What's our best option?

My friend and I are looking to schedule a move to England in a few years while we both finish school and save up some $$$. One of the things that I'm most concerned about is housing as it's something I have not had any real experience dealing with. I'm starting on my research now so I will have a better idea of what to do when it comes time for the real thing.

I can't say where we're going to be looking as it depends on where we get work and where she goes to school.

Assuming getting our Visa/work visas are approved:

I'm more then sure we'll end up renting wherever we go. My friend is looking into going to school to train as an actor and I'll have my BA in Baking and Pastry by then. As such, I don't expect that we'll have much income and want to make sure we do not end up with a place that is beyond our means.

As I'm browsing the forums, it seems like we have more options then I realized. What is a Council House and would it be a viable option for two American girls looking to start a life in England? What is a Hostel?

It is better to have a PW payment or a PM payment? It seems like all the PW flats for rent are extremely expensive when you add in the PW payments add up to in a PM rate.


 

You will not be able to apply for council housing as it's only for citizens and other residents who are allowed government benefits.

A hostel is a temporary residential option usually for travelers or tourists. It's a cheaper option than a hotel.

Per week figures for rent are usually quoted in areas where rent is high, like London. The cost of a per week rent can easily be translated into a per month figure: multiply the per week figure by 52 and divide by 12. Neither per week nor per month is 'better'.

If you won't be moving for five years, clearly rents will be very different to what you are seeing now.

You will not be able to apply for council housing as it's only for citizens and other residents who are allowed government benefits.

A hostel is a temporary residential option usually for travelers or tourists. It's a cheaper option than a hotel.

Per week figures for rent are usually quoted in areas where rent is high, like London. The cost of a per week rent can easily be translated into a per month figure: multiply the per week figure by 52 and divide by 12. Neither per week nor per month is 'better'.

If you won't be moving for five years, clearly rents will be very different to what you are seeing now.

I realize the price will be different, but I'm kind of lost on even where to begin.

Well, it's kind of difficult to start looking for housing when you don't know which city or town or area you'll be living in. It's like searching for a place to live without knowing which state in the US you're moving to.

One place you can look at online is gumtree.com for rentals and flat shares.

You can also look on http://findaproperty.com or http://rightmove.co.uk.  But like geeta said, you'll be hard pressed to get a truly accurate idea until you are prepared to move.  Estate agents probably won't talk to you until you're in the country, especially if you settle in London.

My advice would be to come over and visit different areas, decide where you prefer and why.  You may like London, you may hate it.  You may like Leeds or York or Manchester or Cumbria or the Outer Hebrides.  You won't know until you spend time visiting locations. And with 5 years of lead time, you have eons to figure it out. 

More than anything though, I'd be doing everything you can to find out about changing visa situations because what things look like now will be vastly different in 5 years, especially with a coalition government and promises of changing immigration laws.  Without a way into the country, where you live is moot.

Rental prices in London are quoted on a weekly basis.  This does not, however mean that you have the ability to pay rent weekly.  It is more of a marketing tool.  In fact, some landlords require rent to be paid quarterly rather than monthly.

I think your best bet money wise would be a house share and renting a room each. It will make things cheaper for you, as I think you will surprised at the cost of renting.

Regarding private renting:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/RentingAHome/index.htm

And some sites:

http://www.zoopla.co.uk/
http://www.findaproperty.com/
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/

Regarding neighbourhoods:

http://www.upmystreet.com/

I'd suggest you consider postgraduate (Masters level studies), and discussed here:

http://talk.uk-yankee.com/index.php?topic=63145.msg889351#msg889351

(in which case the university would be able to advise regarding housing. Birmingham is definitely cheaper to live in than London).