I’m leaning against her bedroom doorframe, smiling back and nodding in agreement. ‘Totally’ I think ‘I’m totally about to buy a house too’. This is my second flat viewing of the week and I get the feeling we’re at the beginning of a long and painful journey.
By we, I mean Emily and me, who after walking the length and breadth of our local park, clutching croissants in mitten clad hands and sitting on possibly every available bench, have decided to move in together. It’s a no brainer and this year marks eight years of friendship. Plus we’ve seen each other through it all. From the quick catch up calls when we were both at different unis, ‘hi, how are you? My dog died, how’s the course going, do you still hate it?’ to unintentionally wearing matching outfits, all the Pizza Express three-course meals, summer afternoons with ice cream from George & Danver’s, buying flowers for the good times and listening when shit went south (and whatever below south is).
Two days prior to my venture to Wapping, we saw our first property. A medium-sized, modern flat with a tiny east-facing balcony overlooking a park with one of those outdoors gyms in it. I was early to the viewing so was forced to make small talk about working from home with the realtors who had arrived in a heavily branded company car. Whilst chatting we could hear the downstairs tenants having sex, which really set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. That property is still on the market before you ask.
Now with five viewings under our belts, Emily and I seem to be getting into the swing of things. It, therefore, feels apt to share my observations with you in case you’re thinking of moving and want some tips on looking for places in lockdown.
Note: Moving is one of the things that can still be done during lockdown here in the UK. Em and I are both very safe, well and follow the guidelines provided. Don’t forget your mask. This is just common sense. I take hand sanitiser too.
I went to a few viewings a couple of years ago and it was mayhem. You’d be in a property at the same time as at least 10 other people while you all fought over a mouldy bathroom. Now it’s staggered and you see places either a) on your own b) with the estate agent or c) with the current tenants and realtor (all very safe).
Soo many properties are empty which has forced landlords to come down on their usual, extortionate prices. It’s now a tenant's market (exciting) so don’t be afraid to go under offer. Strike while the irons hot. Get your dream place for less!
There’s no point going if you both aren’t free.
Find someone who is prepared to put in as much effort as you are when it comes to finding a place.
Take a video tour like you're a vlogger so you can look back at it later when you’re conferring over a cup of tea. I also send these to my parents and siblings so it feels like we’re all viewing it together.
Figure out the unique selling point of a property. Is it close to a tube station? Near work? Near a park? For me, it’s all about finding the perfect spot for a desk. I make the same sarcastic joke about working from home at each viewing and it goes down a treat.
Prime Location and Right Move eat away at my soul late at night.
Six days of the week I think this is a really bad idea.
Six days of the week I think this is a really bad idea.
Seven days of the week I think this is a really good idea.
Estate agents still give you the whole spiel despite the rental market being on the floor. A lot of the flats are really great but nothing beats that feeling you get when you know it's the right one, and that won't change regardless of what the realtor says about other bidders, the local area etc.
Communicate with your current flatmates and landlord despite my previous point, properties still move fast in London and things can really change in a week.
Ask about bills and council tax.
Looking at furniture on IKEA is the perfect way to spend a boring Sunday afternoon. I've made a list already.
Have fun out there kids, stay safe,
Lauren x
(The above picture is from around 2014/2015, it's not recent at all)
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