The housing market is so vile. I rent. Just under a year ago I had to move because my landlord was selling up. It cost me a few months dca fiat to move. Guess what, its less than a year and...my new landlord is spell ng up and the whole process starts again.
Letting agents are like vulture, they pick on the carcasses of renters. They drive up the price of flats and houses to get commission. I have had to insist they put offers in knowing that they don't bother.
If your better half has a flat in London, I'll rent it from her.