I've been asking some colleagues and friends after I read your answers. They said basically that the current overheated situation is exploited by the agents, and they get their fee x2 - one from the landlord and then another from the tenant. Would appreciate your input on this.

Question #2: Referring back to my earlier question above - how do I contact the landlord directly, when the agent seems to be holding all info about the flat?

Question #3: Are there places (supermarkets, for instance) where one can find ads placed by landlords (or non-agent people)?