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Housing and Accommodation

The North East offers a variety of residential locations for you to consider, and, if appropriate, we can help you find something in advance of your arrival. It is important to arrange accommodation in advance, and assistance can be provided in a variety of areas.

Short-term accommodation

When you first arrive in Durham you may choose to stay in short-term accommodation, perhaps even in one of our college communities. Contact Event Durham for information on short-term bed and breakfast accommodation in the University’s colleges.

For hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation* in Durham City Centre, you could stay at one of the following:

University accommodation

Durham University has an extremely small amount of houses and therefore generally does not have accommodation available to new staff. Occasionally properties do become available for let on a short-term basis and we are happy to check this for you if required, but guarantees cannot be made.

You can submit a short-term accommodation request  or contact the Relocation Manager for assistance.

Renting

A short-term rental may suit, to allow you to familiarise yourself with the area before entering into a long-term agreement. We can liaise with local estate agents and property companies for available properties that match your needs.

The property may be furnished or unfurnished. The minimum time you can rent a property is usually six months. There may be occasions when this is negotiable with the landlord so please consult the Relocation Manager for advice.

To search for available properties to rent or buy, you could visit a property search website such as Rightmove or On the Market or contact a local estate agent* such as:

  • Robinsons Durham: 1 Old Elvet, +44 (0)191 386 2777
  • J.W. Wood Durham: 3a Old Elvet, +44 (0)191 386 9921

*The hotels and estate agents named are suggestions and are not affiliated with the University; we, therefore, cannot be responsible for the service which they provide.

Buying a house

We can liaise with local estate agents on your behalf and help you to find suitable houses that match your criteria. We can also provide support with the negotiation process, with the aim of trying to achieve the best possible price for your chosen home.

Home move

Whether you are relocating from abroad or from within the UK, we are here to help with relocating your family, home and belongings to Durham. Working with our approved suppliers, or with one of your own choice, we will oversee the arrangements, from setting up the appointments to assessing the move contents, to the final delivery.

Moving in

Settling into your property can be time-consuming. Below is a selection of services we can support with, if required, to help you settle into your new home:

  • Utility installation - we can attend an empty property to allow access for installation services, meter readings, safety checks etc. (including TV and telephone lines)
  • Healthcare services assistance - we can help in locating and registering with a local doctor (GP), dentist, optician or other specialist healthcare providers
  • Leisure facilities - we can advise on a full range of local leisure complexes, places of interest, and amenities
  • Portfolio of contacts - we can provide contact details for trade services (domestic staff and gardeners for example), interior design and refurbishment services and professional services (solicitors etc.)

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