What type of Shared Flat?
Shared flats come in a variety of shapes and sizes each with their own benefits (or drawbacks!) and you need to make sure the one you pick is the right one for you.
Live-In Landlord
Many homeowners are looking for tenants to live with them in order to reduce their costs and to have someone else around. This can be a tricky one. On the plus side, any issues with the property will get sorted quickly, and getting in touch with them when you need to couldn’t be easier. Plus, depending on the landlord in question, they may take care of the property and want to keep it in a clean condition.
However, what if this isn’t the case? If your live-in landlord isn’t a particularly clean or tidy person, you might find yourself in a difficult position. It may be uncomfortable to bring up the issue with someone within their own property. All this points to the main potential issue of a live-in landlord, which is that it may be hard to feel at home rather than a lodger in someone else’s house.
Traditional Flat Shares
In a traditional flat share, two or more people shared responsibility for maintaining a flat, from the tidying to the bills. Moving in with a few people who have already bonded might be a bit intimidating at first, but if you get on with your flatmates, you can forge long lasting relationships.
Unfortunately, things don’t always work out like that. If you find that you are incompatible with your flatmates for whatever reason (tidiness is often a factor!) then it could lead to a fairly uncomfortable atmosphere.
Purpose Built Shared Flats
If it’s simplicity you’re after (while not having a live-in landlord to keep happy), then a purpose built shared flat is probably for you. These apartments still have the benefit of being cost effective, but you’ll most likely get your own private bathroom, and all bills included in the price.
Bills
It’s everyone’s least favourite word but it’s an important consideration before you decide on a new home. The different types of shared flats will have differing arrangements, for example in a traditional shared flat responsibility for managing the bills will generally fall to the tenants. In a purpose built or live-in landlord property, bills will likely be included within the overall cost - reducing the headache!
Location
Everyone is looking for something different in the location of a new home. For some, the quiet rural life is perfection whereas the allure of a thriving city is what drives others. Whatever your preference, be sure to thoroughly check over the local area before making a decision.
Want to see how ready you are to rent your own property? Read our free guide on how to rent for the first time, and learn everything you need to do to prepare.
