Congrats on crushing your course and landing the dream job! But hold on, your company's offices are located in a different city from where you currently reside. Don't sweat it, if you're moving to a new city in the UK and feeling a bit uncertain, this guide is here to help you find the perfect pad! With a little bit of know-how and some insider tips, you'll be settled in and feeling at home in no time.
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Unleash the power of your network!
Hunt for rental rooms or apartments by tapping into the resources of your social circle - be it your close friends or distant acquaintances. Your quest for a new abode could be a lucky break if you happen to know someone who has a rental. And if not, they might still have valuable contacts and information to steer you in the right direction.
Joining Expat Groups in a New City
Feeling lost in a new city as a foreigner? Don't fret! Connect with others from your home country by joining local expat groups. They'll provide you with the comfort of speaking your language and offer valuable insights on food and housing options.
Say you're a Vietnamese like me moving to Edinburgh, check out Vietsoc Edinburgh on Facebook! This group is full of young people looking for housing, or landlords seeking tenants. It's a great place to start your search for a place to stay. With similar groups in cities across the UK, like Vietsoc Birmingham and Vietsoc Manchester, your housing search just got easier.
Getting Help from your Company and Coworkers
Finding a suitable house in the UK can be a challenge, especially if you're new to the area. If you're having trouble finding a place, reach out to your company for support. They may have some handy resources like allowing you to work from home for a month while you continue your search, temporary housing options, or connections with other colleagues who are on a similar housing quest.
My coworkers have been a great source of information for me in my housing search. Thanks to their tips and advice, I've got a better grasp on topics like real estate websites, agents, deposit regulations, and safe neighbourhoods. Plus, the search for a place to live has become a great way to make new friends and bond with my colleagues during downtime.
When I was searching for a place in Edinburgh, my colleagues recommended two real estate agents: Ducan McKenzie Property and Umega. If you're looking for a long-term rental in Edinburgh, check them out!
House Hunting on Websites
I and my buds have checked out a few websites for house hunting and I'll share some of our faves with you.
For whole apartment rentals, check out OpenRent, OnTheMarket, RightMove and Zoopla.
These are great options if you're searching for a place to call your own, whether it's a studio or a family-sized apartment. Just a heads up, you might stumble upon some single rooms on these sites too. OpenRent is super responsive - you'll usually get a reply from the landlord pronto. And my colleagues have had luck with OnTheMarket - they've found some pretty sweet digs on there.
If you're looking for a single room to rent, Gumtree and Spareroom are the way to go.
These sites are especially handy for those who are new to the city, or for those who are just starting out in the working world and want to save some cash. While Gumtree is a one-stop-shop for everything from real estate to cars to jobs to household items, Spareroom is all about finding a place to rent. In my opinion, Spareroom takes the cake because they focus solely on rental properties and have a team that checks all posts before they go live, so you don't have to worry about scams.
My advice is to give both of these sites a try and see which one works best for you. Just remember to always do your due diligence and check out the house and landlord information before making any deposits. I lucked out and found my dream room on Spareroom without any extra fees - and you can too! Check out my blog post on how to find a house on Spareroom here.
Finding Housing Rentals on Facebook Groups
Every city has its own Facebook groups dedicated to helping people like you find the perfect abode. Take Edinburgh, for instance - I've stumbled upon two lively groups that are goldmines of housing options:
Edinburgh: Rooms and Flatmates Offered/Wanted
Just remember, since anyone can post on these groups, it's important to thoroughly verify the landlord's ID and the agent's license before before making any commitments.
Finding a Home with the Help of Real Estate Agents
When it comes to finding a new home, real estate agents can be a real lifesaver. They're often quick to respond and make the search process much more convenient. But before you start working with a real estate agent, there are a few things you should have ready:
- Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months that show your salary deposits or rent payments (in case you're new to the job market or still a student without pay stubs from the last 3 to 6 months).
- A recommendation letter and/or contact information from your previous landlord or real estate agent.
- A recommendation letter and/or contact information from your boss or HR department.
- Utility bills (electricity, water, internet) in your name to prove your current address.
It's also important to make sure that the real estate agent you're working with is reputable. To do this, you can:
- Check their license.
- Visit their website to see if they're legitimate.
- Read reviews of the company on Google.
Seeking a Temporary Residence before Settling into a Long-Term Home
If you are new to the UK, it is advisable to start by finding temporary accommodation before settling on a long-term home. This will give you time to familiarise yourself with the area and find a place that suits your needs. If your company offers housing for employees, you can stay there while you look for a more permanent solution. If not, you can opt for temporary accommodation options like Airbnb or book a room at a hotel or guesthouse through websites such as Booking or Expedia.
Here's to a smooth and successful housing transition!
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