Tips for finding a good rental flat without it becoming a full time job?

[CaragianettE]

Not really an AIBU (unless you think that IABU to think it’s possible) - posting for traffic. I have been in the same place for several years but need to find a flat in a town I will be moving to for work, about two hours away. At the moment I’m there once a week on a weekday, so in theory could do viewings then. However the last two times I’ve tried to arrange a viewing for a flat I really liked the look of on Zoopla it’s been a massive hassle to get through to the estate agent, and by the time I do they tell me it’s already gone. (So why is it still on Zoopla?…) Housing stock is really varied in this town, a lot of underwhelming stuff and the occasional much more attractive period flat and I really want the latter. I’m mostly WFH at the moment and can be a bit flexible about when I move. Any tips for how to get a good flat without spending all my time checking Zoopla and chasing estate agents? Or am I kidding myself to think that’s possible?

Which town, if that's not too outing?

I think you just have to keep checking and contact estate agents the moment something gets listed. Alternatively, find the local agents, call round, and ask for viewings of any properties they've got. I'm sure you'll find something. It's just a bit of a hassle that's all. x

My friend still approached EA in this situation ( flat already was taken) and offered more. They agreed. I also heard that people register with EA in advance like for buying.
I hear you. When we were buying it absolutely felt as a time consuming job. I suspect renting market is similar at the moment.

I would pre register with all estate agents and specify the type of property you want and that way you might get the first call when it comes up and be the one who nabs it next time rather than the one who misses out