5 Things To Consider When Renting An Apartment

Feb 21 2024

Whether you’re taking this exciting step towards independence as a first time renter, looking to lay down fresh roots in a new place. Maybe you’re moving in with friends or family, or simply looking for a change of scenery in Woking. Whatever your situation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to think about when renting an apartment.

Renting for the First Time

If this is your first time renting an apartment, congratulations! It’s a big step towards independence and personal space, and what better way to do this than with a gorgeous luxury apartment at The Marches.

The first thing to consider is creating a budget to help you stay on track and avoid stress and hardship between paydays.

Be stricter as you first start out then loosen the purse strings as time goes on. That way you can build a picture of your monthly spending and get a better understanding of where you can be more or less lenient.

It goes without saying, but when hunting for apartments, do some research on different neighbourhoods to find the one that suits your lifestyle and needs before putting down a deposit. Think about your daily routines and how the location will impact them.

When attending your viewings, inspect the apartments thoroughly. Check for any damage or issues that need to be addressed before moving in. Be sure to take videos and photographs of the property to refer to later when you’re weighing up your options.

When you’ve come to a decision and started the paperwork, be sure to read and understand the terms of your lease agreement carefully, including the rent amount, security deposit, and any rules or restrictions. Be certain of amounts payable and get a second opinion from someone you trust for a fresh perspective and to clue you in if they notice something you missed.

Here’s a checklist to help if you’re renting for the first time:

  • Budget: Determine how much you can afford to pay in rent and other expenses, such as utilities and groceries.
  • Location: Consider where you want to live in Woking.
  • Viewing Apartments: Inspect the apartments thoroughly during viewings, check for any damage or issues and be sure to take videos and photographs of the property to refer to later.
  • Lease Agreement: read and understand the terms of your lease agreement carefully, including the rent amount, security deposit, and any rules or restrictions.

Budgeting Tips For Renters

Budgeting is a fundamental aspect of renting an apartment and is something to consider well in advance of searching for flats to rent and putting down a deposit.

Calculate your income, expenses, and savings. From there, create a comprehensive budgeting plan that includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and discretionary spending. It’s crucial to ensure that your rent is a manageable portion of your income, typically a maximum of around 30%.

Here’s a handy budgeting checklist to help:

  • Rent: Your rent is a significant monthly expense. Make sure it aligns with your budget. Try to aim for a rent amount of no more than around 30% of your monthly income.
  • Utilities: Estimate the cost of utilities, such as gas, electricity, water, and internet.
  • Groceries: Plan your weekly grocery budget and stick to it. Make a shopping list you can reliably refer to to avoid impulse buying.
  • Transport: Account for commuting costs, including public transport or fuel if you own a car.
  • Entertainment: Allocate a portion of your budget for leisure activities and socialising.
  • Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

Save money for the things you want with a little help from our Flatfair scheme

If you’re looking to grab yourself a luxury apartment in Woking with spectacular views but are concerned about your budget with the cost of moving, we want you to know that The Marches has teamed up with Flatfair to run a zero deposit scheme for our prospective tenants.

The cost of living can impact your ability to cover moving costs, causing excess stress at a time when you should be excited for what’s to come. So we do what we can to help reduce your moving and living costs. Make agency fees a thing of the past when renting with us.

Save even more with our Neighbourhood Heroes

Not only do we reduce your moving costs, we do what we can to reduce your living costs once you’re here too.

At The Marches, we’ve arranged special resident discounts just for you to enjoy at all of our Neighbourhood Heroes’ businesses, so you can save money doing the things you love – from fitness to wining and dining.

Even better, our specially curated list of fabulous businesses is all within walking distance of your new apartment at The Marches!

Being able to take advantage of these exclusive perks across Woking is part of what makes living at The Marches so special. Check out our Neighbourhood Heroes page to see what’s in store.

Living alone or with others in Woking

Deciding whether to live alone,with friends or with family? At The Marches, we have apartments to accommodate all manner of living situations. We even have stylish one bedroom apartments ready for you to make your own.

If you’re moving in with a friend, we have beautiful 2 bedroom apartments with a view.

Consider who you’re moving with, whether you’re moving with someone you know and trust or someone new, and refer to this handy checklist for things to think consider:

  • Privacy: Living alone offers more privacy, while sharing with others means less personal space but potentially lower costs.
  • Compatibility: If you’re living with others, discuss your expectations regarding shared responsibilities, cleanliness and socialising. You could try clearly defining bills and chores with a flat schedule.
  • Budget Sharing: If sharing expenses, discuss how bills and rent will be split. You could even create a written agreement to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Space Needs: Consider the size of the apartment. Will it provide enough room for everyone to live comfortably? Consider the size of the apartment in relation to the number of occupants and discuss how common areas will be used and maintained.

Transport links in Woking

The quality of transport links is essential for your daily routine, whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the area.

Evaluate the availability of local buses or trains for convenient travel within Woking. Woking boasts an extensive network of local buses and trains, making it easy to navigate the town and its surroundings. Ensure that your apartment is close to a reliable transport hub.

Within walking distance of all the points of interest in Woking, The Marches serves as the ideal hub and base of operations for all your daily activities, perfectly positioned at the heart of Woking for your convenience.

Here is your transport links checklist to keep in mind:

  • Commute: Consider your daily commute to work or study. Is there easy access to public transport or major roadways?
  • Parking: If you own a car, research nearby parking facilities and their costs.
  • Cycling: Woking offers cycling routes and bike-friendly infrastructure, so explore the area’s cycling routes if you’re an avid cyclist. The Marches offers secure bike storage for your peace of mind.
  • Local Transport:Â check the availability of local buses or trains for convenient travel in and out of Woking

Making a house a home with home comforts

When you’re moving, you want to feel like the space feels like your space as soon as possible.

At the Marches, with a little finessing, you can make your contemporary apartment feel like a home. Explore different tastes and decoration over on our gallery page to get an idea of apartment styles, and think about the following aspects:

  • Furniture: Decide whether you’ll bring your own furniture or need to purchase some for your new place.
  • Decor: Personalise your apartment with decor, art, and items that reflect your style and personality. Whether it’s art, photos, or other decorative items.
  • Comforts: Invest in home comforts, such as comfortable bedding, seating, and kitchen equipment.
  • Storage: Ensure you have adequate storage for your belongings, including clothing, personal items, and kitchen supplies.

Seeking a new adventure? The Marches in Woking awaits

If you’re ready to start your adventure with The Marches in Woking, book a viewing today. You can also call us on 0148 395 8555 if you have other queries.

If you’re researching ahead of a move or already here and looking for things to do, have a browse at what’s happening at The Marches.

We’re all about bringing people together to share wonderful moments while benefiting from the perks of having a home at The Marches.

Enquire now