New Year, New Place: A Student’s Guide to House Hunting
The new year always feels like a reset. New routines, new goals, and for many students, a new place to live. If you’re starting to think about where you’ll be next year, January is actually one of the smartest times to begin house hunting. There’s less last-minute pressure, more choice, and time to make decisions you won’t regret when deadlines and exams pile up.
At MAF Properties, we see the same pattern every year: the students who start early usually end up the happiest with where they live. Here’s how to make the most of house hunting in the new year.
Why Start Looking Now?
It’s tempting to put house hunting off until spring, but the best properties don’t hang around for long. Starting in the new year means:
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More options – You’ll see a wider range of houses, locations, and price points.
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Less stress – No rushing into a decision because “everything else is gone.”
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Time to plan with friends – Sorting housemates, budgets, and expectations is much easier when you’re not under pressure.
Even if you’re not ready to sign anything yet, browsing early helps you understand what’s realistic for your budget and group size.
Get Clear on What You Want
Before you book viewings, take some time to figure out your priorities. A few questions to ask yourself (and your housemates):
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How close do we want to be to campus?
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What’s our budget per person, including bills?
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How many bathrooms do we actually need?
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Is outdoor space important?
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Do we want furnished or unfurnished?
You don’t need to agree on everything, but having a shared idea of “must-haves” versus “nice-to-haves” will save a lot of back-and-forth later.
Think Beyond the Photos
Online listings are a great starting point, but photos never tell the full story. When you go to a viewing, look a little deeper:
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Check storage space – especially if you’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years.
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Notice natural light and room sizes, not just how they’re staged.
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Ask about heating, insulation, and average bills.
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Get a feel for the area: transport links, shops, and how safe it feels walking home.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A good landlord or letting team will always be happy to answer them.
Know What You’re Signing
One of the biggest mistakes students make is not properly reading the contract. Take time to understand:
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The length of the tenancy
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What’s included in the rent
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Your responsibilities as tenants
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How deposits are protected
If something isn’t clear, ask before you sign. It’s much easier to sort things out at the start than halfway through the year.
Location Still Matters
That cheap rent can be tempting, but think realistically about travel time and costs. Living slightly closer to campus can save you hours each week and make day-to-day life a lot easier, especially during busy periods like exams.
Balance price with convenience and choose a location that fits your lifestyle, not just your budget.
Why Choose MAF Properties?
At MAF Properties, we specialise in student homes that are well-maintained, fairly priced, and designed with student life in mind. We understand that house hunting can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time renting, which is why we focus on clear communication and support from viewing to move-in day.
Whether you’re looking for a house for a small group or something bigger for next year, our team is here to help you find a place you’ll actually enjoy living in.
Start the Year Right
House hunting doesn’t have to be stressful. Starting in the new year gives you time, choice, and control over where you’ll be living next. Browse early, ask questions, and don’t rush into a decision just to tick it off your to-do list.
If you’re ready to start looking, MAF Properties is here to help you make your next move a good one.
