Trying to find a flat without being there yet? (Ealing area)

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for trying to find a flat from a distance?

We would like to live in the Ealing area; however, we currently live near Bristol.

From what I understand, decent flats typically go on the first viewing, and most likely, what you see online isn't still available... so don't go by what's listed online.  Go in person, see what's available that day, and be ready to put down a deposit for the first one you like.

Unfortunately, DH works during the week, and doesn't want to commit to a flat he's not seen himself, so our only options for any viewing are on Saturdays.  I've contacted some letting agents asking to know if any of them do Saturday viewings, and none have gotten back to me.  DH and I would be totally willing to go on a Saturday, look at flat after flat, and have an immediate deposit ready for the first one we like... but I just can't seem to get in touch with anyone to make this happen.

I'm beginning to get a bit nervous as my job is starting in a few weeks, and I have yet to make any progress on finding a place to live.

Any tips or advice?  Anyone in the Ealing area know of reputable local letting agencies to try to get in contact with?

Many many thanks in advance!

Are you phoning or emailing? I'd phone them and get your answer directly.

I used Robertson Smith and Kempston: 020 8840 7885
Northfields 020 8566 5500
Townends 0800 074 0095
Foxtons 0208 799 4550
Sinton Andrews 020 8579 9153

There's more but it's a start!

Hi there,

I live in Ealing and I used Robertson, Smith and Kempson. Frankly, the way it works here, they may schedule you for a Saturday viewing but you will find it's canceled by the time Saturday comes because people know a good flat when they see it and take it on the spot if they view it on say, Thursday or Friday. I know you say you can't see flats during the week but it really is the best way to nab a good flat. That said, you can schedule Saturday viewings and may find a good one.

I'm surprised to hear no one is getting back to you. I filled out online forms and email requests and people wouldn't stop ringing me! I'd ring them up and speak to someone and ask them to send you a list of the most recent places. That's how we got the place we did. Oh, and be warned, they may try to get you to view places that they can't get rid of. RSK pressured us BIG TIME to view a property that we kept telling them we weren't  interested in. We just didn't want to waste time looking at a flat we knew wasn't for us. Being that you're outside of London, that's even truer for you.

Get in touch if you want any Ealing specific info and good luck.

I've filled out the online forms for RSK, Northfields, and Sinton Andrews, but haven't heard anything back.

I'm thinking Courtney has it dead on and that perhaps phone is better. 

It might be worth asking if there is a better day of the week for new listings, and arrange to take a day off and come over. There may not be, but worth a try?

Hiya

Aquila - good luck in finding something and soon, and perhaps getting on the phone and pressing the agencies a little more might yeild some better results.

If nothing happens, then you might want to consider getting to the area just prior to your job starting and using a combination of storage companies and staying in a B&B whilst you can hunt during the weekday for a place etc. Hopefully it won't come to that, but it's an option if needs be.

The reason I say that is that properties are now more in demand as more people are being forced to rent whereas previously they may have tried to buy their first place etc. Demand is outstripping supply in other words and also as a result of that, rents are going up.

My own tenants at my rental apartment have been as good as gold these last 2 years, and I haven't put their rent up, however in January, I will be doing just that, albeit a nominal amount as everything has been fine with them. I do know other landlords are trying to cash in and jacking up their rents quite substantially - one of whom suggested I do the same and ask the extra £85/month to match what she charges more than I do. However I'm a nice landlord so I'm only going to ask them for £30 extra!

Off Topic - Courtney Wifey! hiya, wher've you been hiding?

Cheers, DtM! West Londn & Slough UK!

Dennis my love!    I've missed you darling!   

Dennis my love!    I've missed you darling!   

Oo! Yer making me blush!

Firstly, thanks for all the advice everyone; calling has totally made a difference.  We have an appointment this Saturday to look at available listings in Ealing and Hanwell. 

DH and I found a place online yesterday that looked great, and it's one we are going to look at on Saturday.  Should we be worried that it's still available?  I mean, on one hand, we're glad it's still available (as of today) in case we want it, but should it's current availability signal that there's something wrong with it we should be wary of?

From what we can tell, the only "negative" thing about the flat is that it's not within walking distance of a Tube station, though there is a rail station that is in walkable distance (a bit far, but still do-able).

I would say that there's not much to be suspicious of if it's just come onto the market. Just be warned, as I say: If it IS a great place, there's a chance someone will nab it before your Saturday appt. But, let's stay optimistic, shall we

Is it in West Ealing out of curiosity? That's a bit further from a tube station which may or may not make a difference to you as the train into Paddington is pretty reliable. The one thing that bugs me a bit about Ealing is the nonexistence of bus routes into central London and the lack of bus routes generally so just be warned you may not have an alternative to fall back on if you need public transport somewhere other than in the area of Paddington when relying on the train.

Good luck.

I would say that there's not much to be suspicious of if it's just come onto the market. Just be warned, as I say: If it IS a great place, there's a chance someone will nab it before your Saturday appt. But, let's stay optimistic, shall we

Is it in West Ealing out of curiosity? That's a bit further from a tube station which may or may not make a difference to you as the train into Paddington is pretty reliable. The one thing that bugs me a bit about Ealing is the nonexistence of bus routes into central London and the lack of bus routes generally so just be warned you may not have an alternative to fall back on if you need public transport somewhere other than in the area of Paddington when relying on the train.

Good luck.

Change at Hammersmith for buses. Most of the bus routes in Ealing end up at Hammersmith and you can switch there for buses going pretty much anywhere

Thanks Cheesebiscuit! I guess I've been pampered. Anywhere I've lived in London before had direct buses into central London. 
Actually, where I am in North Ealing, I'm only served by two buses, neither of which goes to Hammersmith. I walk to Ealing Broadway sometimes to take the bus but did not realise any of those went to Hammersmith. I'll have to investigate.....I'm more of a bus person than a tube person.

Yay!

The landlord approved us today!  We're scheduled to sign the agreement and pick up the keys on Saturday!

*waves to Ealing area neighbors*

Congrats, neighbour! Welcome to the hood.

Be prepared for the noise. London's Victorian builders threw these things up with mortar and horsehair. Sound insulation is non-existant. It often sounds like your neighbors are in the room with you or like you're living inside a drum. Concrete and steel is the only way to go here.