The Red Flags You Are Missing In Your Flat Hunt

With the UK rental market more competitive than ever before, prospective tenants looking for new flats are under increasing pressure to make a decision fast or risk losing their chance to secure a property completely. 

Below, Elliot Rainbow, property expert and CEO of Ernest Brooks International, shares his thoughts and experience of what modern flat hunters may be missing out on when attending viewings, and explains why - rather than postcodes or paintwork - it’s the design of a flat that will really help inform your decision. 

The Design Of The Flat 

“When you’re renting, it’s easy to focus on the usual checklist- postcode, price, whether there’s a dishwasher. But what really separates a home that works from one that doesn’t often comes down to design. Unlike buyers, renters don’t have the option to knock through walls or reconfigure a layout- so a poorly thought-out flat can quickly become a daily frustration.
 
“Take windows, for example. They’re your connection to natural light, airflow, and any sense of space, yet so many renters find themselves stuck with sealed panes or tiny, high-set openings that barely crack open. If you're viewing a flat and can't fully open a window in the bedroom or living area, that’s your first red flag. Check the frames too- older sash windows in particular. Condensation inside double glazing usually means failed seals, which spells draughts and higher heating bills.

Is Style Covering Up Practical Problems? 

“Next up: layout. There’s a definite trend for style over substance right now, sleek finishes masking awkward, impractical spaces. At Ernest Brooks International, we regularly flag this to landlords before going to market. Open-plan layouts can look great in photos, but they often mean the kitchen dominates the living area or appliances block walkways. When viewing, walk through the flat as if you already live there. Where does the sofa go? Can two people move around comfortably? If the only place for a bed is under a sloped ceiling or in front of a window, the charm will wear off fast.

“One giveaway of poor design? Doors that swing into each other or open into tight hallways that can’t even fit a coat hook. And the silent killer in many modern flats: a complete lack of storage. Ask yourself where the vacuum, winter coats or suitcase would go. If the only answer is “in plain sight,” expect clutter quickly.

“By contrast, good design makes a flat feel effortless. Natural light in more than one room. Plug sockets where you'd actually use them. A bathroom you can step into without turning sideways. And a kitchen that's functional without overpowering the rest of the space. These aren't luxuries, they are basics that shape how liveable a flat actually is.

 Give The Space A Test Run

“We always encourage renters to do more than just look, and actually test the space. Run your phone through each room to check the signal (insulation and thickness of walls can kill reception). Turn on the taps and shower- what’s the pressure like? Try the extractor fan. Open the windows, flush the loo, check the boiler. If it’s electric-only, bear in mind you're looking at much higher running costs – gas remains significantly cheaper, especially through the winter.
 
“Lastly, understand how the building is run. At Ernest Brooks International, we manage many properties, but often not the building itself. That means communal services like heating, lifts or cladding repairs are in the hands of a third-party managing agent. It’s a distinction that matters when something breaks and you're left chasing answers. Ask about response times and who would be available to contact when things go wrong.
 
“Renting might not be forever, but how a space feels and functions day to day that makes a real difference. Great design isn’t just what you see, it’s what makes life easier. And that’s what renters should be holding out for.”