UK Guide: Housing & Rentals

Finding accommodation can be a time-consuming task, especially in a foreign country. Our housing guide explains where to look for appartments and accommodation, how to deal with local estate agents and what to bear in mind before signing a rental contract.

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  The rental market

  Is it hard to find accommodation?

  Britain’s rental market is much smaller in size when compared to continental Europe, with only 10% of families living in private rented accommodation.

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  Getting started

  How to prepare your housing search

  Looking for accommodation in the UK can be a time-consuming and nerve-wracking experience. Whatever you do, give yourself plenty of time as you will be much more likely to get what you are looking for this way.

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  Classifieds

  Big choice - big competition

  You can find advertisements for apartments to rent and buy in local newspapers and from many online sources. Look for the ‘classifieds’ section, where there should be a section on property.

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  Appointments

  Visiting an apartment

  Set appointments as soon as possible. The longer you wait –even if it’s only a matter of hours– the greater the chance that the apartment will be rented before you get there.

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  Estate agents

  How to deal with paid search services

  Estate (US: real estate) agents are private companies that deal in renting or selling property. Estate agents often have the most attractive accommodation, as many landlords do not wish to spend time looking for and contracting tenants. In many cases, you never see the landlord as the agent handles all administrative tasks.

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  Alternative options

  Shared flats

  For those on a small budget, shared flats can be a cheaper alternative to renting a full apartment.

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  Contracts

  All you need to know before signing a rental agreement

  Standard rental contracts are designed to protect your interests as well as those of the landlord. As it is usually the landlord who provides the contract, it is important that you completely understand its implications.

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  Glossary

  British housing terms and abbreviations

  The following glossary gives an overview of the most important housing terms, and the short-hand for interpreting classified ads.

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