2. Wynajmowanie, kupno i sprzedaż mieszkania
Ćwiczenie 2.
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How toRent a Flat
If you're not aware of your rights as a renter you are an easy prey for the few dishonest letting agents and landlords. Whatever your reasons for choosing to rent a property it simply makes sense to ensure that you're getting your money's worth.
Finding a Property perty. You might end up living in a rental
Why and what type of place you choose to property for as long as someone lives in
rent can depend entirely on your circum- a house they've bought, so you should set
stances. Perhaps you're a 'Young Profession- similar standards. Visit the property at least
al' looking for a self-contained flat with all twice at different times of the day, including
the mod cons. Or perhaps you're a student rush hour. The earth tremors caused by
with little money to spare and no need for a cleverly hidden rail track could ruin your
a fully fitted kitchen. life! Whilst looking around the property
If you're looking for a self-contained flat remember to ask yourself and the agent these
or the cheaper option of simply renting key questions. Write them down if you have
a room, it's important to make sure the place to, the excitement of finding a decent flat
is right for you before committing. Make the can often cause the most rational person to
same checks as if you were buying the pro- go giddy.
Is the area quiet or noisy?
What types of people live in the surrounding area? Do you feel comfortable there?
Are the available transport links appropriate for your needs?
How close is the property to the local amenities: shops, supermarkets or schools?
Is car parking easy?
Will the property be cheap to heat and light?
Does the property look to be in good condition? A badly maintained property can often reveal a dishonest landlord and future problems. If the property is in poor condition but you still wish to rent it, use its faults to negotiate a lower rent.
Is the property really worth the rent being asked for it?
Student Accommodation
The most common form of student 'self-catering': you buy and prepare your
accommodation is in halls of own food, sharing a kitchen with other
residence and many institutions students.
guarantee accommodation in halls for Some institutions also have houses
first-year international students. In for small groups of students or flats for
halls, you live in a study bedroom, couples or families. Other options
either by yourself or with another include private flats or houses (where you
student. Bathrooms are usually shared share the cost of renting with other
but many institutions have en-suite students), lodgings (where you rent
rooms for postgraduate and mature a room in someone's home) and bed-sits
students. Some halls provide breakfast (single rented rooms with living, sleeping
and evening meals and others are and sometimes cooking facilities).
Selling tips
Before putting a house on the market, take the time to assess the property
objectively - look at it first from outside, then move from room to room making notes on which areas need improving. It's a good idea to ask a friend or family member for their opinions, as it's easy to overlook problem areas when you've been living in a space for a long time.
Whatever the size and value of the property, there are some basic rules to follow that will help to maximise sale potential:
First impressions - before a buyer steps into a house, they would have already formed an impression. A well-kept garden, pathway and fence, plus a freshly painted front door are immediately appealing, whereas a scruffy outdoor space with a litter bin outside the front door will turn many prospective buyers away.
Maintenance - it pays to keep on top of minor repairs throughout the year, rather than waiting until a job is beyond repair and in need of a complete overhaul. In the long run, regular maintenance saves money. However, if a major job needs doing, it is usually worth putting it right, as otherwise it could have a disproportionate affect on the value of the property.
Finish off small DIY jobs - touch up chipped woodwork and replace washers on dripping taps.
Organise rooms - a property will be more appealing if rooms have a specific purpose and this allows buyers to see the full potential of the property.
Find out the maximum potential value - it's pointless spending £20,000 on improving a property if it will only add £10,000 to the sale price. Look at local property papers and visit estate agents to find out the asking price for similar properties on the same street.
Market the property to an ideal buyer - if selling a flat in the city, the ideal buyer is likely to be a high-flying, 'time-poor' professional. The buyer will be looking for all mod cons and a property that needs little maintenance. Whereas, a four-bedroom detached house in the country will probably appeal to a family that prefers traditional fixtures and fittings.
Pytania
What three pieces of advice about renting in How to Rent a Flat do you find particularly useful? Give reasons for your choice.
Discuss the possible disadvantages of living in a student flat rather than a hall of residence.
To what extent are first impressions important to you? If you were to help your parents buy a new house or flat what would be the most important features of the property for you? Justify your choice.