Step 1: Decide on the basics

The more you know about what you want, the easier your search will be. Before you even start looking, make a list of what’s important to you. Consider whether you want a house or flat in London and what neighbourhoods appeal to you.

Of course, you’ll sometimes have to trade off one good thing against another. It’s a good idea to divide your wish list into “essential” and “nice to have”, to make these decisions easier.

Area

Probably the most important question. Do you want to live near your work? In a leafy neighbourhood or somewhere in central London? Take some time at a weekend to walk around and get a feel for the areas you’re considering. We have houses and flats London wide so it can be helpful to make a list of postcodes or even streets that you’d consider to narrow down your search.

Transport links

For some people, this is even more important than the area itself. Do you want to walk to work, or will anywhere that’s near a tube station on the right line do? If you drive out of London a lot, do you need easy access to the motorway?

Size and type

A few things to consider:

• House or flat in London?
• How many bedrooms? Do you need a spare room?
• Do you want outside space like a balcony or garden?

Budget

Ah! The big question. Set yourself a price range, and work it out by week and by month (Remember there are more than 4 weeks in a calendar month – about 4.3, in fact).

Be prepared to make adjustments if there are other benefits: a more expensive house or flat might be in an area of London with lower council tax, for instance.

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Step 2: Start looking

Once you know what you’re after, it’s time to start looking for houses or flats in London that measure up. Bear in mind that most landlords are looking for tenants who can move in within 2-4 weeks. If you won’t be ready to move by then, it might be worth waiting.

Use our online search at the top of this page on the right to set up your own search and find a house or flat by area, postcode, transport and more. We’ll email you details of homes that match what you’re looking for, and you can change your criteria at any time in My Place.

Our database is updated every two hours, so you’ll always see the latest houses or flats London wide.

If you'd rather talk to one of our local letting agents in London , contact one of our estate agents online, by phone or by dropping into your local branch. We’ll get you registered and start looking for your place straight away.

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Step 3: Look around the places you like

Once you’ve found a house or flat in London that you like the look of, we can make a viewing appointment so you can get a real feel for the place.

Although it’s best to look around a home in daylight, we’re open until 7pm during the week so you can take a look after work. We’re open on Saturdays too.

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Step 4: Agree to rent

Once you’ve decided on a particular home, we move into the letting agreed stage. You tell us you want to go ahead, and we’ll tell the landlord the good news.

This is when we check your references – there’s a reference fee to pay at this stage. Assuming there’s no problem, you then pay the deposit and advance rent, and you’re on the home straight.

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Step 5: Sign the tenancy agreement

We’ll handle the paperwork and provide a tenancy agreement for you and your landlord to sign. It’s legally binding, so make sure you read it carefully. We’re happy to answer any questions you have.

Among other things, it will tell you:

• The duration of tenancy – the minimum length of time you agree to rent for
• How much rent you will pay, and how often
• Your responsibilities regarding bills and maintenance
• Your rights as a tenant
• Your landlord’s responsibilities

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Step 6: Move in!

When the paperwork’s done and your deposit and first month’s rent are paid, the only thing left is to move into your London flat or house.

We’ll arrange for you to pick up the keys. You’ll usually get them from the inventory clerk, who’ll do the inspection at the same time.

The inventory lists every item in each room of the property, so it can be checked for losses or damage when you move out.

Where possible we use an independent inventory company at the beginning and end of all our tenancies, to make sure that the inventory is accurate and fair.

Welcome to your new home!

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