Getting On The Market

Now that the first semester of the year is closing in on the end, and yes that has come around very quickly, some of your friends or course pals might have been looking at houses for next year already.

But it’s so soon you cry! I’m sorry but it’s true. House hunting has commenced so don’t miss out on the perfect place because of a little disorganisation. Be careful though, the excitement can whisk you away into a house that isn’t actually all that great.

So here’s a few things you should look out for while you’re having a browse:

1. DAMP

This one is a biggie, and the top of my list. Don’t be fooled by bad paint jobs or furniture strategically placed to hide some troublesome corners. There’s always the musky scent too that’s a struggle to hide.

2. What’s Included? 

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know what’s included in your rent price. That means your bills, any appliances you might need to buy, or a TV license. If you’re not careful it could all add up out of your budget, and you’ll be drowned in all those water bills you can’t afford.

3. Storage Space 

Depending on how many of you are going to get a place together, this might be a big issue or it might not. Check kitchen cupboard space, and bedroom space, is there enough room for a wardrobe as well as your desk? If you’re sharing a room with your partner, is there space for all of your stuff? Or is there even space to get away from each other?

4. The Area

Being around uni, you might not get much say in what kind of area you have to live in, but there will always be better and worse places within a city, even a little one like Derby. Check out the area, see how long a walk to the shops might be, how early you’ll have to wake up to get to your 9ams on time, and maybe how close the pub is.

5. The Landlord

Do they live nearby? Not every landlord lives near their properties. If something goes wrong and it’s not your fault, you will possibly need a helping hand from your landlord. So make sure you know their name and address before it’s a sealed deal.

Most of all, find somewhere that puts a smile on your face and you’re happy to call home for the next year, if you’ve never lived away from home this could be a very big step for you. It’s nerve racking but leaving it last minute will only make it worse! So get house hunting!