Finding an apartment
How many apartments should I see before choosing one?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
There is no magic number, but seeing about three to six places is usually enough to learn what your budget buys in an area. After that, extra tours rarely change what you want. They mostly cost time, and in a busy market the first good option may be gone while you keep looking.
The first couple of tours are calibration. You learn what "spacious" and "updated" mean in your price range, and whether your must-haves are realistic. Once you know that, you can recognize a good fit quickly.
A simple way to compare is to score each place right after you leave, while it is fresh:
- Total monthly cost, including utilities and parking.
- Commute time at the hours you will actually travel.
- Condition: anything broken, damp or worn out.
- Light, noise and how the space fits your furniture.
- Your impression of the landlord or manager.
If you have seen five or six places and none work, the problem is usually the criteria, not bad luck. Adjust one variable, such as the area, the size or the budget, rather than touring ten more of the same thing.
The exception is when you are not in a hurry and prices are soft. Then it can pay to watch the market for a few weeks and see which listings sit unrented, since those landlords are more likely to negotiate.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find an Apartment in Facebook Housing Groups.