Before searching.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
What you can afford Where you need to be What you actually need
WHY AFFORDABILITY FIRST
It removes most options and it prevents wasted searching.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Rent, plus everything else.
WHAT ELSE THERE IS
Service charges Electricity and water Generator or power arrangements Internet Security or estate charges Waste collection Transport from that location
WHY TRANSPORT BELONGS
A cheaper place further away frequently costs more in total.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
The total monthly cost of living in each location.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT UPFRONT COST
Rent demanded in advance Agency and agreement fees Caution or security deposit Cost of moving Anything the place needs before it is habitable
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Places are frequently let requiring work the tenant must do.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What proportion of your income the total represents.
WHY
Housing that consumes too much leaves nothing for anything else.
WHAT TO DECIDE
What you need against what you would prefer.
WHAT USUALLY MATTERS MOST
Location relative to work and family Security of the area Water and power availability Size for your household Cost
WHAT TO TREAT THIS CATEGORY AS
Practical guidance, with tenancy law varying by jurisdiction.
