Renting a property in the UK without a job?
Jun 17th 2014, 2:53 pm
#16
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
I would have as much resources as you can to fund rent up front for however long they demand it, particularly if you don't have employment, employers references, landlord's references, bank statements etc. Here in Hampshire rental housing is very very expensive and as far as I can see, letting agents are leeches making money from it. I spoke to one recently and they were demanding over 200 pounds just for the preparation of the rental agreement! - hello, in Canada they do that for free! It's called the cost of doing business.
The whole thing makes me so sick after dealing with Canadian apartment companies who are worlds apart in terms of what they offer and what they charge. There is talk of reforming some of the rental rules in the UK (it's an election issue) and quite frankly, the sooner they do it, the better. I have actually seriously contemplated moving back to Canada in the long term because the housing market is so so bad here. And I knew it would be bad but coming back to it after my Canadian experience just makes the whole thing that much worse. The other alternative for me is to move North when I retire as rents are cheaper there but there are far fewer jobs. However, it's not something I particularly relish the idea of doing.
Also just to add, the governments Buy To Let scheme has made the whole thing that much worse - there are now a million little landlords who want to get in on the act and make as much money as they can out of tenants - it's disgusting.
The whole thing makes me so sick after dealing with Canadian apartment companies who are worlds apart in terms of what they offer and what they charge. There is talk of reforming some of the rental rules in the UK (it's an election issue) and quite frankly, the sooner they do it, the better. I have actually seriously contemplated moving back to Canada in the long term because the housing market is so so bad here. And I knew it would be bad but coming back to it after my Canadian experience just makes the whole thing that much worse. The other alternative for me is to move North when I retire as rents are cheaper there but there are far fewer jobs. However, it's not something I particularly relish the idea of doing.
Also just to add, the governments Buy To Let scheme has made the whole thing that much worse - there are now a million little landlords who want to get in on the act and make as much money as they can out of tenants - it's disgusting.
I think it can be a mistake to move into what many would describe as prime (London) commuter country if you yourself are not going to benefit from the income levels that commuting typically offers. Winchester has the double/triple-whammy of being regenerated hip with one of the very best schools, gateway to Wessex and commutable to London and Southampton and its Uni.
IF you are seeking employment and the salaries offered are unlikely to be skewed / weighted by location then it would certainly seem to make more sense to simply go where the rents are lowest and this implies being as far away from London as possible. In these areas, landlords also seem to get the lowest %age return on capital, meaning you as a tenant get more bang for your buck. You still need to avoid prime retirement country as these areas drive property prices and rents higher - areas such as South Hams and Christchurch.
We are currently working on renting in the West Country and all of the charges that you are talking off are on the table - be they set-up fees, reference-checking fees (spouses both get charged) - charges come to over 300 pounds plus VAT and we are taking it as given that we have to pay six month's rent in advance PLUS a deposit and the landlords stipulate no pets or benefits.
Fortunately, we are working on a WINTER let, so the place comes furnished and the rents are typically lower. WINTER LETS come in vacation centres for properties that rent by the week in season but for the entire winter out of season. Starts are typically in late September through to November. Apparently such properties sit on the agents' books for a number of years in this fashion.
Last edited by Pistolpete2; Jun 17th 2014 at 2:59 pm. Reason: to London and Southampton and its Uni.
Jun 17th 2014, 3:04 pm
#17
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
A couple of observations.
I think it can be a mistake to move into what many would describe as prime (London) commuter country if you yourself are not going to benefit from the income levels that commuting typically offers. Winchester has the double/triple-whammy of being regenerated hip with one of the very best schools, gateway to Wessex and commutable to London and Southampton and its Uni.
IF you are seeking employment and the salaries offered are unlikely to be skewed / weighted by location then it would certainly seem to make more sense to simply go where the rents are lowest and this implies being as far away from London as possible. In these areas, landlords also seem to get the lowest %age return on capital, meaning you as a tenant get more bang for your buck. You still need to avoid prime retirement country as these areas drive property prices and rents higher - areas such as South Hams and Christchurch.
We are currently working on renting in the West Country and all of the charges that you are talking off are on the table - be they set-up fees, reference-checking fees (spouses both get charged) - charges come to over 300 pounds plus VAT and we are taking it as given that we have to pay six month's rent in advance PLUS a deposit and the landlords stipulate no pets or benefits.
Fortunately, we are working on a WINTER let, so the place comes furnished and the rents are typically lower. WINTER LETS come in vacation centres for properties that rent by the week in season but for the entire winter out of season. Starts are typically in late September through to November. Apparently such properties sit on the agents' books for a number of years in this fashion.
I think it can be a mistake to move into what many would describe as prime (London) commuter country if you yourself are not going to benefit from the income levels that commuting typically offers. Winchester has the double/triple-whammy of being regenerated hip with one of the very best schools, gateway to Wessex and commutable to London and Southampton and its Uni.
IF you are seeking employment and the salaries offered are unlikely to be skewed / weighted by location then it would certainly seem to make more sense to simply go where the rents are lowest and this implies being as far away from London as possible. In these areas, landlords also seem to get the lowest %age return on capital, meaning you as a tenant get more bang for your buck. You still need to avoid prime retirement country as these areas drive property prices and rents higher - areas such as South Hams and Christchurch.
We are currently working on renting in the West Country and all of the charges that you are talking off are on the table - be they set-up fees, reference-checking fees (spouses both get charged) - charges come to over 300 pounds plus VAT and we are taking it as given that we have to pay six month's rent in advance PLUS a deposit and the landlords stipulate no pets or benefits.
Fortunately, we are working on a WINTER let, so the place comes furnished and the rents are typically lower. WINTER LETS come in vacation centres for properties that rent by the week in season but for the entire winter out of season. Starts are typically in late September through to November. Apparently such properties sit on the agents' books for a number of years in this fashion.
Jun 17th 2014, 3:11 pm
#18
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
If you are looking for a tenancy in North Devon, you might like to contact Colwills in Bude. They were our agents when we let out our house. Our tenants seem to have been happy with them -- so happy in fact that now they've moved out they are still going back to mow the lawn until we return!
college courses and good access to support facilities in sports, so it's likely to be Exeter/Exmouth/Starcross area for EXETER or Weymouth/Dorchester/Wareham/Rockley/Poole area for WEYMOUTH or ROCKLEY.There are a couple of specialist letting agents that have a good supply of appropriate properties but oh boy are they amateurish in the way they deal with us prospective customers in communications - more headless chickens.
Last edited by Pistolpete2; Jun 17th 2014 at 3:19 pm. Reason: There are a couple of specialist letting agents
Jun 17th 2014, 3:15 pm
#19
Was in Canada, now home.
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
OK. Good luck with your quest.
Jun 17th 2014, 3:29 pm
#20
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
Have got to get a couple of priority years under our belts first and then we shall see how the overall puzzle of UK, EU and St Lucia fits together.
I like your chosen area - always held a fascination for me, particularly when we vacationed in Port Gaverne in my teens, dining with Hartland Point light flashing in the distance in the dusk. West Country community!
I like your chosen area - always held a fascination for me, particularly when we vacationed in Port Gaverne in my teens, dining with Hartland Point light flashing in the distance in the dusk. West Country community!
Jun 17th 2014, 3:56 pm
#21
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
[QUOTE=Pistolpete2;11305445]A couple of observations.
I think it can be a mistake to move into what many would describe as prime (London) commuter country if you yourself are not going to benefit from the income levels that commuting typically offers. Winchester has the double/triple-whammy of being regenerated hip with one of the very best schools, gateway to Wessex and commutable to London and Southampton and its Uni.
IF you are seeking employment and the salaries offered are unlikely to be skewed / weighted by location then it would certainly seem to make more sense to simply go where the rents are lowest and this implies being as far away from London as possible. In these areas, landlords also seem to get the lowest %age return on capital, meaning you as a tenant get more bang for your buck. You still need to avoid prime retirement country as these areas drive property prices and rents higher - areas such as South Hams and Christchurch.
This is all well and good if jobs are available in these areas - but the UK employment market is very skewed to the South East - so a lot of people are stuck with paying high rents in the South East. If you have a choice, of course it makes sense to go to other places - I did 2 degrees up North - 1 in Newcastle and 1 in Sheffield. Would go back to those places in a heartbeat if I could find a job there ... but coming from Canada it made sense in the short term to move to the South East because that's where all the jobs are - it's the easiest place to pick up a job.
BTW I don't live in Winchester - I live outside it. I spoke to staff at Winchester city council recently and they said the same thing - everyone they know lives outside the city - it's too expensive to live in it!
I think it can be a mistake to move into what many would describe as prime (London) commuter country if you yourself are not going to benefit from the income levels that commuting typically offers. Winchester has the double/triple-whammy of being regenerated hip with one of the very best schools, gateway to Wessex and commutable to London and Southampton and its Uni.
IF you are seeking employment and the salaries offered are unlikely to be skewed / weighted by location then it would certainly seem to make more sense to simply go where the rents are lowest and this implies being as far away from London as possible. In these areas, landlords also seem to get the lowest %age return on capital, meaning you as a tenant get more bang for your buck. You still need to avoid prime retirement country as these areas drive property prices and rents higher - areas such as South Hams and Christchurch.
This is all well and good if jobs are available in these areas - but the UK employment market is very skewed to the South East - so a lot of people are stuck with paying high rents in the South East. If you have a choice, of course it makes sense to go to other places - I did 2 degrees up North - 1 in Newcastle and 1 in Sheffield. Would go back to those places in a heartbeat if I could find a job there ... but coming from Canada it made sense in the short term to move to the South East because that's where all the jobs are - it's the easiest place to pick up a job.
BTW I don't live in Winchester - I live outside it. I spoke to staff at Winchester city council recently and they said the same thing - everyone they know lives outside the city - it's too expensive to live in it!
Jun 17th 2014, 4:20 pm
#22
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
[QUOTE=Englishmaple;11305543]
I know you don't - I've read your posts ref finding a job in Winchester etc. but when trying to help when you were looking at choices and getting or not getting a car, I looked at rental property in out and around Winchester but to no avail for anything affordable, since proximity to Winchester and Southampton is a cost driver on top of London access and desirable spots such as Stockbridge and Romsey are sky-high.
Andover seemed possibly the only viable option because nowhere else was large enough and non-commutable enough to have decent rental supply.
Unfortunately for renters, property really is the only game in town and has been in the UK for quite a while as working for a living seemingly becomes less and less rewarding, not helped by the ongoing supply of cheaper money and a general lack of building.
Andover seemed possibly the only viable option because nowhere else was large enough and non-commutable enough to have decent rental supply.
Unfortunately for renters, property really is the only game in town and has been in the UK for quite a while as working for a living seemingly becomes less and less rewarding, not helped by the ongoing supply of cheaper money and a general lack of building.
Jun 17th 2014, 4:21 pm
#23
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
Sorry, didn't state the current position correctly. But it is not correct either that HB can only go to the landlord if tenant is 4 weeks behind. Tenants in arrears are one category. Vulnerable tenants are another, and most importantly HB can be paid direct to the landlord in order to secure a tenancy. That is going to go with UC and it will make it more difficult for claimants to find accommodation.
Editha most rental adverts around here say NO DSS and NO Unemployed .... so the whole HB thing is rather academic I think - very different from Canada where, so long as you can pay the rent, they don't care so much where it's coming from.
Jun 17th 2014, 4:24 pm
#24
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
[QUOTE=Pistolpete2;11305572]
I know you don't - I've read your posts ref finding a job in Winchester etc. but when trying to help when you were looking at choices and getting or not getting a car, I looked at rental property in out and around Winchester but to no avail for anything affordable, since proximity to Winchester and Southampton is a cost driver on top of London access and desirable spots such as Stockbridge and Romsey are sky-high.
Andover seemed possibly the only viable option because nowhere else was large enough and non-commutable enough to have decent rental supply.
Unfortunately for renters, property really is the only game in town and has been in the UK for quite a while as working for a living seemingly becomes less and less rewarding, not helped by the ongoing supply of cheaper money and a general lack of building.
I have been told that Eastleigh is cheap - but I've also read reviews online that indicate that it's not a great place to live (I have no idea) - it's somewhere I might consider if I pass my job probation and enjoy the job and decide to stay in Hampshire long term.
Winchester city staff also suggested Southampton as well.
I don't know what commuting up the M3 is like though?
I know you don't - I've read your posts ref finding a job in Winchester etc. but when trying to help when you were looking at choices and getting or not getting a car, I looked at rental property in out and around Winchester but to no avail for anything affordable, since proximity to Winchester and Southampton is a cost driver on top of London access and desirable spots such as Stockbridge and Romsey are sky-high.
Andover seemed possibly the only viable option because nowhere else was large enough and non-commutable enough to have decent rental supply.
Unfortunately for renters, property really is the only game in town and has been in the UK for quite a while as working for a living seemingly becomes less and less rewarding, not helped by the ongoing supply of cheaper money and a general lack of building.
I have been told that Eastleigh is cheap - but I've also read reviews online that indicate that it's not a great place to live (I have no idea) - it's somewhere I might consider if I pass my job probation and enjoy the job and decide to stay in Hampshire long term.
Winchester city staff also suggested Southampton as well.
I don't know what commuting up the M3 is like though?
Jun 17th 2014, 4:37 pm
#25
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
For those who want to read about letting agents - see:
Renter Girl: This Is Why We Hate Them
- be warned, this is a very very very depressing blog to read - particularly if you are looking to move back to the UK and find rental property. On a par with the Guardian newspaper articles which are here:
Private rented sector | Housing Network | The Guardian
If you can't afford to buy property in the UK then the rental market is currently a very rough ride.
I don't know what I'm going to do longterm as if I use all my savings as a large deposit on a mortgage, then I will have no or little pension (beyond the state one) when I retire - and given the way utilities and bills are going up generally I won't be able to manage on that.
It's deeply depressing.
Renter Girl: This Is Why We Hate Them
- be warned, this is a very very very depressing blog to read - particularly if you are looking to move back to the UK and find rental property. On a par with the Guardian newspaper articles which are here:
Private rented sector | Housing Network | The Guardian
If you can't afford to buy property in the UK then the rental market is currently a very rough ride.
I don't know what I'm going to do longterm as if I use all my savings as a large deposit on a mortgage, then I will have no or little pension (beyond the state one) when I retire - and given the way utilities and bills are going up generally I won't be able to manage on that.
It's deeply depressing.
Jun 17th 2014, 4:42 pm
#26
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
[QUOTE=Englishmaple;11305575]
I have been told that Eastleigh is cheap - but I've also read reviews online that indicate that it's not a great place to live (I have no idea) - it's somewhere I might consider if I pass my job probation and enjoy the job and decide to stay in Hampshire long term.
Winchester city staff also suggested Southampton as well.
I don't know what commuting up the M3 is like though?
I wasn't keen to push Southampton and environs on you - because I just don't know - but Eastleigh would on the face of it work by rail too, if needed on occasion. Not sure how far work is from the station in Winchester. There's supply of true one beds within 1/2 a mile of Eastleigh station, under 500.
I get a sense that all the motorways in the southeast area are busy these days around rush-hour and beyond, because so many drive and are quite prepared to drive good distances to leverage off lower HOME property prices where they can, and the M3 just north of Southampton weaves into other motorways to urban areas such as Portsmouth/Havant and Ringwood/Bournemouth.
I have been told that Eastleigh is cheap - but I've also read reviews online that indicate that it's not a great place to live (I have no idea) - it's somewhere I might consider if I pass my job probation and enjoy the job and decide to stay in Hampshire long term.
Winchester city staff also suggested Southampton as well.
I don't know what commuting up the M3 is like though?
I get a sense that all the motorways in the southeast area are busy these days around rush-hour and beyond, because so many drive and are quite prepared to drive good distances to leverage off lower HOME property prices where they can, and the M3 just north of Southampton weaves into other motorways to urban areas such as Portsmouth/Havant and Ringwood/Bournemouth.
Jun 18th 2014, 10:12 am
#27
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
Hi,
Thanks for all your posts, lots of food for thought!
I have to agree with you (I know lots wouldn't) its an amazing city. My OH is from Liverpool and its where we had our children. If we had to live a UK city Liverpool would be at the top of my list.
Thanks for all your posts, lots of food for thought!
Spouse of Scouse
I know that a lot of people pooh pooh Liverpool as a place to live, but I honestly can't see why. Obviously there are good and not so good suburbs but there are heaps of nice places to live. I've enjoyed performances by the Liverpool Philharmonic, been to live theatre performances, the museums and cathedrals. Festivals and street theatre, a top class teaching hospital, fantastic shopping and a great array of restaurants and pubs. I don't mind it being so underrated though, we could never have afforded the type of apartment we've bought if it'd been in a more popular area, and it would have been just a dream in Australia.
I know that a lot of people pooh pooh Liverpool as a place to live, but I honestly can't see why. Obviously there are good and not so good suburbs but there are heaps of nice places to live. I've enjoyed performances by the Liverpool Philharmonic, been to live theatre performances, the museums and cathedrals. Festivals and street theatre, a top class teaching hospital, fantastic shopping and a great array of restaurants and pubs. I don't mind it being so underrated though, we could never have afforded the type of apartment we've bought if it'd been in a more popular area, and it would have been just a dream in Australia.
Jun 18th 2014, 10:40 am
#28
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
What's the job market like in Liverpool?
I will, in time, probably move from the South East if I can get a job further North and would certainly consider Liverpool.
However, my impression is that the UK is sharply split by the majority of the jobs being in the South East - a little like in Ontario, Canada - where all the jobs are in the South and in particular big cities (e.g. Toronto).
I really wish the UK government would relocate some of it's offices around the country - that would stop people being held hostage to living in a particular location because of the relatively plentiful supply of jobs there.
I will, in time, probably move from the South East if I can get a job further North and would certainly consider Liverpool.
However, my impression is that the UK is sharply split by the majority of the jobs being in the South East - a little like in Ontario, Canada - where all the jobs are in the South and in particular big cities (e.g. Toronto).
I really wish the UK government would relocate some of it's offices around the country - that would stop people being held hostage to living in a particular location because of the relatively plentiful supply of jobs there.
Jun 18th 2014, 10:48 am
#29
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
Hi
Was wondering if anyone has been able to rent a property in the UK without having a job?
We will be returning without a job and will need to initially rent but we will not have jobs on our return. We will be able to prove that we have funds to pay the rent or if needed pay rent upfront (would rather not though)
Also will be able to give previous landlord/s from UK and NZ for a reference.
Would be grateful if anyone has any experience or advice on how hard or easy this will be.
Was wondering if anyone has been able to rent a property in the UK without having a job?
We will be returning without a job and will need to initially rent but we will not have jobs on our return. We will be able to prove that we have funds to pay the rent or if needed pay rent upfront (would rather not though)
Also will be able to give previous landlord/s from UK and NZ for a reference.
Would be grateful if anyone has any experience or advice on how hard or easy this will be.
Jun 18th 2014, 10:56 am
#30
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Re: Renting a property in the UK without a job?
Unfortunately the UK economy has almost returned to its 2007 output level by substituting manufacturing and some financial services (hundreds of thousands of job losses often in provincial cities) with business services, skewing things London's way again. Businesses not HQ'd in London are nevertheless HQ'd in the Home Counties. Obviously a big part of this is logistics - access for goods and personnel to the Continent and beyond. Hence the poor job prospects in faraway places such as Cornwall, apart from in academics.
Last edited by Pistolpete2; Jun 18th 2014 at 11:03 am. Reason: Obviously a big part of this is logistics
