Tough finding housing in Hampstead area?

Hi everyone,

We meaning my husband, 6 yo, 4 yo, and I will be moving mid July.  My husband and I returned last night from a 5 day trip specifically to find a flat.  Our relocation agent took us through the Swiss Cottage area, South Hampstead, Belsize Park, and Highgate.  I should also mention we have a dog that is coming with us that the agent forgot to check out with estate agents.  We went through 17 flats in 2 days and picked 2 that we liked the best.  The one we wanted was great, but we went to meet the agent to sign the lease and take a few photos for the kids and the landlady happened to be there.  We chatted for a minute and then she asked if we had pets.  She said oh, you cannot have a dog here.  I said both agents said they had okayed it with you.  Nope.  I was shocked.  We went to the next property on our list and it had already been letted.  The only other feasible option is a garden level in Hampstead, but it sooo dark.  Sorry for the rambling, but I am just so upset.  I really wanted to come back and tell my kids we found a great place.  My question is this - is the inventory really that low like our agent says or is it the dog or is it our budget?  I am trying to stay around 600 per week as we have a home we cannot sell here that has a 1200 pound per month mortagage. Any thoughts?

Don't be surprised by estate agents who don't do their homework or outright lie.  It stinks, but it happens frequently.  It happened to us so many times, I stopped counting.  It's really frustrating!

Is it possible to go back to the landlord with a larger deposit to help alleviate any fears about the dog.  We've got 2 cats and offered 8 weeks of deposit instead of the standard 6 and that smoothed out any issues.

A 3br in those neighborhoods for 600 is definitely doable, but it takes work -- especially with a dog.  It is also unlikely to be your dream place, so you need to really prioritize.    

Like you, we wanted to avoid a lower ground or garden level flat, but we found a nice one with a lot of space and decided that we'd compromise.  And here we are.  On the upside, it's 80F out today (which always seems hotter than it did back in the US) and it's nice and cool in here.    

Are you coming back for another search, or are you looking at a distance now?

Good luck!

edited b/c i realize you're working with a specific relo agent and not just estate agents.

Thanks for the reply!  We were and had offered to pay an extra deposit for our dog, but she told us the people on the top floor had recently asked to have a dog and she told them no.  My husband was also worried even if she allowed the dog that she would be on us for any little thing the dog did because she lives directly below.  I don't know what to think.  I am just so bummed. 

I am just so not sure about garden flat.  There is an outside walkway next to where my kids rooms would be so people would be able to look right in their barred windows.  I also thought on the day we looked at it that it was bright.  I wonder what it will look like in January?  You know what I mean.  Some garden flats are much better in the amount of light they provide.

My husband begins work the first week in June and will be in a hotel so he can look on Saturdays, but my kids and I won't come until July.  Our agent says that is a super busy time to try and find a rental?  She also says there is really little inventory now.  I just a little anxious.  Thanks for listening.

The market is a bit cautious right now.  Everyone is holding out till the market is more favorable.  So any properties that come up are immediately snatched up.  A lot of times places are taken before they are even listed.Right move shows you which agent are posting them.  It's a good idea to check out what other properties they have since it always takes them a few days for it to reg on rightmove and those big property sites,etc.

My best advice to you is, while it might be a good idea to work with a relocation agent, you are really at his or her mercy for them to find you the right place.  If your husband's schedule is not that hectic, a lot of agents lets you see rooms on Saturdays and weekday evenings from about 5-7pm. 

You are stuck with one group that can only find you a certain scope.  If there is anything London is never short of, it's estate agents.  This is one of the few times where it's okay to two time or 8-time someone!  The more people you have searching for you the better and I'm sure someone will have time for you.

Pets always makes things difficult.  In my experience it's not just the deposit.  Sometimes the mess owners leave behind can't even be covered by the deposit.  Then there's complaints about the noise, or complaints from people who don't like animals.  Keep at it, you will find someone who don't mind animals!

Best of luck to you!

Thanks for the encouragement.  I am feeling a little overwhelmed right now as we are moving in 7 weeks and have nowhere to move to, but I am sure it will work itself out.  Thanks again!

Hang in there.  It's a b*&% to find housing long distance.  The good news is that your husband will be able to look when he arrives, and our experience was that much more than a month out was too soon to get a whole lot of inventory.  He'll also have a bit of flexibility on move-in dates, since he'll be camped in a hotel.  It'll all come together, but it is definitely stressful.
 

Thanks ophinky!  I really needed some positive vibes.  I am trying to calm myself here, but the one friend I have in that area is now freaking me out about getting into school so late with one in reception.  Man, we need a streak of good fortune - quick!    Thanks again!

You'll find more in the summer months as well...they tend to open up with people leaving at the end of the school year (I work at ASL and we're done mid-June...we lose about 20% or so of our school each year with quite a few living in Hampstead).  You might also want to look at St Johns Wood as an area which is quite lovely or Maida Vale.  And to see what's available (and to contact on your own) check out www.rightmove.co.uk...you can email the estate agents yourself and get on lists...

You could try an apartment hotel temporarily if things get really tough:

http://www2.citadines.com/en/index.html

Good luck! 

Thanks onetiger and mapleleafgirl!  I so appreciate the info and support.  As our move gets closer I am really starting to panic, but you all sure help!