Published August 6, 2024
Finding your next rental could be challenging, and many newcomers are unsure of where to begin. Here’s a list of some points to consider when searching for your perfect neighbourhood. By taking these factors into account, you’ll be well on your way to finding the ideal place to call home.
Making a list of questions will define your priorities. Here are some to consider:
By answering these questions, you’ll have a clearer idea of what you are looking for in your next rental. This will also help you narrow down your search and find the perfect place that meets your needs.
Money Matters: Define Your Budget
After outlining your priorities, it's crucial to establish your budget. You need to know how much you're willing to spend every month on your future home. It's important not to waste time looking at properties in neighbourhoods that are well beyond your possibilities. Keep yourself realistic about what you can afford; this approach will save you time and allow you to focus your search more effectively.
Consider the following:
- What is the maximum rent that you can pay each month?
- Don't forget the additional expenses (taxes, utilities and services).
- Consider that the expenses of each neighbourhood may vary due to the lifestyle of its residents and the cost of the rent.
By setting a clear budget, you will avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a property out of your range. Remember, it is important to find the balance between what you desire and what you can afford.
The Power of Being Open-Minded: Your Key to Finding Your Next Dream House
Be flexible in your options. Perhaps there's a house that does not appeal to you in the photos, or maybe it seems it is not located next to an amenity that you consider a must-have. However, if you visit the house, it could surprise you. Being open-minded provides more possibilities and encourages you to keep looking for your future dream house. This approach will help you filter the properties you may like, preventing you from wasting time looking at options that you wouldn’t rent.
Navigate the Rental Market with the Experts: Use Property Portals
Property portals are the ultimate tools for renters seeking their next property. In this case, rentaroof could be your best option. Here you can find all the information that you need, such as a preview of neighbourhoods, city guides, and filter options according to your needs and budget. Finding a residence in the United Kingdom can be challenging due to the limited availability of rental properties, amplifying the demand. By utilising rentaroof, you can promptly receive new listings that match your preferences directly to your inbox once they are added to our platform. The team at rentaroof diligently searches through over 3,500 websites daily to gather the latest property listings on their platform.
Find Your Perfect Match: The First Impression Matters
It's better to form a first impression in person by visiting your potential future neighbourhood at different times of day: morning, afternoon, and night. This will allow you to observe basic amenities such as nearby shops, the condition of local parks, traffic, the average age of your potential neighbours, and how safe you feel in the area.
As part of your research, you can also:
- Check crime rates on police.uk by entering your postcode and reviewing the statistics.
- Engage with the neighbours to gather as many reviews as possible, which can help you understand the type of neighbourhood it is.
- Investigate if the neighbourhood has a residents' association, as some areas have a strong sense of community and organise group activities. These associations often work together to achieve improvements in the neighbourhood.
By taking these steps, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the area and make a more informed decision about your potential new home.
Mindset for the Future: Long-Term Thinking
Keep yourself open to different options and imagine yourself in the same home for the next few years. In this case, you can plan further and consider whether it is wise to have some schools nearby or amenities that you may need in the future. Don't make statements such as 'If something goes wrong, I can always move'. Every move requires effort and planning. Consider this before you start renting, and also think about being well-connected with work in case you change your job in the near future.
Extra Tip: Last but Not Least - Keys to Finding Your Perfect Home Based on Your Lifestyle
If you are a single young professional or student looking for a vibrant place to live in proximity to amenities such as restaurants, pubs, clubs, and trendy cafes, take into account that these neighbourhoods are often located in the city centre or minutes away from it. In these areas, you can find affordable rooms in modern studios. Perhaps for you, the location is more important than the size of your new home. You might start looking for alternatives in Bristol, Manchester, or London.
If you are looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood, it’s good to keep in mind that you need proximity to schools and nurseries. The gov.uk website could be handy for finding your perfect option. Green spaces, supermarkets, and hospitals are also important, as what matters for you is the quality of life and space for your family. In this case, most of the tranquil zones will generally be located on the outskirts of the city centre. You might seek alternatives in Coventry, Oxford, or Leeds.
If you are looking for a place with a mix of amenities no matter your age, some of the best cities with good value are: Leeds, which is a fast-growing city and well-connected; Birmingham, as the second largest city in the UK, provides various housing options and excellent transport links; and Manchester, which offers easy access to nature areas and has a more affordable cost in comparison to London.
The high demand for rental properties in the UK is driven by several factors:
- Rising property prices.
- Population growth and urbanisation.
- Many students choosing to study at prestigious UK universities.
According to rentaroof experts, Stoke-on-Trent is one of the cheapest places to live in the UK with an average monthly rent of approximately £800 for a two-bedroom property. This makes Stoke-on-Trent the most affordable city, with convenient access to major cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Nottingham, which can be easily reached within less than an hour. Whether you are a young professional, a student, or a family looking for somewhere to live, Stoke-on-Trent has a suitable option for everyone.
For three main reasons: renting gives you the flexibility to explore different neighbourhoods. Many rentals have modern amenities close by, which could increase your quality of life without extra expenses. Renting can provide access to prime locations, such as city centre areas that could be financially out of reach for many potential buyers.
The UK rental market is currently facing a housing shortage, so it's crucial to start searching early! With rentaroof's rapid and free property alerts, you'll always be one of the first to know about new and suitable listings. Rentaroof scours more than 3,500 websites a day and collects all the newest listings on their platform.
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