Few industries use more deceptive language than estate agents – the kings of misleading spiel.
If an area is ‘leafy’, it means it's full of old rich people. If an area is ‘up-and-coming’, there’s a good chance you’ll be mugged or even stabbed in it. If a flat has ‘character’, it’s likely a former crack den.
So the following advert spotted on Gumtree is quite refreshing. Advertising a flat in Mile End, London, the listing is simply described as:
“sh*t room to rent in East London!!!”
Or more specifically, it's a property offering:
3 sh*tty double rooms available for single person or couple.
Posted on Gumtree, with naff photographs of equally naff furnishings to back up the original claim, prospective renters are told that “the rooms are fully furnished - very clean, and tidy” and available for £120 per week. A bargain.
But before you know it, it’s back with the honesty:
The wardrobe is broke on the top, tha mattress doesn't match with the base
Before reassuring viewers that it won’t stay that way should you make an offer: "Obviously, if you're interested we will change everything for you. The flatmates are all professional between the ages of 20-30."
Speaking to the Evening Standard, the letting agent Luis Swarovski said the advert aimed to be an ‘honest reflection’ of the apartment on offer, and we’re sure this free publicity hasn’t done it much harm.
Should all flat lettings be this honest? Would it save us all the trip of inevitable disappointment when scoping out new digs? Let us know below.
[Via: The Evening Standard]
