Finding Affordable Housing in London: Tips and Resources
Looking for affordable housing in London? With a bit of research and careful planning, you can find a home that fits your budget and lifestyle. Check out our top tips and resources for finding affordable housing in London.
Are you looking to move to London but worried about finding affordable housing? London is notorious for having high living costs, but don't let that discourage you. With the right tips and resources, finding affordable housing in London can be a manageable task.
In this blog post, I'll provide you with valuable information on how to find affordable housing options in London. From understanding your budget to utilizing online resources and government schemes, I've got you covered. Keep reading to discover the best tips and resources for finding affordable housing in London and start your journey towards finding your dream home in this amazing city!
First, just because London is a very popular city to work and live it doesn't mean it suits everyone so you really need to understand if it's beneficial to you or not. Here are some things to consider before moving to London:
Budget & Cost of Living: London is known for its high cost of living, so it is important for you to understand how much it costs to live in London and if you can afford it.
Housing Options: Are you moving with family or by yourself? Do you want your own place or are you happy to share it? Sharing an apartment will save you money, but it's also very competitive since there are more people looking for rooms than available rooms...
Weather: London can be rainy and overcast for much of the year, so be prepared for the weather. The average temperature in London is between 11 °C and 18 °C.
Work Opportunities: Competition for jobs can be high. Research your industry and job prospects before making the move. Example of jobs currently in demand (as of March 2023) include banking and finance roles (e.g. analyst), public sector (e.g. NHS nurses), hospitality, civil engineers and construction workers, technology (e.g. software developer), among others.
Immigration Requirements: Since Brexit, immigration requirements have changed for people who want to live in London or other parts of the UK, and it's important to research and understand the new rules and regulations before making any plans to move. If you are in the UK it should not be problem.
Personal Goals: What are your long-term goals and aspirations? Will living in London help you achieve them? Are there other alternatives? Probably this is what you need to consider the most before making the decision.
Commuting and Transportation Options: London is a well connected city so take advantage of it, although you can easily spend over £200 on transport a month... The closer to the city centre the higher your monthly costs would be. If you world remotely then this should not be a problem.
One of the most important things to consider when looking for affordable housing in London is your budget. London is known for having a high cost of living, and rent prices can be steep. However, with careful planning and research, it's possible to find housing that fits your budget.
To help you get started, here are some recommended budgets for different types of housing options in London:
If you're looking to save money on rent, shared accommodation is a popular option in London.
Rent for a shared room typically ranges from £400-£600 per month,
Private rooms can cost anywhere from £500-£800 per month.
Alternatively, house shares are a popular option in London for groups of friends or colleagues. Rent for a house share can vary widely depending on the location and number of people sharing the space.
In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from £500-£1,000 per month for a room in a house share (incl. utilities).
ii) Studio Apartments
Studio apartments are a great option for those looking for their own private space.
Rent for a studio apartment in London can range from £800-£1,300 per month, depending on the location and amenities.
iii) One & Two Bedroom Apartments
If you prefer a bit more space or you're moving to London with a partner or friend, a two-bedroom apartment might be the best option. However, these are harder to find close to central London (due to room popularity and demand) so assume to live in Zone 3 onwards.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in London typically starts at £1,200 per month and can go up to £2,000 or more, depending on the location.
Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in London typically starts at £1,500 per month and can go up to £3,000 or more, depending on the location and amenities (you won't find it for less than £1,500 in Zone 2 or less).
A very useful source of information is the London Rent Map by the London gov site which is updated quarterly.
Additionally, you'll want to factor in other expenses such as utilities, transportation, and food (more below) when planning your budget for affordable housing in London.
This section is only a summary of common expenses that you may or may not have if you live in London. For a more detailed view and if you want to know more about what it might cost you check out my other blog on How Much it Cost to Live in London.
Bills, Taxes & Utilities(check your tenancy agreement!!!)
TV License (I know...): £13.20pm
Electricity: £45pm (would be much higher for an all electric accommodation)
Gas: £30pm (higher in winter)
Water: £30pm
Wi-Fi: £35pm (speed suitable for remote working)
Council Tax: £90-120pm (depends on borough and house type)
Food & Transport
Groceries bulk: £80-120pm per person
Transport: £50pm (MINIMUM) or £160-£200pm (commuting everyday)
Other Expenses
Gym: £20-30pm
Eating out: £7.50-£11 per meal (£ restaurants) OR £15-24 per meal (££ restaurants)
Drinking: £4-6 per pint of beer or £8-12 per cocktail
Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Spotify: ~£30pm
Looking for a place to rent in London can be a daunting task (same than looking for a job!), but with the right resources, it doesn't have to be. Fortunately, there are many online platforms that can help you find your ideal home in London.
In this section, we'll take a closer look at some of the top platforms for finding affordable housing in London, and how you can use them to make your search easier and more successful.
Rightmove
Zoopla
SpareRoom
EasyRoommate
Gumtree
Movebubble
OpenRent
CityRooms
Ideal Flatmate
Student.com (for student housing)
There are many other options available as well such as Facebook Groups or the NextDoor app (a neighbouring app in London), but these are some of the most well-known and trusted platforms to search for rentals in London.
Use these platforms together with the London Rent Map and my other blogs about living in London - such as How Much it Cost to Live in London - and you should be sorted to decide and find an appropriate place to live while you are in London!
💡
The "best" platform really depends on what kind of London property you are looking for. The platforms listed provide variety but use the one that works best for you.
Summary & Tips
Check the 'Before You Move to London...' section to know if it's beneficial or not for you to move to London.
Rent prices for rooms, studios and apartments range between £400-800, £800-1300 and £1200-2000 respectively.
House shares are good options if you are moving with a group of friends.
London is well connected and easy to commute via public transport, use it as your advantage.
Check your tenancy agreement or ask the landlord to know what utilities are covered in the contract (e.g. council tax, energy bills, etc.).
You could spend as much as £250pm for all bills and utilities, £200pm for transport, and even £120pm for bulk groceries shopping if you decide to live in London. Important to consider these as part of your budget and monthly costs!
Rightmove, SpareRoom, Student.com, Facebook Group and other platforms (covered above) are top platforms for finding affordable housing in London.
