How to Find Accommodation in the UK From Nigeria

Have you gotten your UK visa? Are you ready to relocate to the United Kingdom but don't know how to get accommodation?

Finding adequate accommodation in the UK can be challenging if you have no prior arrangements before arriving in the country. Depending on your budget,  the number of people coming to the UK with you, and the time of your stay, you will have to pick a short or long-term rental, unfurnished or furnished house or apartment.

Pay4Me has prepared a guide to help you get accommodation in the UK.

Types of Houses in the UK

Short-Term Rentals

If you have a short time to spend in the United Kingdom, you can find temporary apartments on platforms like Booking, Homestay, Gumtree, TripAdvisor, Homeaway, Airbnb, or VRBO. The short-term apartments come furnished and are easier to secure. 

Halls of Residence

International students can use halls divided into single rooms that can be shared with others. In addition, some rooms come as en-suite, while communal ones can be provided for rooms without bathrooms.

Self-Catered Halls

You can consider the self-catered option if you want to save money and cook your meals. A self-catered option offers you an opportunity to have your privacy, but it comes with a communal kitchen.

Flats/ Houses

You can decide to use a flat if you have a family or want to live privately without interference from others. But first, ensure you read the legal document to understand the rules guiding such a house.

How to Rent a House in the UK

If you are coming to the UK for vacation or business, Pay4Me recommends short-term apartments, but if you want to spend time and have money for an apartment, you can rent one. 

A UK house for rent offers you some benefits like repairs from the landlord. For instance, a landlord can repair the exterior and structure of your apartment, drains, wiring issues, and others. 

In addition, you can learn about the different housing options if you plan to spend time in the UK.

Rental Process and Rules

You must sign a UK rental contract before you use an apartment, and you should read the contract carefully. Meanwhile, you would be requested to make a security deposit equivalent to your one month's rent.

Landlords request for:

·         Proof of ID

·         References from previous landlords

·         Rental Contract and Deposit

·         Letter of confirmation of employment from your employer

·         Proof of legal work permit/visa

·         Proof of earnings

·         Copy of employment contract

However, you don't need some of these documents as a first-time visitor. A rental contract has the following information:

·         Your (and your landlord’s) name and contact details

·         Address of rental property

·         Dates and frequency of rental review

·         Security deposit and conditions for getting it back

·         Dates of beginning and end of a rental contract

·         Rental fees with payment dates

·         Deposit protection scheme (DPS) 

1.    Addition fees, if any

2.    The person who is responsible for repairs and subletting rules.

Note: Most rental apartments need a 'guarantor' from you, who must be a UK homeowner. Since you may not have a guarantor, you can take advantage of rent guarantor agencies like RentGuarantor. As a tenant, your landlord has the right to check your visa and other documents. 

Factors to Consider When Searching for a UK Apartment

·         You should pick the most favourable areas to live in.

·         Ensure that these locations have safe neighbourhoods, good schools, and excellent transport networks.

·         Have a realistic budget-based apartment in terms of utility bills and taxes.

·         Have your funds ready

·         You may get refusals from agents or landlords

·         Have your required documents ready

·         Read your contracts before signing 

·         Cross-check all home features against what was listed in the contract.

How Do You Find Accommodation in the UK from Nigeria

Platforms to find accommodation before relocating to the UK:

1.      Nestpick

You can find furnished houses on Nestpick. If you don’t have time to double-check whether apartments are furnished or not, consider using Nestpick. You can search for accommodation based on city and neighbourhoods. 

·         Pros: Nestpick offers a streamlined accommodation search, whether you want an apartment to be furnished or empty.

·         Cons: Unfortunately, you can't book directly with the platform.

2.      AmberStudent

You can use AmberStudent to find more than 100K+ rooms across the UK, including shared en-suites, private studios, and various single and dual occupancy rooms near some universities and colleges. 

Pros: AmberStudent has an easy-to-use user interface, free cancellation policy, prompt and courteous customer service, a catalogue of properties, and a strong referral from former customers,

·         Cons: The platform has fewer properties in the rest of Europe.

3.      Homestays

With Homestays, you find accommodation in the UK. So whether you are a student or want to spend time in the country, this platform offers authentic accommodation options. In addition, you can use the  “insider travel tips” mailing lists to get the best bet.

·         Pros: You can find the best local housing options and cultural immersion opportunities.

·         Cons: May have technical or customer service issues.

4.    4stay

4stay has over 100,000 listings close to over 3,000 universities abroad. The platform has been featured in reputable publications like Forbes, Washington Business Journal, and others.

•           Pros: it offers different housing options, an insurance

 guarantee, no deposit required, flexible cancellation options, various housing options, and more

•           Cons:  4stay has repeated page loading errors for advanced search.

5.      Study Abroad Apartments

With Study Abroad Apartments, you can find dorms, complete apartments, shared flats, and even roommate arrangements. In addition, you can contact the local representatives in SAA’s listed cities to help you with your accommodation.

·         Pros:  The platform has an efficient live chat, roommate finding service, local knowledge rep, nice page layout, verified listings, all listings come fully furnished, “Only for couple” filter option

·         Cons: It has limited search. 

We have two major deposit bills if you want to use the off-campus student accommodation in the UK.

·         Tenancy deposit: You submit to your landlord a rental agreement to ensure that you abide by all the tenancy laws. In addition, you make a tenancy deposit depending, and the cost depends on your location.

·         Holding deposit: Holding deposit or ‘First Month’ rent payment that a landlord is entitled to hold along with your signature over the rental agreement and a refundable fee token.

What next?

You can quickly secure your accommodation in Nigeria, but we don't advise you to pay for any accommodation if you are living off-campus. However, you should make payments when you reach the UK and see the apartment.

Finally, with Pay4Me App, you can make different transactions in the UK. For example, you can travel smoothly to the UK by paying your visa, application, and tuition fees.