Accommodation

Whether you are buying or renting a property here you'll find useful information and links to point you in the right direction.

Buying a property
Buying a property is a major financial commitment. At Barclays Bank PLC we recognise this, which is why we have a team of experienced International Mortgage Specialists who will guide you through the house-buying process.

Choosing the right mortgage isn't just a question of picking the cheapest rate. A free consultation with an International Mortgage Specialist will help you review the options.

There are a number of stages to finding and buying a property in the UK. You may find it useful to talk to us before you start looking so we can explain the various stages. Or, check out our quick reference guide.

To contact an International Mortgage Specialist please call +44 (0) 207 114 8804

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT.

FOR MORTGAGES DENOMINATED IN CURRENCIES OTHER THAN STERLING, CHANGES IN THE EXCHANGE RATE MAY INCREASE THE STERLING EQUIVALENT OF YOUR DEBT.

Renting
Good quality properties are available to rent throughout the UK (furnished or, less commonly, unfurnished). Rents vary widely depending on the area/facilities available.

The 1998 Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement provides the standard in terms of leases for rented accommodation. The Housing Act 1996 makes all tenancies assured shortholds unless tenants agree otherwise. Legislation from March 1997 stipulates that furniture in furnished accommodation must meet fireproofing regulations.

The lease
A typical lease is for one year with an option to renew; six-month leases are also common, company lets are preferred and diplomatic clauses are well known. The usual brokerage fee, often payable by the tenant, is £100 - £150 (charged for drawing up the lease/preparing the inventory).

Deposit is usually 4-6 weeks' rent for both furnished and unfurnished accommodation. Most landlords ask tenants for references (employers will often provide these).

Utilities
Gas/electricity are always excluded from the rental price but a portion of the cost of water is often included. Service charges for apartments are payable by the landlord and are levied separately and vary widely according to area and the level of service provided.

Telephone installation usually takes 1-2 weeks, once the paperwork has been done. You should expect to pay around £150 deposit. An annual council tax is payable by each household and is based on property values. Rates vary throughout the country.

Finding a property to rent
Rented accommodation can be found by

contacting local estate agents
reviewing listings in local newspapers
going online

Insuring your home and contents
Once you have found somewhere to live, you will want to think about protecting your home and possessions.

Home insurance protects you against loss or damage to the physical structure of your home. Contents insurance covers you for theft or loss of the personal possessions inside it.

While insurance is not required by law, you may find your mortgage lender insists you have a buildings insurance policy.

As a Global Access client, you can take advantage of our home and contents insurance which can be tailored to meet your needs. There are no restrictions on the length of time you have been in the UK before you can apply.

Buildings and contents cover is available on properties that you own and permanently occupy in the UK. In addition, where we insure your main UK residence, you can also apply for cover on an overseas property (available in certain EU countries only please ask for details).

If you are renting in the UK, you can apply for cover on your contents. You should check the terms of your lease to establish your insurance obligations.

Relevant Links
You will find listings of letting agencies on the major directory websites such as:

Yahoo

Altavista

Lycos

Association of Residential Letting Agents
The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) provides useful information on the responsibilities of letting agents and tenants.

How to buy a house
A ten-step guide to buying a house from The Guardian newspaper.

Barclays International Mortgage Services
Includes contact details for International Mortgage Specialists who can offer help on all aspects of buying a house.

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