Types of accommodation

 Shared Houses/Flats

Although traditionally more popular with students, shared houses are becoming an increasingly popular choice for young professionals too. The usual deal is that you rent a room in a house and share the kitchen, lounge (if there is one), bathroom and toilet with other tenants. The amenities are shared between the occupants. Click here for details of the form of contract you would probably sign for this type of accommodation.

Self-contained flats

This category will particularly interest small families, couples or those who prefer a quieter lifestyle. A self-contained flat may have one or two bedrooms. Click here for details of the form of contract you would probably sign for this type of accommodation.

Bedsits

A bedsit is a room which contains some form of self-contained amenity, normally a small kitchen or separate washing facility. Bathrooms and toilets are usually shared with other residents.

Bedsits are popular, especially amongst those tenants who want a quieter lifestyle but can not afford a completely self-contained unit. 

Room in an owner's home or Lodgings

This is where you live in a house, normally with the owner. The provision of meals and who you share with can vary. House rules and regimes can also vary considerably, so it's best to talk to the resident owner occupier about how the house works and what they would expect of you. Often there are many preconceptions of what this type of accommodation can offer, however this can vary from living with a family to sharing with another young professional who has purchased their first home and rents rooms out to help pay the mortgage.

 Live-in owners are often very flexible about accepting short lets.

City Centre Living 

Increasingly letting agents are offering more accommodation to rent in the city centre. This is often marketed as ‘buying in to a lifestyle’ rather than just a housing choice. Entertainment, Shopping and other services are all within easy reach and often the new developments offer in-house facilities such as parking, concierge and a gym. Properties are often right in the city centre and tend to be smaller flat shares or self-contained properties. These properties are primarily in purpose built developments with a mixed resident profile. Some residents will be owner-occupiers, some young professionals and occasionally young families and older residents. It’s important that you think carefully about living so close to other people and decide whether this type of ‘city living’ is for you. These properties are often offered at a premium price so if you are looking for something more affordable you may need to look further out.