Accommodation in Leeds

New arrivals in Leeds will be spoilt for choice as far as accommodation is concerned. That said, the city’s housing market is fiercely competitive, so you’ll need to do careful research and act quickly when you find something you like.

Although competitive, the market has seen prices remain relatively affordable, and newcomers are sure to find a suitable home for their budget and lifestyle. Leeds is also a compact city served by excellent transport links, which make for easy commutes. House hunters therefore needn’t fret too much about proximity to the city centre and can cast a fairly wide net when searching for a home.

Areas and suburbs in Leeds

Leeds is home to a wide variety of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct atmosphere. Lively central areas such as Headingley, Holbeck and Leeds Waterfront are ideal for young and single new arrivals looking to live close to work. Further out, family-friendly suburbs can be found, including Horsforth, Roundhay and Bramhope.

As is often the case in cities worldwide, the closer a property is to the city centre, the steeper the rent. Newcomers looking to save some money on rent should consider house- or flatshares, which are also a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Leeds

Types of accommodation in Leeds

Much of the accommodation in Leeds is in the form of detached, semi-detached and terraced housing, as well as high- and low-rise flats. Each of the city’s neighbourhoods has a unique character and atmosphere, but a strong sense of community is common across the board.

Renovated and terraced flats dot the areas in and around the city centre. These buildings typically have all the modern amenities that make for comfortable city living and are well suited to young professionals.

Leeds also boasts beautiful Victorian-era homes, which can usually be found a bit further out in the city’s leafy suburbs and are favoured by families.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most accommodation in Leeds is rented unfurnished, although some places may come with certain appliances. In many cases, you’ll be able to negotiate the inclusion of furniture if you need it, although this will push up the monthly price of rent. The choice largely comes down to whether you have the resources to pay for furniture upfront (either by shipping furniture you already own to Leeds or by purchasing furniture once in the city) or prefer to pay month-to-month for furniture usage in the form of extra rent.

Short-term lets

Short-term rentals are available throughout Leeds. They are ideal for a temporary place to stay while you explore the local areas and find a more permanent arrangement. This gives you time to get to know the city’s various neighbourhoods and allows you to view properties in person before making a commitment. Short-term lets are more expensive than long-term rentals but cheaper than hotels.

Useful links

• Airbnb
• Cozycozy

Finding accommodation in Leeds

Finding accommodation in Leeds can be time consuming and highly competitive, owing to the high demand.

Thanks to a wide variety of property portals, the easiest way to start the house hunt is online. Property websites such as Zoopla and Rightmove typically have plenty of listings, while property pages on social media and community forums are also valuable resources.

House hunters who want to avoid the hassle of going it alone should consider enlisting the services of an estate agent. Estate agents have intimate knowledge of the local market and will have access to listings before they’re made public. They can also help negotiate agreements with landlords or sellers.

Useful links

• Zoopla
• Rightmove

Renting accommodation in Leeds

Applications

Once you’ve found a property you like, you’ll need to apply to the landlord or property manager. The rental application should include proof of income, identification, and references.

Deposits

You’ll usually need to pay a deposit equivalent to one or two months’ rent, which is refundable if the property is returned in good condition, barring any normal wear and tear. Landlords are legally required to protect the deposit through an accredited scheme such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS).

Leases

The standard lease agreement in Leeds is typically for six months or a year but can go up to seven years, depending on the landlord.

Utilities in Leeds

Utilities such as electricity, gas and water, as well as refuse removal, council tax and contents insurance, are not usually included in the rental price. These are additional costs for your own account, so you’ll need to budget accordingly.

In most cases, basic utilities should be set up when you move in, although you may have to arrange for additional services such as internet, satellite television, and (if needed) a telephone line.

Find out more about Setting Up Household Utilities in the UK.