How to Find the Perfect Rental Property

Keys to a Good Let. Find the Right Rental Property.

Stop browsing. Start choosing. Let's find your ideal rental. These points will help narrow it down.

Location. Location. Location.

Know where you want to move? Try visiting during rush hour. Late evening. On a Saturday morning. Try to get a full sense of an area. How bad is the traffic? Are there enough pubs and social activities? Check crime rates, flood risk and planned developments.

Top tip: Register your interest with local estate agents. Ask them if there are other areas nearby that suit your needs. Check out local Facebook groups to get a sense of the community.

Budget without blind spots.

Use a rent affordability calculator to check costs. Don't forget service charges, council tax and utilities. Are there compromises? Our lettings team can show options. From larger properties in a different area to smaller homes closer to amenities.

Top tip: Think about the long game. What's the EPC rating? How much will commuting cost? A place that looks affordable on paper can quickly become more expensive.

Choose what Goldilocks would approve.

It’s not about chasing square footage or features you won't use. The goal is to find a space that feels ‘just right’ for your day-to-day. Do you need a quiet corner for remote work? Love to host friends? Could a bigger kitchen matter more than an oversized bedroom? Prioritise what fits your lifestyle.

And don’t forget the furniture fit test. Will your sofa get through the door? Does your bed fit the frame? A home can become a costly headache if you’re replacing furniture to move in.

Top tip: Bring a tape measure and key furniture dimensions to viewings.

Do a Sherlock sweep.

Fresh paint can hide dampness. Look under sinks for tell-tale signs. Test windows for drafts and run the shower for pressure. Ask when the boiler was last serviced.

Good to know: Landlords are legally required to provide an updated Gas Safety Certificate each year with an Electrical Installation Condition Report at least every 5 years. They should be able to provide these when you ask.

Good Let. Great Landlord.

A landlord can make or break your experience. A responsive landlord will likely handle repairs quick and communicate well. If their property is fully managed by a lettings team, you’ll have extra peace of mind. We have a clear system for reporting problems and chasing updates.

Top tip: Ask who manages repairs. Is there a plan in place? Do you have a trusted list of suppliers to contact?

Netflix or Net-fix.

Slow internet is more common than people think. Broadband speeds vary, even in the same town. Check what providers cover the postcode and run a speed test during a viewing.

Top tip: If you can, ask the current tenants what speeds they get. Have they had issues before?

Let’s get moving.

With 10 connected offices, we have plenty of properties for you to choose from. Start your search by registering on our database.