Insider info for London renters

We speak to London property expert Joshua Rafter (pictured), of Outlet Property Services, and get some hot tips for London renters…

In terms of London property, where do you think the next emerging hip (read: gay) area is going to be?

London has seen an explosion of new and exciting areas as the crazy rising property prices in central London push people to seek out more space for their money. Obviously the Shoreditch phenomena hit us years ago and due to its strength in attracting cool people and new brands the mainstream soon followed once again pushing up prices. The artists and liberals moved on and now we find Kingsland Road and Dalston overrun with a wonderful metrosexual feel. The hip areas around London fields including Broadway Market are already pushing the new emerging area of Hackney Wick to the front for those who follow the trends and see an opportunity. Close on its heals is Whitechapel and the surrounding areas where massive regeneration and the Crossrail due in 2018 is bringing new life, masses of students, the arts and a coffee lifestyle to the area. The new Outlet office opened here a short while ago and is amazed at the massive influx of young trendsetters to this region. Renting is affordable and there are wonderful buying opportunities too.

With regards to South London, the fashionable (read art students) have already jumped with both feet into Camberwell and Peckham so expect the areas surrounding these to attract an abundance of Guardian readers and cool pub dining conversions in the very near future.

Here at Outlet we are in discussion of creating a brand new gay hub where businesses ousted from the unrealistic rent hikes in Soho and overdevelopment of Vauxhall can possibly move. The location is a secret but we will keep you posted when we know more.

Trying to find a rental property can be pretty cut throat. What tips can you offer people that they might not know about?

It’s important to be ready, in all aspects of your hunt for a room or property. The early bird catches the worm, so make sure you are the one calling the agent or flatmate first to get that viewing. Also, ensure you have the necessary paperwork ready to go including a good reference from a previous landlord. It might seem superficial, but many property agents or people looking for a flatmate will base their decision on their perceptions of you – so make sure you look good both on paper and in person. I’m not saying rock up in a suit and tie, but as a property agent, we want to make sure tenants will be respectful of our landlords homes and, of course, keep up with their rent payments – so make it obvious that you’re serious about renting. Above all, if you’re planning to move into a property with other people, good old-fashioned charm goes a long way.

There’s no denying London’s an expensive place to live – where would you recommend people look elsewhere in the country if they’re seeking a move out of the city?

I love London so I rarely recommend people move out of the area. I appreciate that London prices can be high, but there are many emerging and growing areas where development is taking place that offer lower prices and alternative options to Soho or central London. I’d advise people to consider some of the outer boroughs, such as Brockley in the South East or Stoke Newington in the North.

Do you think the property market is becoming more understanding of the need to cater to people with pets?

I’d like to think that many landlords are coming round to the fact that just because a tenant has a dog, cat or some other pet, that they won’t automatically be a problem tenant. In our experience at Outlet, people with pets are considerate tenants. We would never recommend any tenant for a property if we didn’t think they would respect the home and be responsible. People with pets look after their animals and their homes. We often joke that there can be more damage done by a family with young children! But it’s actually quite true. London is a place where lots of people have a dog or cat, so I hope over time people who rent out homes will increasingly become more accepting of that.

You were a contestant on Big Brother back in season two – that’s like share house living on crack! What was the toughest thing about sharing your living space with all those people?

Sharing personal space is at the best of times challenging and that is with the people you already know and whose annoyances you can handle. Now imagine being thrown into a household where there is a massive mixture of characters and egos from wide and varied backgrounds, it literally only works for television in that it can provide some brilliant and explosive viewing. For the contestants it is a real test of your mental abilities and patience. Obviously the TV producers throw in alcohol now and then when everybody is just about coping to ensure people’s true feeling just pop out ….. and gosh have there been some moments across the years …. you just had to watch Brian and myself clash to see what is possible!

Joshua Rafter is managing director of Outlet Property Services, the original and first-choice LGBT property company providing sales, lettings, property management, and financial services. To find out more or get in touch click here.