The struggles of renting in London are well-documented, but it seems the housing crisis is extending its reach to other parts of the UK. A recent listing on OpenRent has caused a stir, showcasing a conservatory in Manchester being advertised as a ‘studio flat’ for a whopping £1,200 per month.
The room, with its exposed brick walls and glass roof, bears a closer resemblance to a summerhouse than a traditional flat. While it does have its own front door, accessed through the main house’s kitchen, the amenities are far from what one would expect in a ‘studio.’ The furnishings include a double bed, a leather sofa, a desk with a chair, and a chest of drawers. However, a self-contained kitchen or bathroom is notably absent.
Prospective tenants are informed that they will have to share the main house’s kitchen, which also serves as storage space, and bathroom facilities. The listing even asks applicants to specify how often they intend to use the shared facilities, highlighting the unconventional nature of the accommodation. The landlord also inquires about the tenant’s ‘upper rent limit,’ implying that there are other, potentially more expensive, rooms available in the same house. Despite the hefty £1,200 price tag, the listing suggests the space, located near Oxford Road, might appeal to students or doctors due to its proximity to the university and the Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Naturally, the listing has attracted criticism on the SpottedonRightmove Reddit thread. Users are questioning the landlord’s asking price, the lack of basic amenities, and the overall suitability of the space for living. One user highlighted the impracticalities of living in a glass-roofed room, saying, “I’ve got a roof like that on my conservatory. It’s hot in summer, cold in winter, and when it rains it sounds like thirty toddlers are playing drums.” Another questioned the landlord’s request for information about how often the tenant intends to cook, calling it a bizarre inquiry within a rent application.
The listing serves as a stark reminder of the ever-growing housing crisis, prompting discussions about the ethical boundaries of landlords and the challenges faced by those seeking affordable accommodation in the UK.
