1
Establishing your finances
Understanding what your budget is before you start your search gives you a realistic idea of the size, location and type of property you can afford and make the search process much more efficient.
2
Identifying location and requirements
Whether you are looking to move into your first flat or house, or you are relocating from an existing property, you will need to identify the area you want to move to and your requirements. The more you know about what you want from both the property itself and the area, the easier your search will be.
3
Choosing the type of let
The type of let you decide upon will depend on your circumstances, but whether you are looking for a short stay or something longer term, there are properties to suit every need.
4
Searching for and viewing properties
The more you know about what you want, the easier your search will be. Checking out the surroundings can give you a real time feel for the neighbourhood, as well as distances to transport links and other local amenities.
5
Securing a property to rent
The rental market moves at a fast pace and quality properties are often snapped up very quickly. Once you have found a property you want to move into, this is the “let agreed” stage of the process, but remains subject to contract. This is when you will pay a holding deposit and go through the reference checks.
6
Preparing for moving day
The day you move house is likely to be a busy one, but you can make the process less stressful with good preparation.
7
Possible problems and pitfalls
A tenancy agreement will protect your rights as a tenant, but there are various scenarios you may encounter which may cause issues. It is wise to plan ahead before committing to a tenancy.