13 Aug 2024
Over a million Ghanaians are living in foreign countries including the UK. They cannot find sustainable jobs in Ghana and, therefore, move to find employment in countries like the UK. They earn a living there and send money to Ghana from UK to offer financial support back home.
The robust economy of the UK welcomes migrants seeking jobs. You can easily find any job in any sector within the UK, thanks to the country’s expanding and thriving job market. But with it, you also need an accommodation. Right?
When it comes to finding accommodation in the UK, you will have to explore a little more. You will have to consider several factors while finding an apartment. However, the real question is: do you know the critically important factors while you find an apartment in the UK?
Let’s have a detailed look at these factors together.
Developed countries like the UK offer you multiple jobs and opportunities. But there is a downside to living there too. The downside is that finding an apartment is not easy in the UK because:
· You have to rent one
· Ensure that the apartment you find is financially viable for you
· Your apartment is not located in a far-flung area
It would have been easier for you if you were to buy an apartment. But, as a migrant, you have to return home sooner or later. Your stay in the UK is brief. Because you are working there as a migrant to earn a living and send money to Ghana from UK to offer financial aid. Therefore, you need to consider the financials before all else. Furthermore, can you afford to buy an apartment as a migrant in the UK? Well, the answer is obvious!
The first and most important consideration is to find a locale that is in proximity to where you work. You may find a low-rent apartment somewhere. But what if such an apartment is far away from your office? Will commuting costs not affect you financially under such circumstances? So, ensure to keep proximity to your office in your search.
The other important consideration is to find a place which is close to public transport hubs. Train stations, bus stops, and roadways are all that you should consider. This will help you commute seamlessly without many hazards. It will also be cost-effective as you will not have to incur costs in reaching the transport hubs.
The next consideration for you is the availability of essential amenities. Having healthcare facilities, recreational parks, gyms, supermarkets, and pharmacies nearby can significantly impact your daily life. Access to healthcare ensures timely medical attention and peace of mind. Recreational parks and gyms provide opportunities for physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle. Supermarkets and pharmacies offer convenience for your shopping and medication needs, saving time and transportation costs. Additionally, having these amenities within proximity not only enhances your quality of life but also contributes to your overall well-being, making your living experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Accessing these amenities easily can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Thoroughly search different areas that you have already shortlisted. Remember that different areas will have different costs of living. In some areas, you will find low costs of living, and in others, the costs will be much higher. Therefore, make sure to strike the right and required balance between your affordability and the desired lifestyle! The areas in which you should be considering the cost of living are:
· Rental prices
· Utilities
· Groceries
· Food at eateries
Do you know why the safety and security of the area is important? Well, because, a) to ensure safety and b) to be at peace mentally. Where the first cannot be overemphasized, the latter is critically important. Because with peace of mind, you will be able to focus on your work and job. This will enable you to offer financial support back home in every money transfer to Ghana.
There is no uniform rent cost across the entire UK. However, the average monthly apartment rent is around £739. Significant variations in rent exist among different regions of the country. The difference is stark between London and regions outside the capital. The average monthly rent in London is £1,014, reflecting the high cost of living and a top-notch property market. In contrast, areas such as the North East, Yorkshire, and Humberside have more affordable options, with average rents around £533 and £555, respectively. Additionally, rental prices can also vary based on the type and size of the property.
Finding a rented apartment in the UK is easy if you are clear about what you need based on your priorities. However, while the following makes it easy for you to find an apartment in the UK, do you know how you can make a living in the UK? What use is the apartment if you do not have a job to pay the rent?
The first and the most obvious option you have is the real estate agents. Real estate agents have a large area within their range and in the light of their experience can offer you sound advice. But the challenge is finding a real estate agent offering you the desired property in the UK, as they are hard to find.
Rental websites and apps allow you to search for rental properties right from the middle of your comfort zone. You will find a large inventory including rental apartments, shared accommodations, and houses.
The filters on the websites and apps allow you to search for properties according to your preferences. You can set different filters such as price range, location, amenities, type of accommodation, and so on. In addition to that, certain platforms offer you features like virtual tours and interactive maps. These features allow you to explore properties before visiting.
Some of the popular websites to find rental apartments in the UK are:
· Homelike
· Rightmove
· Zoopla
· SpareRoom
· Gumtree
One of the most popular ways to find rental properties in the UK is the social media platforms and online groups. Many migrants living in the UK have formed these groups which you can join. These platforms allow you to connect directly with the landlords.
You can also connect with property managers and fellow renters and get the necessary information and insights. It also allows you to get the latest updates about the available properties in different locations without involving third parties. This benefits you financially too as the need to pay commissions no longer exists.
As a Ghanaian migrant, you work in the UK to send money to Ghana from UK to offer financial support. This is a recurring process and makes you pay in different forms each time you initiate a transaction. Saving here can help you add a higher rent and get better accommodation that you might otherwise not be able to afford.
Therefore, find a service provider that charges you a low fee and offers you live and market-competitive currency exchange rates. These flexible rates will compensate you for whatever fee you pay. Furthermore, some of the service providers offer you their service in several countries worldwide with safety, speed, and convenient service access and availability.
There are several factors that you have to consider while finding an apartment in the UK. These factors are proximity to your workplace and office or educational institution, availability of transport and commuting points nearby, easy access and availability of amenities like healthcare facilities, superstores, gyms, and recreational parks, overall living cost of the area, and the area’s safety and security.
Given that the UK is a developed country, you will find several types of property in the country. Some of the most popular types of property in the UK that you can find are detached property, semi-detached property, terraced property, flats, mansion flats, studio flats, purpose-built flats, maisonettes, new-build, and house share.
In the UK, the rent of the property is not fixed. However, the average monthly rent in the UK is around £739. But it varies from city to city. For example, the average monthly rent in London is £1,014. But if you move away from London. The average rent comes down significantly. In regions like North East, Yorkshire, and Humberside, the average monthly rent is around £533 and £555, respectively
In the UK, you will have several options to find a rented apartment. But the most popular ways to find a rented apartment in the UK are to connect with real estate agents who will offer you expert advice, search online through official websites, and join social media platforms and groups that will connect you with the landlords directly.
Some of the most popular and trusted websites for finding a rented apartment in the UK are Homelike, Rightmove, Zoopla, SpareRoom, and Gumtree. These websites allow you to find the property according to your preferences such as area, rent, amenities, and so on. Furthermore, some of these properties offer you virtual tours of the available options to decide better.
