Relocation to Glasgow!

[Overwhelmedmumtobe]

Dear all,

I have posted this same message on another thread but was recommended to post it on here too as this is specific to Scotland.
My partner has been offered a job in Glasgow so we're hoping to relocate at the end of the year. We have been contacting letting agencies. They all say the situation is quite frantic at the moment with some flats being viewed by 100 people. We don't drive so we'd like to find a place in the city centre or just outside like Southside, Rutherglen, Dennistoun, Tolcross etc. We're looking for a one bedroom. Our budget is 600/month. We've been told by letting agencies that if we rent for more than 600/month we would need a guarantor who lives and works in Scotland and we don't know anyone. When we move I will also be 8 months pregnant. We realise it's probably the worst period to be moving in. The pressure and stress is non stop. But I'm calling out to all the people who might know people who might know other people who are letting short or long term; people who've been through the same situation; people who can give advice.

Thanks a million for your help

I’m sure you’ll love Glasgow! I’d wait until COP26 has finished before trying to get any sense out of letting agencies etc. southside is great - cathcart/Merrylee/battlefield/Shawlands

I agree with the pp, it is madness in Glasgow just now with COP26 and a shortage of accommodation. Also if you are relocating at the end if the year it is quite early to secure a place, agents might not take you seriously. You’d be better waiting until a month before and say to agents you want something immediately. It will likely take a week or 2 to arrange everything. In terms of a guarantor, can you afford to offer to pay 3 or 6 months rent in advance? This is usually held by the agent and only passed on to the landlord in monthly amounts. The good news is there are no minimum terms for rental agreements now - you can give a months notice at any point without penalty. But more difficult for the landlord to serve notice on you. Your deposit is also protected. If you have the time, you could advertise and hope that a private landlord gets in touch? It’s stressful moving while expecting, hope it goes well!

If you're on FB, ask to join the "I love Pollokshields" and "Strathbungo and Shawlands Group" FB groups and post your requirements there. I'm sure there will be similar groups around the city - but those are the two active ones in the Southside (where I live). I've certainly seen similar requests on one or other of those groups - as well as people promoting flats that they've just put up for rent.

Good luck

I’m sorry to say that the letting agents you have spoken to are telling the truth.

When a flat is advertised, all the viewing slots will be filled within a few hours . Viewings will probably be the next day - certainly within a few days and many viewers will submit their application form that same day or the next day. If your application is chosen and you pass the vetting, you will need to sign the contract and pay the deposit within a week.

Most reputable agencies won’t let hundreds of people view a flat - probably just 15-20. There’s no point if they know it’s a good property and 1/3 or 1/2 of viewers will apply.

You need to be able to view flats within say 72 hours of the advert going up. So either you come up for a week and try to get something or you have someone view them for you ( if you have anyone ) .

I’d not recommend renting a flat without viewing, especially as you don’t know the area. Anyway most agents won’t let you do this as there’s a high chance you will move out quickly.

Rent levels - again you’ve had accurate information. If you don’t meet their affordability criteria you will need a guarantor . Landlords can’t afford to take tenants who may not pay the rent, as government Covid rules mean it’s very hard to get them out. They can end up paying the mortgage / insurance / factors bills / legal bill to end up with a trashed property a year down the line.

Again, most landlords won’t take people who want to pay 3 -6 months up front because they don’t meet the affordability criteria, as often they just stop paying after that.

I’m afraid you will be quite limited as to the areas of Glasgow you can afford on £600 for a one bed. Posters are right that Shawlands/ Strathbungo are nice - they are great but you will struggle to get a decent one bed in Shawlands for £600.

I think you will need to stay further out at first, at least until you get back to work after maternity leave and you have a higher household income.

I’m sorry I can’t give you more cheerful news.

What Scottish MNers CAN do is tell you if a letting agency is well known here and also what various areas are like.

And if you tell us where your partner’s new job is we can tell you areas that would be commutable.