The Great London Flat Hunt: Where Do All the Empty Homes Go?
So you've decided to join the vibrant throngs of Londoners. Fantastic choice! But your quest for a flat might feel more like an episode of Indiana Jones than a quick browse on Rightmove. Because let's face it, finding a place in London can feel like trying to find a rocking chair at a mosh pit. Ever wondered where all the city's empty homes are hiding?
They're multiplying faster than pigeons in Trafalgar Square!
According to a recent count, there were around 34,327 vacant residences chilling in our fair city as of March 2022. That's enough space to house a small army of hipsters (complete with their ironic mustaches and rescue pugs). But some reckon the real number is closer to four times that!
So, what's the deal with all these empty flats?
Well, reasons abound, like:
- Second home syndrome: Apparently, some folks like to have a little slice of London life without actually living there full-time. Fancy that!
- The waiting game: Some landlords are holding out for that perfect (read: deep-pocketed) tenant, leaving their flats empty for months on end.
- Luxury lamentations: Developers are building swanky apartments priced for oligarchs, not ordinary oligarch-wannabes. These fancy flats often sit empty, gathering dust bunnies and a sense of injustice.
Hold on, aren't there fines for leaving homes vacant?
Why, yes there are! The London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, for example, is cracking down with a council tax surcharge on empty properties. Maybe that'll encourage a mass exodus of absentee landlords and their unused shoe collections.
But wait, there's more!
Here's the kicker: these empty homes could be worth a staggering £20 billion. That's enough money to buy all the pigeons in Trafalgar Square their own tiny top hats!
So, what can we do about it?
Well, that's a question for the ages (and the local council). But hey, at least you're not alone in your flat-hunting woes. There's a whole army of Londoners out there with you, dodging rogue pigeons and overpriced shoeboxes.
## Frequently Asked Flat-Hunting Fun:
How to find a flat in London without crying? Honestly, this is a question for the ages. But persistence and a good dose of humor might help.
How to avoid a bidding war? Be prepared to walk away (unless you have pockets lined with gold bullion).
How to convince a landlord you're the perfect tenant? Bake them a pie. Seriously, it might work.
How to know if a flat is a good deal? If it comes with a lifetime supply of tea and biscuits, it's probably a winner.
How to survive a London flat share? Invest in good earplugs and a healthy sense of humor.
