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The current property market is at an all time low. House prices keep falling and a number of people in the UK are looking to rent instead of buying. There are definite benefits to renting versus buying a property. The top five reasons why renting might be a preferrable option to owning are outlined below:

1. Unless you plan to live in the house for more than 5 years, you run the risk of losing money. Five years of renting can be significantly cheaper than buying a property.
2. Renters can live in neighbourhoods they might not have been able afford to buy.
3. Renting allows you a peace of mind in terms of your budget as if the roof is leaking or the heater is broken, that is the landlord’s problem and not yours.
4. As a renter you can sample life in a luxury apartment with porterage, or live in a Victorian home in the suburbs or even move to a seaside town outside the city.
5. Renting allows you the freedom of packing up and going-all you need to do is give your 30 days notice.

When you rent, you can pick up and move almost whenever you want, with very little penalty but when you own, selling a home can take a very long time. You lose flexibility when you “put down your roots” and that can be one of the main factors why renting is seen as a better option to owning your home.

The current economic situation had changed the way people look for property. The emphasis now is on price and region, as most buyers fear their property diminishing in value. Yet some can still afford the luxuries of choosing a house because of its views. If you are bent set on living in the City then an apartment near St Paul’s could offer you fantastic river views and you might even see the Cathedral from your bedroom window.

If it’s tree-lined streets that you are after, then look no further than areas such as Islington. Some streets in this area have quiet, peaceful streets wiht lovely green shrubbery and trees. You might even forget that you are living in London!

If money is not an issue, then a penthouse with panoramic views should definitely be on your list of properties to consider. Some luxury penthouses in Wimbledon have extensive panoramic views of south, west and east Wimbledon.

Congratulations! You have finally reached the stage of moving your house. But, wait a moment, do you feel worried or stressed about how to manage everything and ensure if everything has been arranged well in order that nothing is left untouched?

Careful arrangement and future planning undoubtedly helps in minimising the stress levels one often encounters during house moving. Given below is a small checklist that can be of immense help to you while guiding your way from six weeks prior to the moving day to finally living in your new home.

Six weeks prior to making the move

• A proper confirmation of the date of move should be made.
• In case of renting, the landlord must be notified about the moving date.
• Home insurance should cover the entire tenure from moving in to the last day.
• Extra storage space can be looked for.
• Any relevant utility companies of departure need to be notified.
• Only necessary items are advised to be shifted to the new place and unnecessary items to be disposed off.
• Any new furniture, if felt the need for, should be ordered and arranged for delivery before moving in.

Two weeks before making the move

• Non-essential items like books and clothes should be packed into boxes first.
• Requisite changes must be made with the post office, doctor, or optician when moving to a different location.
• The milkman and newsagents should be notified well in advance about the move and arranged for the new home, if possible.
• A guardian should be arranged to take care of the children or pets at home, during the move.
• Relatives, friends and important contacts should be informed about the move.
• Most importantly, your bank should be informed about making any changes to the account details.