WHEN TO START LOOKING
SEARCH TIMELINE
The majority of private accommodation in London is advertised 1 - 2 months before it will be available.
Start speaking to your friends about whether you want to live together. Think about where you want to live and what budget you have.
Estate agents won’t know what properties are available in September/ October until July or August. If you start looking earlier than this, you may be expected to pay rent on a property you aren’t ready to move in to. The landlords registered on Imperial Home Solutions are familiar with the student property market and often advertise their properties earlier in the year, allowing you to view the property without having to move in or pay rent until September/October. If you need to secure your accommodation before the summer, we recommend searching on the Imperial Home Solutions website.
“ IF IT’S STILL MORE THAN A MONTH FROM WHEN YOU HOPE TO MOVE IN, DON’T HAVE YOUR HEART SET ON THOSE SAVED PLACES JUST YET. THE MARKET HERE MOVES SO FAST THAT MOST OF THE GOOD FLATS/ ROOMS (I.E. NICE, REASONABLY PRICED) ARE GONE IN A FEW DAYS.”
JANUARY, FEBRUARY
MARCH, APRIL, MAY Attend our annual Housing Events. Meet local housing providers, speak with experts and learn about househunting dos and don’ts. Landlords begin to advertise properties on Imperial Home Solutions and take advanced bookings.
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST This is a good time to look at housing providers; they will have a better idea of what will be available in September and October.
SEPTEMBER Left it to the last minute? Don’t worry as there are still plenty of properties available.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER MOVE IN!
NOVEMBER, DECEMBER Relax and enjoy your new home.
Isaac Tan, Imperial PG student Read more about Isaac’s house search: bit.ly/Isaac-accommodation-blog
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