To ask your advice re which place to take?

[HumourIsHere]

I went to two house viewings today and need some advice. Looking for a hosuahare in London and paying pretty full whack.

Place 1: short term, for four months, good location, posh area, 10 mins from tube. Luxury flat, really nice with en-suite sharing with two guys. Approx 900 per month all in. Only issue is short term let - Id want a couple of weeks extra at the end.

Place 2: more central and cosier. Living with landlord and one other. Bit cheaper and long term. Really got on with the landlord and said I loved the place - he offered it to me and think he thinks I’m going to go for it. Room quite small and tucked away. Also he wfh a lot and I like to occasionally have my own space. Plus a few rules on guests - totally get it but I feel like I would always feel like it was his home and never feel completely comfortable there. Other than that I loved it and perfect location! And cheaper than the first.

Which to take? Also would it be cheeky to ask first woman re extending contract and also to ask about negotiation on price? I would be keen to broken it down by around £50 per month but not sure how to go about it! Please advise!

Also just to add This is the opposite of a stealth boast. London prices are crazy and I’m far from rich. Shouldn’t have mentioned the price in hindsight!

Place 2. The landlord will have a vested interest in keeping the place nice!

Place 2 because he’ll keep the place ship shape and things in working order

You’re right but I’m leaning more towards place 1 atm! Gah. Also place 1 is rolling on a month’s contract so can leave at any time. Assume that is also a consideration for them! So tough.

How can I broker the first place down though...

First landlord lives next door also The guest policy in second place is a bit annoying also

4 months will go by really quickly and you might end up house hunting again, unless there's a chance of a new arrangement. Are the other people short term, too?
I would choose 2. You sound as though you really want 1.

Yes, everyone in place 1 is short term. They need to do building work hence the moving out date. I will look over summer but weirdly feel like I would like the flexibility of short term. I basically need somewhere soon and fast, and don’t want to keep looking! Place 2 was great but bit stifling for me if I’m honest. In summer I will have more opportunity and time to look for a longer term arrangement

On what you've posted, I think I'd go for 2, as well as pps.
However, reading your posts, I think, on writing it out it has clarified your mind into convincing yourself that 1) is better.
If it is only going to be for 4 months or so then I don't suppose it matters much. You'd presumably save a little extra, not only on rent but also on tube fares if it is more central?
Depends how restrictive the guest rule is, I suppose. I presume he's brought that in as someone was taking the mick and having 2 people living there for the price of 1, previously.

Ive asked place 1 if they can match place 2 (that’s not too cheeky is it?), around 50 quid pcm. If they don’t agree I’ll go for place 2, with all you guys have said