West London?

Hi

We are just beginning to look for a place to rent in West London. We are aiming for Richmond and Kew, but can also consider Twickenham and possibly parts of Ealing. Does anyone have any tips or suggestions for undertaking a search? We have been out with Estate Agents (from different companies) and looked on Gum Tree etc. but arent finding much.

If you know of sites to find short term lets, or house shares, or if you have a place to rent please let us know!

Thanks!

What are you looking for, ie 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom etc and what is your budget?

Hi

Thanks for replying. We have a budget of around 1200 pounds p/m. We are looking for a one bedroom over a studio.

Any advice you have would be most welcome. We thought we learned it all living in NY, but this system seems a bit different. We put in an offer an a place and didnt get picked, so it has been a learning experience so far.

London is very busy and the rental market is very competitive right now. Be prepared to work with multiple agencies and to make a decision on the spot. Properties do not remain on the market very long and unless you are the first people to see a property, if it's nice it will be gone right away.

The areas you are looking at are fine but perhaps narrowing your search would help. Why have you chosen them? Are you looking to commute to somewhere specific?

Yes, I will be working at the National Archives, in Kew. So we just figured we should search nice areas around there - and decided on Richmond, Kew and Twickenham.

Thanks!

Fair enough. It's just that if you were commuting into central London, you may have been looking at different areas based on what tube line goes through.

Will you drive or rely on public transport?

public transport I think - I am pretty sure we cant afford a car right away.

Best then to check out the area bus spider maps to narrow down your search. Just because the area appears close on the map, will not make it easy to get to. 

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/richmond-2219.pdf

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/maps/buses/pdf/kewbridge-a4.pdf

Those are great areas - I'd definitely widen your search to include Mortlake and East Sheen. East Sheen has great high road amenities, pubs, a waitrose and a fantastic butcher's! It has the benefit of location with Richmond Park on side and the river on the other. Sure, these areas rely more on bus and trains, however you could easily ride your bike to work every day and have the benefit of being right by the river - riding to work on the tow path is really fun! Especially when it rains -- muddy mountain biking after a long, hard day? Yes please.

Would you up your budget if you didn't have to pay for public transport? Something to think about as there is usually something going at the Kew Riverside development next to the archives.