How to rent an apartment in English

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Have you decided to move abroad and don’t know how to find a flat? The search can be quite stressful, especially if you do not know the correct English terminology. Knowing the vocabulary well is essential for both finding a suitable place as well as for interacting with the agents or owners. Don’t worry! With this brief guide, you will easily find what you are looking for. It will also help you to always know what to say as well as understand what others are talking about.

The Search

Before anything, you need to find a search method. When abroad, the methods for finding housing include specialized internet websites, real estate agencies, and private advertisements. Once you have found a flat that interests you, you will have to arrange with the owner or the agent to go and view that property.

Website

Agency

Agent

Viewing

Types of Properties

 Let’s start with the type of housing you are looking for. If you know the difference between a villa and a studio in English, your search will be more selective and save you a lot of time. Here is the vocabulary you will need.

Property

House

Flat

Apartment

Duplex

Loft

Studio

For sale

To let

£280 pw

£1200 pcm

Measurements

Another important aspect that you should consider is the size of the property. In general, the number of rooms and the total area are used to measure the size of the property. In the United Kingdom two-story houses are very popular, with the living room and the kitchen on the ground floor and the bedrooms on the first floor.

Bedrooms

Floors

Ground floor / first floor / second floor

Stories

Square feet

Square metres

Other Features

Other aspects to consider when choosing your prospective property would be the presence of a garden, a terrace, or any other feature that may interest you. Many homes in the United Kingdom and the USA have a small garden behind the house. Balconies are not as common and flats often do not have external space. Take this into account during your search. Finally, do you want a furnished flat, or have you already thought about decorating to your liking?

Terrace

Balcony

Conservatory

Sunroom

Garden

Yard

Swimming pool

Lift

Elevator

Storage room

Parking

Pets

Furnished

Unfurnished

Buy or Rent?

 To buy or to rent? Once you have chosen the right property for you, it will be time to sign the contract. Here are the essential terms:

Purchase

Mortgage

Long-term rental contract

Short-term rental contract

Deposit

Down payment

Utilities

Taxes

Fees

Commissions

Sharing

Roommate

Flatmate

 

Phrases

Below are some phrases that may be useful when you need to interact with either the agency or the vendors.

Good morning, I am interested in a property I saw on your website. Is it possible to arrange a viewing?

Good morning, I would like to have a look at this property.

Good afternoon, I am interested in the advert for a room on your property. Can I ask how many people live there?

I am eligible for a mortgage.

I like this apartment. I would like to make an offer.

I’ll take it!

Is the price negotiable?

This property is not currently on the market.

What sort of view does it have?

It is not what I am looking for.

I am looking for unfurnished accommodation.

How long has it been on the market?

How far is it from the nearest station?

Are there any local shops?

How far is it from the city centre?

Is there a school nearby?

Are pets allowed?

 

Knowing how to use “there is” and “there are” when you’re looking for a flat will come in very handy. Make sure you listen to the podcast and learn them correctly.

Are You Ready to Find the Right Home According to Your Needs?

Now you have the necessary vocabulary to find the right home according to your needs, no matter where you want to live. What about an English course? Do you think that you can find an English course that meets your practical needs while giving you the opportunity to study in your free time without interfering with your daily commitments? Online courses are ideal for learning without problems and ABA English could be just what you are looking for. Why don’t you join the millions of students worldwide who have chosen ABA English? We offer 144 video classes and an equal number of short films. We also have experienced native teachers who are ready to answer your questions and clear up any doubts you may have.

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How to rent an apartment in English
How to rent an apartment in English
How to rent an apartment in English