Finding Your Home in the UK

Happy New Year!
We sincerely thank you for your continued support and trust. As we embark on this new year, our team remains committed to assisting you in every way possible. We look forward to your continued guidance and support in 2025.

In our first newsletter of the year, we’ll walk you through the process of finding a property, securing a tenancy, and moving into your new home in the UK. We understand that navigating property searches and rental agreements can feel overwhelming, especially in a new country. Our goal is to provide helpful insights to ensure your transition to life in the UK is as smooth as possible.

 
1. Property Viewing
We begin by conducting a detailed consultation to understand your requirements, including your preferred location, property size, and specific amenities. Based on your preferences, we’ll curate a list of suitable properties for you to choose from. We can arrange in-person viewings or online tours, allowing you to start the process even before arriving in the UK (subject to conditions).

For online viewings, we take extra care to minimize discrepancies between your expectations and the actual property condition, ensuring a thorough exploration of the surrounding area.

Main Details We Discuss:
Budget
Number of occupants/family structure (children’s ages, if applicable)
Contract type (individual/corporate lease)
Arrival date in the UK
Desired move-in date
Preferred area
Property type (flat/house)
Number of bedrooms
Visa status (application pending, in progress, or approved)
Availability of furniture and vehicles
Pets, if any
Providing this information upfront will help us assist you more efficiently.

 
2. Submitting an Offer
Once you’ve selected a property, we’ll confirm the rental terms (rent, contract period, type, start date, termination clauses, furniture requests, etc.) and prepare a formal offer to submit to the landlord.

 
3. Negotiating with the Landlord
Our agents will communicate with the landlord to negotiate the rental terms, including rent, contract duration, and any additional requests (e.g., furniture). We’ll work to achieve a mutually agreeable outcome.

 
4. Final Confirmation
When the terms are agreed upon, we’ll confirm the details with both you and the landlord. Once both parties agree, you’ll be required to pay a Holding Deposit, equivalent to one week’s rent, to proceed to the next step.

We recommend prompt payment of the Holding Deposit to secure the property.

Holding Deposit Calculation:
Monthly Rent (£) × 12 ÷ 52 = Weekly Rent (£)

Many clients use WISE for overseas payments. Here’s a convenient link: WISE

 
5. Reference Checks
After the Holding Deposit is received, reference checks will be conducted. The documents required vary depending on your status:

Expatriates: Employment certificate, passport, and visa approval.
Visa Applicants: Certificate of Sponsorship (COS).
Students: Offer letter or enrollment certificate from your institution.
Starting in 2025, all applicants will need to apply for an eVisa. Apply here.

 
6. Contract and Invoice
Once reference checks are complete, a formal contract and invoice will be prepared. We will send these to you for review. If you have any questions about the terms, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

If a Holding Deposit was paid, it will typically be deducted from your first month’s rent.

 
7. Contract Finalization
The contract is finalized once both parties sign it, and payment is received as per the invoice. Afterward, we’ll arrange for key collection and prepare for your move-in.

Please ensure that payment is completed and received in the landlord’s account at least one day before your move-in date.

 
8. Moving In
On your move-in day, an Inventory Check-In will be conducted. This involves documenting the property’s condition and contents, including utility meter readings.

Inventory Check-In:
An inventory clerk will prepare a detailed report, including photos and notes.
The report will be sent to you within a week for verification. Any discrepancies should be reported within the specified timeframe (typically one week).
Meter readings will be used to set up utility accounts in your name.
The initial and final inventory reports will determine any deductions from the deposit at the end of your tenancy.

 
Timeline and Additional Information
The entire process, from submitting an offer to moving in, usually takes around 10 business days. Please allow extra time if there are public holidays.

If you have any questions or concerns about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is dedicated to helping you start your new life in the UK with confidence and ease.

We look forward to assisting you!

Enquiry Kens Estate: enquiries@kensestate.com