Having recently returned to the UK following 2 years living in Germany, about to exchange and complete on a Georgian flat in the midlands. I am looking for furniture of suitable 'character'.

Don't want to order furniture before it goes through - as I will be left with a load of furniture and nowhere to put it if the deal collapses.

Next issue is that places are quoting 8-12 week lead times for furniture that is half-decent. Meaning I would have a flat but no furniture for the first few months.

Anyone reccomend anywhere that stocks good quality furniture, or can manufacture it fast?

In the alternative, I would consider good quality second-hand, particularly on things like dining room tables. Anyone know of a place that sells this sort of stuff?

Many thanks! (And a possible business opportunity or anyone in the furniture industry - I am looking to furnish a 2 bed flat from scratch).

In Hull we have a few British Heart foundation furniture shops. Not been in one to see close hand but whatever they have outside their shops always looks decent from what I see when I pass.

One option is to keep an eye out for any upcoming auctions of house clearance stuff etc

You could furnish a whole house in one visit and have it delivered from on site stock (or take it home yourself) in Ikea.

Other than that take your chance with delivery dates that are often outside of the retailers control (most will only place an order at their suppliers after they've taken your money) or go around various charity shops and warehouses, there's one such warehouse in Leeds where you can take a punt at what is in that day then fight with all the buy to let landlords (especially after the students have just left for the summer).