When deciding where to live, it's important to ask yourself a few key questions to help narrow down your options. Consider the following:
If you're unsure about location or type of property, our team at Chancery Lettings can guide you in refining your search.
Most smaller properties, such as studios and one- or two-bedroom apartments, are typically either fully or part-furnished. Larger properties, especially those with three or more bedrooms, tend to be unfurnished.
A furnished property generally includes essential items like a bed, table, chairs, sofas, and kitchen appliances. Additional items like televisions or entertainment systems are usually at the landlord's discretion. Unfurnished properties will typically only include essential appliances such as a cooker, washing machine, and sometimes a dishwasher.
When viewing properties, be sure to ask whether they are furnished or unfurnished and factor any furniture needs into your offer.
London offers several transport options: public transport (tube, bus, overland trains), taxis, or driving yourself. Taxis can be expensive, and driving incurs parking fees and congestion charges.
For most, public transport is the most practical option. A monthly Oyster card, which covers the tube, buses, and trains, costs around £100-£150, depending on the zones. Alternatively, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper for less frequent travel. For more info, visit the Transport for London website.
Your commute time depends on your location and how well connected it is to public transport. Typically, the longest commute would take about an hour. Download the Citymapper app to check routes and commute times during your property viewings.
For short-term lets (less than 6 months), most utilities are included, except for phone and internet. For long-term rentals, utilities are usually not included, and you will need to set them up yourself unless Chancery Lettings is managing the property.
We’ll provide you with details of the current utility providers, and you’ll need to contact them to open an account.
Utility costs vary based on the size of the property and your usage, but typically broadband, satellite/cable, and similar services range from £20-£60 per month. Heating and electricity costs will depend on the property's size, energy efficiency, and season.
Council tax helps fund local services like rubbish collection, street cleaning, and public services. The amount you pay depends on the borough, the size of the property, and how many people live there. Charges typically range around £100 per month per household, but some boroughs (like Westminster) have lower rates.
The time it takes to find the right property can vary. Some tenants find their ideal home on the first viewing, while others may need to visit several properties. Typically, tenants view around 10 properties before making a decision.
Our agents will arrange tailored viewing tours to help you find the best matches, making your search as efficient as possible.
If the property is vacant and all paperwork and payments are in order, you could potentially move in within 48 hours. If there are existing tenants, your move-in date will depend on their vacating the property.
Maintenance responsibilities depend on whether your landlord has opted for Chancery Lettings' property management services. If we are managing the property, your dedicated property manager will handle any maintenance or repair requests.
If the landlord is self-managing, you’ll receive their contact details for direct communication.
London offers a wide range of excellent schools, both private and state-run. The right school for you depends on your personal preferences and your child's needs. We can help you find schools in areas that suit your location and criteria.
Pets are welcome in many properties, but not all landlords accept them due to building restrictions or personal preference. If you're bringing a pet, be prepared that it may limit the number of properties available to you.
Hospitals are generally easy to find in London, with each borough typically having at least one. Your Chancery Lettings agent can provide details on nearby medical facilities during your property viewing.
In the UK, estate agent fees are typically paid by the landlord, not the tenant.
Before renting, you’ll need to pass a series of reference checks, which will assess:
You’ll also need to provide proof of identity and possibly additional documentation. Once approved, a Tenancy Agreement will be drafted and signed by both parties, and you’ll need to pass ‘Right to Rent’ checks to verify your eligibility to rent in the UK.
You will need to make several payments before moving in, which include:
Your deposit is held by a government-backed Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme (TDS) to safeguard the landlord in case of property damage. If the property is returned in good condition, your deposit will be refunded.
Your landlord or letting agent will provide you with the details of the TDS within 30 days of receiving your deposit.
We recommend starting your search about 6 weeks before your desired move-in date. Properties on the market are often either vacant and ready to move into or will become available within a few weeks. Being flexible with your move-in date can increase your chances of securing your preferred property.