Moving into rented accommodation

[Mooserp]

Looks like I'll be doing this as I have sold my house but haven't been successful in my search.

To anyone else who has done this, any tips? I'm not sure whether to try and get somewhere near to where I want to buy, which wouldnt be the cheapest option. No kids or workplace to consider.

Also I've no idea how long it will take me to find somewhere. I was hoping to just get a 6 month lease, but what if that isn't enough?

I've bought and sold many times but always with relatively easy chains. Never rented before.

Tenancies often go on to a rolling contract once their initial term is up so you just stay where you are and give the appropriate notice once you have a completion date for your new home.

I moved into my rented cottage in the February on a six month tenancy as I was hoping to sell my house in the March auction. Luckily the rented cottage had a garage, I managed to get everything I wanted to keep into the cottage/garage. Do declutter ruthlessly, I still had to sell/donate stuff when I downsized to the cottage.

I sold at the auction but the buyer wanted eight weeks to complete, rather than the auction conditions of four weeks, which took me through to May. I didn't start house hunting until then. My six months were up in July, but I hadn't found anywhere, and went onto a rolling contract. I finally found somewhere in the October, but my vendor kept changing the goal posts, I ended up renting until completion the following March. Be prepared for the six monthly 'inspections', as it was lockdown for me I had to 'video' the heat/smoke/carbon monoxide alarms working, as well as a general video overview. I expect agencies will now do the inspections in person.

I would recommend renting near to where you want to buy. I am from the south, living in the NE and wanted to home, but couldn't afford it. Luckily for me being here still meant I got the heads up on a local bungalow before it appeared on RightMove. Make friends with the local EA's and pop in regularly. Good luck.