If you’re a young professional looking for new prospects in Leeds, chances are there’s something here for you. Leeds is home to phenomenal music, arts, amazing shopping, endless job prospects, and not to forget, a vibe that is unmatched by any city. If you haven’t rented in Leeds before or you just need a change of scenery, here’s a guide for young professionals navigating this special city.
Think about the location
Before you think about renting a property, the first thing in your mind should be the location. Think about which location is best for you, or how close to work you can afford to be. Do you wish to rent in a mini community like Leeds Dock or Granary Wharf or do you long to be in the heart of the city with shops, restaurants and parks directly on your doorstep? Leeds has great transport links with motorways, Park and Ride and trains leading to any destination you can think of. One thing is for sure, Parklane Properties have over 45 years experience in the industry, and we know Leeds.
Make sure you leave enough for bills
While you may have seen your dream property in an incredible location, you need to consider your finances, and if you can realistically afford it. You have to consider your outgoings against your income, as the last thing you want is to be scraping pennies together each month for the sake of living in a nice apartment. Always choose the property that you can comfortably afford and remember, sometimes you have to compromise on a few things.
Read your contract
We know that reading EVERY page of your contract can be quite boring, but it’s really important. Make sure you read and understand everything that’s included in your contract before renting in Leeds, and if you have any questions we’re here to help. No question is too silly and remember, it has all been asked before. Your contract is full of info about who’s responsible for what, it also defines how you should be living in the flat and what are the do’s and don'ts. There’s also information about whether you can bring your pet in with you or not because not every rental place in Leeds is pet friendly. This is your chance to negate anything you’re unsure or unhappy with in your contract.
Who do you want to live with
A big decision you will need to make early on in your house hunt is who you want to live with. You can fly solo in a 1 bedroom apartment, or live with a few friends in a bigger house on the outskirts of Leeds. Usually, if you do live with other people the outgoings are slightly cheaper, as you are sharing things like utilities and broadband. At Parklane Properties we have something for everyone.
Make time for hobbies on the weekend
Young professionals can often put 100% into kicking off their career, and this can result in them feeling burnt out after a period of time. Because of this, when considering renting in Leeds, it’s always worth knowing what fun activities are on your doorstep. Leeds is bursting with restaurants and cafes of every street corner, and the city boasts endless days outs suitable for all. In the centre, it goes without saying there are hundreds of shops, bars, eateries, clubs and events happening every night. Some of our favourites include The Royal Armouries Museum, Headrow House, The Tetley and the Lamb and Flag pub. However there are also great places to visit outside of the city too, such as Cow and Calf, Otley, Haworth and Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
What do you want?
When you’re a young professional renting in Leeds, it’s easy to jump for the first great property you see, but you should think twice about what exactly you are looking for. Do you need parking? Do you want an outdoor space for those sunny summer mornings? Do you want to be in a quieter part of town? Make a list of what you want from your new place and figure out what’s negotiable and what’s not. If you're looking for your perfect rental property in Leeds, have a browse of the properties we have on Parklane Properties, and we can do the rest!