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Your Guide to Renting in a Major City

Posted on: Friday, July 15, 2022

From towering skyscrapers, bustling nightlife, to buzzing crowds and endless social plans, there’s one word that comes to mind when you think of living in a major city: excitement. But all good things come with some setbacks, so here are the things you’ll need to know about life as a tenant in a major city. 

Plan out your budget 

With inflation rates on the rise, and cities like London being renowned for steep living costs, you will need to put your spending habits into a monthly plan. Avoid the post-payday drought by putting money aside for spur-of-the-moment plans or any unexpected costs. Although cities offer a huge diversity of tempting takeaways, shops, and restaurants, it’s a good idea to limit these luxuries down to occasional treats.  

Factor in your commute 

A long commute could take a sizeable chunk out of your monthly budget, so a good deal of research before submitting your application is advisable. The closer you can live to your workplace or school, the better. It’s also worth noting that properties situated closer to popular transport links are likely to charge more in rent, so it’s up to you to weigh up the pros and cons. A good way to cut back on transportation costs is cycling, just make sure you stick to cycle paths and avoid roads if you’re inexperienced, as traffic in the city can be dangerous during rush hour!

Choose the best time to move 

Demand for rental property is booming year-round, but if you time your move right or at least plan ahead, you’ll allow yourself more options. Summer is a busy season with recent graduates finishing their degree and relocating for new jobs, families moving during school holidays and undergraduate students migrating to finish their studies elsewhere. A great way to get ahead is to start looking at properties a few months in advance.

Get to know the locals 

 

For those new to the city, culture shock is inevitable, and it can be hard to acclimate yourself at first. Busy cities and their residents come with different manners and customs which may take some getting used to. Befriending a local who can offer support and show you around is a great way to get settled. 

Consider shared accommodation 

City prices vary massively and if you’re looking to spend less of your income on rent, then you might want to consider having a roommate. Halving your rent and bills of course has its advantages, but bear in mind, you should know the person well before moving in with them and have a good idea of whether living with them would be easy. Someone who has a stable job and a history of renting is highly preferable.  

Consult with a property professional 

If you’re moving to a city that you don’t know much about, then seeking advice from an estate agent is the best way to gain some expert insight. They will already know your city inside out and will be able to provide you with options based on your budget, desired location and move-in date. 

Contact us 

The Guild offers a stunning range of properties from countless cities. Whether you’re renting or buying, one of our Guild Members will be able to find your perfect home!

 

What Our
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I would highly recommend Hardings. Their knowledge of the local area is outstanding, and they give honest and reliable advice. They have always been my partner of choice when buying and selling.

Rhiannon Prothero

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Have used Hardings for many year on both personal and commercial property deals. Have always found them to be transparent, honest, authentic, and a pleasure to work with. Will continue to use in the future.

TB

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I would highly recommend Hardings Estate Agents. They have excellent knowledge of Windsor and the surrounding areas, and are extremely professional, responsive and courteous. I would not hesitate to using them again the future. I recently dealt with Milica who was instrumental in securing us our new home in Windsor as well as the sale of our existing property. She was a fab negotiator and a real pleasure to work with from beginning to end. Thank you!

Jonathon Beresford

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Hardings of Windsor managed our purchase with complete professionalism and went over and above in my opinion to manage the transaction and chain, resulting in a really smooth purchase. Milica at Hardings constantly provided timely updates and managed respective solicitors and the chain effectively, always responding quickly to queries. The whole transaction would not have happened without Milicas' focus on making all parties comfortable and satisfying all queries, not only professional but a delightful and welcoming personal approach that was a constant throughout. Thanks Hardings! Thanks Milica!

Stuart Blatch

"

I would recommend using Hardings estate agents when buying or selling your property. Dominic (Scully) was always available, helpful and genuinely interested in my purchase and always calm and compassionate. If I ever move again my first choice will be Hardings.

Cath Powell

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Dom and the team at Hardings were so helpful and efficient when I purchased my flat - friendly and professional service and kept us up-to-date the whole way through the process. It was my first time buying and so was very nervous but they helped me feel at ease.

Freppell

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We bought and sold through Hardings and can't recommend their professional service enough. The whole Team are really lovely, we were kept informed throughout the process and never had to chase anything.

Natalie Quint

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I used Hardings when I bought my property as well as when I sold it and the service has been fantastic both times. I very much recommend Hardings!

Therese Jouini

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We recently purchased our new home with Hardings Estate Agents. The whole team there were very helpful and flexible with us, arranging viewings quickly on the same day. They were always quick to respond and if ever our point of contact was not there, the service did not change as they work well together as a team. We received a personalised service, which allowed the sale to proceed quickly. Thank you all and we recommend Hardings Estate Agents without hesitation.

Mike B

"

What a pleasure it was to deal with Milica from Hardings. She sourced the perfect property for me and my family (while we were still abroad) and worked endlessly to put the deal together. I would give more than 5 stars if at all possible!

C D

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Fantastic customer service and made what could have been stressful a total breeze. Dominic and Louisa were brilliant in helping me and my parents buy and sell our houses - reliable, helpful and thoughtful. Thank you!

Eloise Harris

"

Thank you, Dominic and Louisa - having not moved for over 30 years you helped me all the way, step by step. You were always polite, communicative, reassuring and very supportive. Would recommend Hardings wholeheartedly.

Anna Bowen
How Much is Your Property Worth?

How Much is Your Property Worth?

A senior member of our sales team will visit your property to discuss current market trends and how your home; based on size, condition and location should be pitched to achieve the best possible price and buyer. Coupled with an excellent understanding of the local market we do a detailed analysis of what else has sold and what is coming onto the market so we can give you the best chance to capitalise on your biggest asset.

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