Is it best to find a London flat a few weeks ahead of time?

Question

Hi

I'm moving to London in 4 weeks for a two month duration, and I was wondering if it would be best to take the train to London for a few days next week to find a flat or just go down there in four weeks and leave my stuff in a hostel while I go flat hunting. Also, It seems like a lot of flats on gumtree are listed as "available now." Will they want to rent me the flat if I won't be paying for those first two weeks? Any other London flat hunting tips?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You don't stand a cat in h***s chance of getting one for two months! Minimum lets here are 6 months.

Answer 2

Don't rent, there are some great youth hostels in and around London that will be ideal for a two month jaunt and the added bonus is (if you want it) you will not be alone in a strange place. It don't matter how out going you are London is a big unfriendly place unless you know someone.  and damned expensive to boot.

Answer 3

I think you're smart to be keeping an eye on the Gumtree site.  I doubt anyone is going to hold a flat for you though.  You may have to get something closet to the date you're arriving in London.  Consider staying a few nights at a hostel if need be to make the sublet math work out.

http://www.Hostels.com/

Answer 4

Either - many places are available now, and for short-term lets they will probably want you to pay the extra 2 weeks, although some might let you off just to get the guaranteed rent. Most short-term lets at the moment are people who are leaving the city for summer and want to get some money back on their rent, so many of them are advertising in advance from a set date in the future. To be honest, I think it's up to you - whether you'd be comfortable finding somewhere at short notice or whether you'd rather have something set up in advance. I think you'll find something either way. I personally would come down a week or two weeks before, no more. Also, you should try

http://www.moveflat.com  as I think its MUCH better than Gumtree! Hx

Answer 5

I dont live in london, Im from kent but I do know that you havnt got a chance of renting a flat for two months.  Your best option is probably to stay in a hostel or do bed and breakfast or something like that.

On the other hand, have you looked up any holiday places in London.  People let their properties out for holiday makers alot so this may be a way for you to rent short-term.  I would think there would be alot of places like that around for tourists when they come here to see London.