station then I'm alright. Didn't think to up the cost of the travel passes so thanks for that too.

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Igor
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Igor » Sat Sep 01, 2018 12:27 am

Don't bother bringing the car, it's absolutely pointless. You'll tie yourself into paying more for a parking space so your car has somewhere to sit outside of the two times a month you might use it. You're then also paying for insurance and road tax on top of your TFL travel, which you'll use much more regularly because it's quicker, easier, and everyone else uses it.

I have a Zone 1+2 annual travel card (live in Willesden Green, work in Canary Wharf) and it's £1,365 a year, I think. I spread that cost out over 10 months through an interest free loan from work, though.

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Ecno
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Ecno » Sat Sep 01, 2018 1:30 am

Elephant and Castle is on an overground route, if space is your main priority you could leave quite far out and still have a reasonable commute, which wpuld also make it easier to house your car. If access to nightlife is your priority (don't know how old you are), you could live in the classic 20s spots of Balham/Clapham. Alternatively if Greenwich is a bit pricey there's a lot of new stuff in Surrey Quays which is slightly closer, alternatively E&C itself is a reasonable area now.

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No:1 Final Fantasy Fan
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by No:1 Final Fantasy Fan » Mon Sep 03, 2018 11:40 pm

Igor wrote:Don't bother bringing the car, it's absolutely pointless. You'll tie yourself into paying more for a parking space so your car has somewhere to sit outside of the two times a month you might use it. You're then also paying for insurance and road tax on top of your TFL travel, which you'll use much more regularly because it's quicker, easier, and everyone else uses it.

I have a Zone 1+2 annual travel card (live in Willesden Green, work in Canary Wharf) and it's £1,365 a year, I think. I spread that cost out over 10 months through an interest free loan from work, though.

Thanks for the advice and especially the cost of your travel card. Very helpful. I'm not gonna bother searching for a place with a park space included now.

Ecno wrote:Elephant and Castle is on an overground route, if space is your main priority you could leave quite far out and still have a reasonable commute, which wpuld also make it easier to house your car. If access to nightlife is your priority (don't know how old you are), you could live in the classic 20s spots of Balham/Clapham. Alternatively if Greenwich is a bit pricey there's a lot of new stuff in Surrey Quays which is slightly closer, alternatively E&C itself is a reasonable area now.

Thanks! yes seems like E&C is very accessible from national rail lines and not just the tube. Having a look at Clapham Common area now. Seems to be some decent rooms available.

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Hexx
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Hexx » Tue Sep 18, 2018 3:09 pm

Since this is general house thread

Kitchen floor near the backdoor is starting to have some "give"
Makes me think the floorboards (chip board?) under lino have an rot issue. It's been developing for a little while (and always on my "to do list") but has got noticeably worse in the last few weeks

Trying to get the people who installed the new back door 3-4 years ago to give the ok before starting any investigative/repair work - because if it's damp from a poorly sealed door, I'll be claiming from them. Don't want to invalidate that but not involving them

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Dual
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Dual » Tue Sep 18, 2018 5:38 pm

Hexx wrote:Since this is general house thread

Kitchen floor near the backdoor is starting to have some "give"
Makes me think the floorboards (chip board?) under lino have an rot issue. It's been developing for a little while (and always on my "to do list") but has got noticeably worse in the last few weeks

Trying to get the people who installed the new back door 3-4 years ago to give the ok before starting any investigative/repair work - because if it's damp from a poorly sealed door, I'll be claiming from them. Don't want to invalidate that but not involving them


Can you peel back the lino to check underneath?

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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by pjbetman » Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:11 pm

Hexx wrote:Since this is general house thread

Kitchen floor near the backdoor is starting to have some "give"
Makes me think the floorboards (chip board?) under lino have an rot issue. It's been developing for a little while (and always on my "to do list") but has got noticeably worse in the last few weeks

Trying to get the people who installed the new back door 3-4 years ago to give the ok before starting any investigative/repair work - because if it's damp from a poorly sealed door, I'll be claiming from them. Don't want to invalidate that but not involving them


Can we have pics of your backdoor, lol

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Victor Mildew
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Victor Mildew » Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:16 pm

Hexx wrote:Since this is general house thread

Kitchen floor near the backdoor is starting to have some "give"
Makes me think the floorboards (chip board?) under lino have an rot issue. It's been developing for a little while (and always on my "to do list") but has got noticeably worse in the last few weeks

Trying to get the people who installed the new back door 3-4 years ago to give the ok before starting any investigative/repair work - because if it's damp from a poorly sealed door, I'll be claiming from them. Don't want to invalidate that but not involving them


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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Jenuall » Tue Sep 18, 2018 8:17 pm

Ad7 wrote:
Hexx wrote:Since this is general house thread

Kitchen floor near the backdoor is starting to have some "give"
Makes me think the floorboards (chip board?) under lino have an rot issue. It's been developing for a little while (and always on my "to do list") but has got noticeably worse in the last few weeks

Trying to get the people who installed the new back door 3-4 years ago to give the ok before starting any investigative/repair work - because if it's damp from a poorly sealed door, I'll be claiming from them. Don't want to invalidate that but not involving them


Image


Hexx after the investigation discovers the extent of the damage:

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Snowcannon
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Snowcannon » Wed Sep 19, 2018 3:57 am

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:Making the biggest move of my life! From Liverpool to London. I start my new job in London on the 1st of October but haven't found anywhere to rent yet. Any advice would be much appreciated from those who have rented in London.

I'll be working in Elephant & Castle however do not want to live there as I heard it isn't too nice. I like Greenwich but feel the commute might be too long. Anyway guys any advice you can provide would be great i.e. locations, rent privately or agents etc
Also is it really that competitive? I heard you have like half a dozen people after each available room so you end up having to be interviewed by the current flatmates/landlord.


Yes it is very competitive. If you go for flatmate-listed adverts then most likely you will be 'interviewed' and they choose whoever they like the most. For agent/landlord-listed adverts, it tends to be first-come first-serve, which is easier but then you run a higher risk of not getting on with your roommates.

Greenwich is certainly a nice area, but bear in mind it is very touristy. That may grind after a while.

How long of a commute are you willing to accept? What is your rental budget? What kind of area are you looking for? The suggestions made so far for areas are pretty sound. Though if you go for Clapham/Balham, the Northern Line is pretty horrendous at rush hour. You could also look into Herne Hill, 2 stops from E&C, a nice area with a good park on your doorstep.

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No:1 Final Fantasy Fan
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by No:1 Final Fantasy Fan » Thu Sep 20, 2018 12:00 am

Snowcannon wrote:
No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:Making the biggest move of my life! From Liverpool to London. I start my new job in London on the 1st of October but haven't found anywhere to rent yet. Any advice would be much appreciated from those who have rented in London.

I'll be working in Elephant & Castle however do not want to live there as I heard it isn't too nice. I like Greenwich but feel the commute might be too long. Anyway guys any advice you can provide would be great i.e. locations, rent privately or agents etc
Also is it really that competitive? I heard you have like half a dozen people after each available room so you end up having to be interviewed by the current flatmates/landlord.


Yes it is very competitive. If you go for flatmate-listed adverts then most likely you will be 'interviewed' and they choose whoever they like the most. For agent/landlord-listed adverts, it tends to be first-come first-serve, which is easier but then you run a higher risk of not getting on with your roommates.

Greenwich is certainly a nice area, but bear in mind it is very touristy. That may grind after a while.

How long of a commute are you willing to accept? What is your rental budget? What kind of area are you looking for? The suggestions made so far for areas are pretty sound. Though if you go for Clapham/Balham, the Northern Line is pretty horrendous at rush hour. You could also look into Herne Hill, 2 stops from E&C, a nice area with a good park on your doorstep.


Thanks Snowcannon! I'll look into Hern Hill. Going to have loads of viewings set up for next week, I'm moving down on Sunday and staying at my sisters initially in Deptford.
I am setting my budget to 850pcm however if I can get somewhere nice for less that would be great as I could save and go on nice holidays :)
A 30min or less commute would be ideal. I just want a nice looking modern area to live in and so far Greenwich seems really nice. I could be biased towards it because I usually stay in Deptford Bridge so I know that area the most.

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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by RichardUK » Thu Sep 20, 2018 12:36 am

I should be moving house this year after living in this house for six years, we think we have a buyer for this house but I keep looking on rightmove and no houses are appealing to me, I’m not bothered where it is as everything we do can be done from anywhere in the country but it’s more than likely we will remain in the East Midlands in Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire

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Snowcannon
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Snowcannon » Thu Sep 20, 2018 1:24 am

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:
Snowcannon wrote:
No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:Making the biggest move of my life! From Liverpool to London. I start my new job in London on the 1st of October but haven't found anywhere to rent yet. Any advice would be much appreciated from those who have rented in London.

I'll be working in Elephant & Castle however do not want to live there as I heard it isn't too nice. I like Greenwich but feel the commute might be too long. Anyway guys any advice you can provide would be great i.e. locations, rent privately or agents etc
Also is it really that competitive? I heard you have like half a dozen people after each available room so you end up having to be interviewed by the current flatmates/landlord.


Yes it is very competitive. If you go for flatmate-listed adverts then most likely you will be 'interviewed' and they choose whoever they like the most. For agent/landlord-listed adverts, it tends to be first-come first-serve, which is easier but then you run a higher risk of not getting on with your roommates.

Greenwich is certainly a nice area, but bear in mind it is very touristy. That may grind after a while.

How long of a commute are you willing to accept? What is your rental budget? What kind of area are you looking for? The suggestions made so far for areas are pretty sound. Though if you go for Clapham/Balham, the Northern Line is pretty horrendous at rush hour. You could also look into Herne Hill, 2 stops from E&C, a nice area with a good park on your doorstep.


Thanks Snowcannon! I'll look into Hern Hill. Going to have loads of viewings set up for next week, I'm moving down on Sunday and staying at my sisters initially in Deptford.
I am setting my budget to 850pcm however if I can get somewhere nice for less that would be great as I could save and go on nice holidays :)
A 30min or less commute would be ideal. I just want a nice looking modern area to live in and so far Greenwich seems really nice. I could be biased towards it because I usually stay in Deptford Bridge so I know that area the most.


Okay good 850pcm is very doable outside of Zone 1. Balham, Clapham, Herne Hill, Canada Water are areas that fit your bill and will all get you a commute of <30 mins to E&C. Greenwich probably a bit longer, but still thereabouts.

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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Drumstick » Thu Sep 20, 2018 9:50 am

The more I read about the 'London Lifestyle' the more I'm glad I never went for it. strawberry float overpaying for a poxy room in a poxy flat and being skint all the time.

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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by ignition » Thu Sep 20, 2018 2:33 pm

No:1 Final Fantasy Fan wrote:Making the biggest move of my life! From Liverpool to London. I start my new job in London on the 1st of October but haven't found anywhere to rent yet. Any advice would be much appreciated from those who have rented in London.

I'll be working in Elephant & Castle however do not want to live there as I heard it isn't too nice. I like Greenwich but feel the commute might be too long. Anyway guys any advice you can provide would be great i.e. locations, rent privately or agents etc
Also is it really that competitive? I heard you have like half a dozen people after each available room so you end up having to be interviewed by the current flatmates/landlord.


I live in Greenwich and absolutely love it. Train to London Bridge takes 10mins (then approx 15-20min walk to E&C), DLR gives great access to other areas and there's a load of night buses that come through from central.

There are a lot of tourists around, especially at the weekends, but I mostly like the energy they bring, even if they do get in my way when trying to rush through town. The market has loads of great international food and there's some really great pubs around.

Greenwich Park is lovely and just a short walk further to Blackheath Common. For me Greenwich has the benefit of being right in the city whilst feeling like your out in a smaller, greener town.

Do you cycle? That will easily be the best way for you to commute to E&C. Plus the savings on daily travel might offset the potentially higher rental cost.

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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Sandy » Thu Sep 20, 2018 3:46 pm

Drumstick wrote:The more I read about the 'London Lifestyle' the more I'm glad I never went for it. strawberry float overpaying for a poxy room in a poxy flat and being skint all the time.


It usually takes my friends that live in South London the same amount of time to get to central as it takes me and I'm just outside of the M25.

I don't really get the appeal of paying more money for less with no obvious benefits in terms of duration of time taken to get to the places most people actually meet in.

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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Jenuall » Thu Sep 20, 2018 4:39 pm

Sandy wrote:
Drumstick wrote:The more I read about the 'London Lifestyle' the more I'm glad I never went for it. strawberry float overpaying for a poxy room in a poxy flat and being skint all the time.


It usually takes my friends that live in South London the same amount of time to get to central as it takes me and I'm just outside of the M25.

I don't really get the appeal of paying more money for less with no obvious benefits in terms of duration of time taken to get to the places most people actually meet in.


Because they want to be part of the hip, happening and switched on hub that is the heart of London, mixing with the movers and the shakers, the creators, motivators and demonstrators, in with the in crowd, making a scene as part of the scene, having a ball and having it all...

Yeah I don't get it either really. :lol:

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Grumpy David
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PostRe: Buying a house (and renting)
by Grumpy David » Thu Sep 20, 2018 9:43 pm

Sandy wrote:
Drumstick wrote:The more I read about the 'London Lifestyle' the more I'm glad I never went for it. strawberry float overpaying for a poxy room in a poxy flat and being skint all the time.


It usually takes my friends that live in South London the same amount of time to get to central as it takes me and I'm just outside of the M25.

I don't really get the appeal of paying more money for less with no obvious benefits in terms of duration of time taken to get to the places most people actually meet in.



A couple living outside of London will have more expensive commuting costs that would often offset the slightly lower rent/mortgage that comes from living further out.

Plus no rush for last train home at midnight since you got night tube etc. Or a shorter Uber journey compared to some place outside the M25.

Tinder is better in London compared to commuter towns too. :lol:


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