Forum Topic

Help and advice

I have just split up with my boyfriend of 2 and 1/2 years so I am looking for somewhere else to live.As I am still pretty young this has been my first time away from home and it has been a case of giving him a cheque every month and he sorts stuff out rent and bills wise.At the moment, we are still living in our little one bedroom flat together because we can't afford to move out and still be paying rent for here.I am looking for a place for me to live on my own, doesn't have to be nice, I am happy with a bedsit but I do want my own bathroom, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the best agents to use, ones to avoid and where I can find somewhere like that to live. At the moment I am living in Milton Road and I would like to stick to a similar area because I know ir quite well, it is quite a pleasant area and my walk to and from work in Chiswick doesn't take long.Also I was wondering about coucil tax and things, is this often included in the total rent if it is bills inclusive, how much might I be paying etc?Sorry but I am a very confused and slightly panicked 21 year old girl who has no idea!!

Beth Hippisley ● 5503d21 Comments

Beth , you might find something on "Gumtree" website

joseph birotz ● 5503d

Beth - I have a very nice friend (late 40s) who is looking for someone to rent out a room in her flat in Acton as her daughter is going to Uni in Sept? She is a cleanfreak so the bathroom although shared would be clean! Le me know if you int..be a lot cheaper that way too if money is an issue? If not god luck with yr search...

Julie Lyons ● 5503d

Beth.You could put your name down with housing associations, if you are thinking long-term. But there is usually a long waiting list for social housing.

Nicola Howard ● 5503d

If you are a CCA member try the yahoo group - it works well. Or rollonfriday.com - for baby lawyers but good propertyEstate agents can be tricky - look on this site for ones you might avoidGood luck

Sara Nathan ● 5502d

Sorry to hear this Beth.  It must be daunting and an anxious time for you.  Might be a good idea to see if the lady whose daughter is going to uni in Sept works out for you.......someone older to watch over you might be just the tonic at the moment.Good luck.  I'm sure it will all work out ok for you soon.  Things always do in the end.

Angela White ● 5502d

You could join our Housing Co-operative based in Acton, not a short term fix but longer term there may be something and the rent is cheap! Let me know if you want more details.

Chris Hurley ● 5500d

Still no luck on finding anywhere to live, I have been searching the internet for properties and everywhere seems to be so expensive just for something tiny. I haven't got long to find anywhere and I am with an agency that seems to be doing absolutely nothing to help me.I would really love somewhere in Acton/Acton Lane/Chiswick because the idea of moving further away from there is terrifying, I don't know anyone in London really except for people who I live near and work with. How can it be so hard to find somewhere small and reasonably priced in this area?!ARGH!

Beth Hippisley ● 5482d

Might sharing be the answer?

Sara Nathan ● 5481d

Have you tried Gumtree?

Roger Foreman ● 5481d

Just Googled  :-  flatshare w3Lots to choose from.

Fred Bray ● 5481d

Beth, sorry to read about your predicament.... If you need to move soon (end of lease?) you need to concentrate on the basics.... Your budget, how much can you afford on housing costs? What will this give you in Acton, a room, a flatshare? Gumtree and similar on line sites are probably best, you cannot rely on agents but must be proactive in searching. You will have to compromise.... There are some good hostels if need be, try http://www.viridianhousing.org.uk/find_a_home/short-stay-accommodation/hostels as a starter but central London. (I worked for them a while back)If all else fails how much do you want to stay in your job/London, would it be better back home with your parents if this is an option?I wish you the best.... Iain

Iain Muir ● 5481d

Step in the right direction today, a friend from work lives above a club on the high street, the rent is cheap as hell and there is a spare room going so hopefully tomorrow I should know what I am up to. Thanks for all your advice,Beth x

Beth Hippisley ● 5480d

That's hopeful news, even if it's a stop gap.  I may run all my life dilemmas through Ian Muir via this website!  Ian, perhaps you could run a "ask Ian" thread!  You're always so considered and helpful!Good luck Beth.

Angela White ● 5480d

Hope it worked out this am.

Roger Foreman ● 5480d

Thank you Angela, that is very kind. I do try to be helpful when posting unless I am plugging a political point. Unfortunately some people do not understand my version of reality and hurl brick bats.....But after all, it is only the internet...... Off to cook for no. 2 son now.....

Iain Muir ● 5479d

I move in on Tuesday!Big room, absolute bargain!Thank you everyone, my stress levels have completely plummeted now!!Beth x

Beth Hippisley ● 5479d

Well done!

Iain Muir ● 5479d

All I need now is some moving boxes...anyone have any lying about?Beth x

Beth Hippisley ● 5479d

Try Morrisons for their fruit n veg boxes. Off Licences may have 12 bottle spirit boxes. Buying from storage companies like Big Yellow is expensive. Remember not to make any box too heavy to handle, easy to do with books..... Good luck with the move!

Iain Muir ● 5478d

Hurrah!Well done.Hope it works out.Can lend suitcases - pm me if you need some

Sara Nathan ● 5478d

Congrats Beth. Hope your new start is very successful.

Munira Khan ● 5476d