How hot is the rental market in SW London?

[FrogInASock]

What’s the market like right now? I’m moving back from abroad and need to find a lease. I see lots of properties on rightmove, but how current are the listings? If it’s fast moving I’m imagining I need to get an Airbnb, be on the ground to do viewings and offer on the spot. Would there be any benefit in trawling rightmove and contacting agents 2 months ahead of arrival?

What is your budget?

For those asking about more specific location and budget...
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/140507759#/?channel=RES_LET
This is the kind of thing I've been browsing. But it seems such a lot of money for the space you get. So I'd probably look at going further south or further west for better value. Could possibly push the budget a tiny bit more but not if I have to pay 12 months up front.

Be exceptionally careful with your money OP.

The usual process is to take a very small holding deposit whilst you are being vetted. Any more than a very small amount and start looking for red flags such as duplicate ads for the same property for a lower rent on places like Facebook marketplace and Openrent. See this recent thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/property/4879237-my-property-was-used-in-a-scam-and-im-livid

And yes, I think offering to pay a year upfront will give you an edge. And don't ask for anything. Stuff looks broken and you think it should be fixed before the tenancy? Don't mention it. They want to inspect four times a year? Don't argue. The lower maintenance you seem to be, the higher your chance of getting a tenancy.

The rental market is so depressing right now. I feel awful for Londoners. My rent is less than half of that and our house three times the size.

O_O

I have had issues with the last couple of tenants (hence wanting to sell), so my main criteria was to stay as clear as I can from anyone who even remotely triggered any spiderman senses.

It's actually not a good time to be a landlord unless you have no mortgage and are not reliant on the income. But that's a whole other story.

I also wouldn't worry about the duration. I hold a different view to @Milikite as the rental market is so volatile at the moment, most landlords won't want long term unless there is a clause to change the rental amount. Most tenancy agreements are for fixed term at a fixed price. Previously, I have had 2 or 3 year terms, but I wanted either a shorter term, or a break clause. If you have a break clause, you may as well just have a shorter term.

Also, nobody offered over the asking price, and this all happened in July, so quite recent.

I am not sure of the rules of providing recommendations here, but if you PM me, I can recommend an excellent letting agent in Teddington. I've been dealing with them for over 20 years.

Epsom very commutable - this for the same budget

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/140021564?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=lettings&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_LET

Or even detached

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/139937165?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=lettings&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_LET

What is your budget OP? That might help some potential landlords/ladies on here.

My son & 2 friends just rented a flat in SE1. They had to 'offer' on them. They had to have a minimum combined income of £75k. They paid a holding deposit and 5 weeks upfront. Most places were gone the same day the were listed and the ones they did have viewings on had 20-30 people at each viewing. It took 3 months of losing out before they secured one.

Good luck

That’s honestly quite a bargain for the neighbourhood tbh. Would be worth looking further out maybe around Colliers Wood or similar. Or go even further out around Sutton areas, not as convenient but you would get more for your money. London prices are even more batshit than usual atm

You may not find a 3-4 month let. ASTs are a minimum of 6 months

I'm from SW area but left London for better quality and prices. it's not "hot" in SW like in a good way. it's competitive and overpriced. most flats in London are pretty grim. most are full of mould or old furniture. sometimes i think we live in a developing country