how to find a flat in London?

Helloooo.
my beau and I are going to be looking for a small and as inexpensive flat as possible in North London for April.  We have a few leads on listings online and are wondering if anyone has any suggestions for ways to find such a flat.

Any agencies in London that come recommended?
Websites?
Other means of finding a flat?

We really need something that will be at least partially furnished.  Mostly, we need a bed, everything else we can wing.
Thanks!

Hi from another Liz in North London!

Try www.findaproperty.co.uk for starters

Once you get here buy a copy of Loot (classified ads paper) - you are likely to get a better deal with a landlord through an ad than going through an agency. They also have a website but you have to pay to view the latest ads.  We got our flat through Loot - we saw about 6 places in one day and were able to move into the one we chose within a few days.

Also bear in mind that rents are on the decrease in London at the moment (yes hard to believe but I saw it on the news so it must be true...!) so it is worth offering a bit less than what they are asking for. If you want to stay fairly central (ie within zone 2) be prepared to pay around £200 per week for a small one bedroom flat.

Good luck ,let us know how you get on!

Hey, we're in North London too!  We'll have to all meet up and have an N London party sometime.  

Our estate agent is Warren Bradley.  (http://www.warrenbradleyestates.co.uk/)

They guy we work with is a right tosser, but they do seem to have a couple of branches and lots of places for rent...furnished and unfurnished.  We're paying just over £200/week for a furnished 2 bedroom flat next to the tube station.  

They guy we work with is a right tosser,

Becca, you sound so English! So Norf Longdon in fact!!!

Once you get here buy a copy of Loot (classified ads paper) - you are likely to get a better deal with a landlord through an ad than going through an agency.

Ill get my beau who is currently living in London to pick up a copy of Loot.  Where would he find one?  At a news agent or book store?

Thanks for the advice!!

We are hoping to find something for around 150/wk in the Archway area.  I hope those prices keep dropping!!!

Yes you can get Loot at any newsagent. I think the best day for flat ads is Wednesday. You should be able to get a studio or 1 bedroom for that price around Archway. That is quite near us - we're in Islington so let me know if you do end up there.  If your BF is in that area now he could also try looking in newsagents window - they sometimes display small ads for various things including flats. The library on Holloway Rd which is near there also has a noticeboard of ads.

Becca, you sound so English! So Norf Longdon in fact!!!

I know, Liz.  It's getting quite embarassing!  (Oops, there I go again!)