How to find Housing in London
We help you navigate the Housing Market and find your London Home faster
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding housing. As an expat in London, the process of finding a place to live can be even more daunting. However, with the right information and resources, you can make the process much easier. In this post, we will go over everything you need to know when looking for housing in London as an expat.
Outline
1. Calculate your budget
2. Research the London Neighbourhoods
3. Start your House Search
4. What documents you need to rent in London
5. Be prepared to act fast
6. Renting with a pet
1. Know your budget
Before you start your search, it's important to have a clear understanding of your budget. London is known for being an expensive city, so it's important to know how much you can afford to spend on rent and other housing-related expenses.
On average, a one-bedroom flat in central London can cost upwards of £1,500 per month, while the same type of property in a suburban area may only cost £1,000. If you're looking to save money, a house share or room in a shared house may be more cost-effective.
It's essential to be realistic about your budget and what you can afford, as overspending on housing can quickly eat into your other living expenses.
Try our Cost of living in London Calculator
2. Research the different neighborhoods
London is a massive city, with many different neighborhoods to choose from. Deciding on the location you want to live in is crucial, as it will determine the cost and quality of housing, as well as your access to public transportation, shops, and amenities.
Each area has its own unique character and amenities, so it's important to research the different neighborhoods to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Richmond
12 Votes
Average Rentals
1-Bed: £1,199
3-Bed: £2,011
Hampstead
11 Votes
Average Rentals
1-Bed: £1,713
3-Bed: £3,438
Notting Hill
10 Votes
Average Rentals
1-Bed: £1,893
3-Bed: £4,035
Kensington
9 Votes
Average Rentals
1-Bed: £1,972
3-Bed: £4,860
Greenwich
8 Votes
Average Rentals
1-Bed: £1,486
3-Bed: £2,178
Shoreditch
7 Votes
Average Rentals
1-Bed: £1,533
3-Bed: £2,183
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3. Start your search
There are many online resources available to help you find housing in London. Websites such as Zoopla and Rightmove are popular choices for finding rental properties. You can also use online platforms like SpareRoom to find a room in a shared house or OpenRent to find properties that are let directly from the landlord.
Speaking to Real Estate Agents are also a great way of finding a place fast once you know the area you want to live in. Letting agents can help you find a rental property and assist you with the application process. They can also provide you with information on available properties that meet your requirements. They can keep your contact details and once a property comes into the market… BAM! You can get a viewing.
4. What documents do you need to rent in London?
So, you’ve found a place you love and you’re ready to sign the lease… But the landlord is asking you for a trillion documents!
That’s pretty normal in London - Real estate agents and landlords often want to do a few checks before signing to make sure the house is left in safe hands and that you’re able to afford the monthly rent.
That’s why it’s best to prepare all your documentation in advance, to avoid any surprises!
Sign up to learn more about the documents you need to rent in London
5. Be prepared to act fast
The rental market in London can be very competitive, so it's important to be prepared to act fast when you find a property that meets your needs. Be prepared to put down a deposit and sign a lease as soon as you view a property that you like.
DaphneHousing
Be quick when you find a place you like & try and view the flat the same day it comes out in the market. You will be surprised how quick they go!
Agi KendrickHousing
Be decisive during house hunting - if you love a place put in an offer before someone else does!
6. Renting with a pet
Landlords in London don’t tend to like pets. In fact, most properties don’t even allow pets. If finding housing in London is hard, renting with a pet is even harder! But while it can be a difficult task, it’s not impossible.
Follow these tips to make your home search for you and your furry friend easier and smoother:
Avoid Zone 1:
The closer to the center of the city, the more difficult your search will be. This is because the demand is very high and offer quite low, so landlords can afford to have more requirements, which often include “no pets”, unfortunately. Your search in further away zones will be easier.
Talk to Real Estate Agents:
Ask estate agents for pet-friendly properties: Agents often get first dibs in the best properties, and they’ll be able to alert you when a pet friendly home goes into the market in your desired area.
Use Pet Friendly Filters on Home Search Websites
Sign up for free to learn what websites allow pet filtering
Sign up to learn more about renting with pets in London
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