When to start looking and where to look

House hunting can be daunting, especially if you're experiencing it for the first time. It's important to know when the best times are to start your search so you can find the right place for you. 

Here's our handy guide to house hunting: 

1. When to search

We'll break it down for you step by step, during each month, on when to start your search:

Nov-Jan: The Planning Phase

• Budget - discuss your budget and rent (remember you'll need to pay bills on top of this, too)
• Decide on suitable options
• Read guides 
• Research using search sites
• Find housemates

Dec-Apr: The Search Phase

• Start enquiring about properties
• Attend viewings
• Read through the contract
• Reserve the property

Apr-June: The Search Expansion Phase

• Note - There will be less availability around this time (and more expensive ones will be left)
• Expand your search
• Compromise wants

2. Types of accommodation

• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) - popular in areas like Gorgie, Fountainbridge and the West End.
• Private Student Houses/Flats - individual apartments, often in more residential areas.

3. Location

Checking the location of the houses you're looking at and the surrounding area is key, so definitely spend some time researching. Is it a busy area? Where's the nearest shop? Does it feel safe?

• Check properties on a good commute route - you want your journey to uni to be as easy as possible, especially for those early morning lectures.

4. Where to find houses

• Sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket and UniHomes are very reliable sources to look for student properties - UniHomes usually has bills included or set bill packages which can be really handy for budgeting.

House hunting is usually done online, but there are high street letting agents where you can just walk in and speak to someone.

• Google the letting agents before you go. Always check their reviews - if there's been any problems in the past (like maintenance), students will usually leave a review to say if they dealt with it promptly or if it was a big issue. You can usually see the patterns in the reviews.
• Avoid social media for house hunting. Scams are a big one on social media. If they have a lack of photos or not too much information about the property, then that's usually a sign of a scam. 

5. Housemates

Having a group of 4-5 people is typically the cheaper housing option, and there are usually a lot more properties available for that group size.

• £450-£650 per person (Dalry/Gorgie area - better value for money, 20-30 minute commute to campus).
• Again, websites and apps like Roome and SpareRoom are great ways to find flatmates. 

6. What to look for before viewing

Whether you're using external platforms like Rightmove or booking through letting agents, you should always check for:

• Reviews - is it a good student property?
• Location, size and rent
• How long is the contract?
• Is it furnished or part-furnished?
• Are white goods included (washing machine..)? Do they work or have any faults?

7. Viewings

When viewing the property, be mindful that this may be the only time you see/are in the property until you move in, so make sure you take a good look around.

What to look out for: 

• Check for condensation, damp and mould - bathrooms are typically the place for this
• Is it warm or drafty?
• What furniture is included?
• Are you all happy with the bedroom sizes? Can you compromise?
• What's the decor like?
• Check the water pressure
• Do you like the house? Can you see yourself living there?
• Ask MANY questions. It may feel awkward, but you might regret it if you don't - ask both the landlord and current tenants if they're there during the viewing.

Remember, you shouldn't be paying anything before you attend a viewing.

What's next?

Soon after your viewing, the letting agent or landlord will ask if you want to reserve/take the property. Just be prepared, there may be some pressure applied, but stay calm and smart. 

Contracts are legally binding, so make sure you and all your housemates read and understand exactly what the contract entails before signing. 

Remember: You don't need to take the first property you see.

Pro tip: After you've viewed the property, arrange to go for lunch or take a walk to discuss how you all feel about it. That way you can say to the landlord/agents you're gonna take "an hour" and come back or ring etc. 

If you have any questions, check out our: