In Nigeria, the hardest part about finding accommodation is the money to pay the rent. However, over the past couple of weeks, I've learnt that in the UK, things a different.
We've been talking to a lot of landlords and agents in the UK, trying to get a place to stay and I must say, it's been really hectic. The requirements to rent a house go far beyond simply having money to pay for the rent.
I haven't even dipped my toe in the country but I'm already dealing with culture shock and it's not nice. Landlords and agents are very reluctant to even talk with you immediately they find out you're not in the country and this is despite the fact that you're willing to sort out the transfers through international payment solutions.
When we wanted to get a place in Kaduna, we simply contacted an agent, he took us there, we were asked a few questions and the next day, we moved into the house. It was a process that took three days to complete and frankly speaking, even if we weren't in Kaduna at the time, it would probably have taken the same time frame, as long as we had the money to pay for it.
For the UK, it almost feels like a job application. The landlords and agents we've been contacting aren't exactly enthused about the fact that we're willing to pay instantly.
When money is not the issue, it's always philosophical issues that go beyond the surface. In any case, we're still trying and hoping for the best.
Close to home
Even if we don't get a place for ourselves, we still have the option of staying with one of my best mates. He's staying in London and while it's three hours away from Nottingham, it's at least a place to lay our head when we arrive.
I think the main issue about finding a place is the fact that we're not around to look at the house by ourselves. Assuming we were there physically, we'd probably have gotten a place.
We have a guy helping us do viewing of apartments and well, all I can say is if you want to do something right, you have to do it yourself. It's not ideal but he's doing his best with the constraints and I hope he manages to close a deal as soon as possible.