But I decided to try something different.

I spent about 11 weeks searching for a one-bedroom apartment, and I didn’t use a single agent.

What actually worked for me was using property listing websites. A friend mentioned one to me, and that changed everything. Instead of relying on what agents were telling me, I could see real listings for myself based on my budget, preferred location, and the type of apartment I wanted.

It wasn’t instant. I had to search consistently and be patient. But the advantage was clarity. No back and forth, no guesswork.

When I finally found a place I liked, there was a contact number attached to the listing. I reached out, scheduled an inspection, and went to see it myself. Luckily, it matched what I saw online.

Another thing that helped me was paying attention to “To Let” signs on buildings. Sometimes, those numbers connect you directly to the landlord. In my case, that made a big difference. At some point, I was told a place wasn’t available anymore, but when I contacted the landlord directly, I found out it actually was.

That’s how I eventually secured my apartment.

I’m not saying agents are useless, but you don’t have to depend on them entirely. Using listing platforms alongside your search can save you time, stress, and even money.

If you’re currently house hunting, try exploring multiple options and don’t rely on just one route.