Any question answered...

yeah staying with people likely isn't an option. the time and craziness with finding a new place wouldn't be pleasant for whoever we are staying with. in and out all the time and running around like chickens with our heads cut off.

we aren't opposed to signing for a year. honestly, I prefer that. Going to be in London for 2-3 years, my son doesn't need to go to more than one school for that time. Once we find a place we don't plan on going anywhere.

With the lease I meant that the letting agents may have a flat that they are finding difficult to lease because of problems with noise in the evenings or at a specific time of day, so they will show the flat when this isn't apparent, get you to sign a lease and then you can be locked into a year of living hell.