I’m flat hunting: I’m ‘downsizing’ to put it euphemistically.

Posted on 20/09/09

Okay, so blogs about flat hunting in London have covered everything, from the horrors of renting (and finding out that the only thing you can afford in your desired postcode is a car parking space) to buying your first flat (only to discover squatters have moved in before you), but there are always new surprises to keep us on our toes. If you used Gumtree a few years ago to find a flat share, you’ll probably think twice now; scammers now seem to outnumber legitimate postings (I was sent pics of a flat that was clearly on the top floor, but described as being on the ground floor and the scammer even had a fake landlord’s certificate and receipt from a previous ‘tenant’). There’s something else I’ve noticed – we all need to get on with our new flat sharers, but when did the flat sharing websites become dating sites? One guy in Fulham had posted a picture of himself rather than his flat!

I’m not a trustafarian or self-made multi-millionaire, so I clearly have to compromise, but I’m a bit worried that the cat won’t be willing. Last Christmas, he stayed with the cat-sitter in Notting Hill. He woke her up by climbing up her bookcase and jumping onto her stomach at 5am (he’s usually outdoors fighting with other cats in the early hours of the morning). Then, when I brought him home, he disappeared for a few days. I got a call from one neighbour, saying she’d seen him run off with some venison she’d put out for the foxes. A couple of days later someone working at The Prince of Wales phoned. I arrived to find him sitting on a stool among a group of drinkers. His once-white fur was looking rather grey, but I had to wait until his cold had cleared up before taking him for a wash at Mutz Nutz.

Anyway, I’m using the old-fashioned method of seeing a property – a studio, just off Westbourne Grove – with Bective Leslie Marsh estate agent tomorrow. Fingers crossed…