Accommodation in London

The bustling metropolis of London is massive and boasts an enormous range of accommodations to suit almost any expat’s budget, lifestyle and background. There are areas and suburbs of London that are perfect for young professionals, expat families, international students or high-flying business executives.

The UK capital is a highly cosmopolitan city, and you will have the opportunity to mix with people from all over the globe. Thanks to the city's excellent public transport, getting around won’t be too much of a problem, although some areas are better serviced than others. Many expats find that their employer assists them in finding a suitable rental property and navigating all the associated red tape, often through a local relocation company.

Areas and suburbs in London

London has a huge variety of neighbourhoods to choose from, and there's something for everyone.

West London offers some of the most prestigious areas in the city. Chelsea, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are highly sought after by affluent expats. The proximity to top international schools and the French Consulate makes these areas particularly popular with French families. With high-end boutiques on High Street Kensington and beautiful green spaces like Kensington Gardens, this part of London combines luxury with convenience.

North London is home to Hampstead, a leafy suburb known for its village atmosphere and proximity to excellent schools. It’s a favourite among families looking for larger properties and a tranquil environment. With its bohemian vibe and vibrant nightlife, Camden attracts young professionals and creatives. The area is famous for its music scene and bustling markets.

East London, particularly Shoreditch and Hoxton, has become a hub for young professionals in the media and tech industries. Known for its trendy bars, eclectic restaurants and street art, this area has a distinct urban feel. Leyton and Stratford offer more affordable options and have benefited from the Olympic regeneration, providing excellent transport links and amenities.

South London includes diverse areas like Wimbledon and Clapham. Wimbledon offers upscale properties and more affordable housing options, making it popular among families and professionals. Clapham is known for its lively social scene and beautiful parks, attracting young professionals and families. The excellent transport links from Clapham Junction make commuting easy.

Read Areas and Suburbs in London for more on the city's neighbourhoods.

Types of rental accommodation in London

When moving to London, you will find a variety of property types available. The kind of home you choose will depend on the location you want to live in, your family's needs and, of course, your budget. Generally, the further you live from the city centre, the more choice you will have in terms of the price range, and the larger the properties will be.

London is undeniably an expensive city, so many new arrivals decide to live in a shared house or flat to cut costs. Sharing with strangers may be daunting, but it can be an excellent way to meet new people. It's worth checking out a few properties and also meeting prospective housemates. Flatshares are usually furnished properties with shared kitchens and living areas. There are thousands of property listings on websites such as Gumtree and SpareRoom.

Property in London can broadly be divided into three main types: flats, terraced housing and detached housing.

Flats or apartments

Flats, or apartments, are either part of a large modern development or a conversion, typically an old building or house separated into flats. Mansion blocks are apartment buildings built in the Victorian or Edwardian era. They are primarily found in more prestigious areas of London and usually have ornate red-brick facades and lateral flats with period features and high ceilings. Many apartments in central London are in converted Georgian terraced houses; these grand stucco-fronted buildings are highly desirable but often lack the soundproofing you'll find in mansion blocks.

Terraced houses

Most London suburbs have many streets with rows of two-storey terraced Georgian or Victorian houses. In more suburban areas, the terraced housing is more likely to be Edwardian in style, with mock Tudor cladding and timbers at the top of the house. 

Mews houses are now some of the most desirable properties in London. They were built as stables and servant quarters, tucked away behind large Georgian houses, but most have now been converted into quaint two- or three-bedroom houses.

Detached houses

Detached properties can be old or new but are usually located outside of central London. They typically offer bigger spaces, more bedrooms and a garden.

Furnished or unfurnished

Most rental properties in London are unfurnished, but even unfurnished properties are likely to have carpets, curtains, fully fitted kitchens, an oven, fridge, dishwasher and washing machine. Furnished flats and houses include everything from beds to cutlery and crockery in the kitchen. Due to the sometimes short-term nature of expat assignments, many expats opt to live in fully furnished accommodation.

Finding rental accommodation in London

Finding suitable accommodation in London should be straightforward, but the rental market is competitive and fast-moving. We recommend you do some research before leaving your home country. In particular, it’s crucial to shortlist suitable areas and suburbs in London that suit your needs and budget.

Most property searches begin on one of the online property portals, such as Rightmove or Zoopla. Once this initial research is done, you will find it helpful to contact a local real estate agent familiar with the particular area or suburb of London you want to live in. Agents often have access to properties that are yet to make it onto public listings.

Useful links

• Rightmove
• Zoopla
• SpareRoom

The rental process in London

After deciding on the most suitable part of London and the type of property you want to rent, you will likely research properties online and then contact local estate agents to set up viewings. Once you find a suitable property and an agreement has been made with the landlord, the estate agent will draw up the contract. 

Before the contract can be signed, the estate agent will need to check references and do some background checks. The deposit and the first month’s rent will be taken before the start of the tenancy.

Making an application

The landlord or estate agent will need to see some paperwork before a lease is signed. This may include collecting references from your employer or a previous landlord and seeing proof of ID (usually a passport). If you are coming from abroad, you will need to produce a copy of your UK visa and documents allowing your stay in the UK.

You may also be asked for proof of salary or funds, including payslips, a contract of employment and recent bank statements. We recommend checking which documents will be needed in advance and making necessary copies to avoid any delays.

Leases

Once you have found a property you like, you will be expected to sign an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement. This agreement gives you the legal right to live on a property for a set period, with an option to extend it.

The initial term is typically one year, although a six-month tenant-only break clause could be negotiated. This allows you to terminate the contract after the first six months by giving the landlord one or two months’ notice. 

All reputable estate agents will use a standard contract that protects both the landlord and tenant. All the same, it’s essential to read the agreement carefully and raise any queries with the estate agent before signing it.

Deposits

It's best to be prepared to put down a deposit equal to six weeks' rent in advance. A landlord or letting agent should put the deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDP) scheme rather than paying it into their own bank account. If you are in a dispute with your landlord, the deposit will be protected in the TDP scheme until the issue is resolved.

The landlord may deduct expenses from the deposit to cover costs such as repairing any damage to the property, paying for professional cleaning, removing anything left behind by you or replacing lost keys. Landlords must return the deposit within ten days of both parties agreeing on how much they will get back.

Short lets

A short let is a good alternative to staying in a hotel or serviced apartment while you get to know London, before committing to a long-term lease. A short let usually offers some flexibility in rental duration, and the property is generally furnished to a high standard. Rental prices are higher for short lets, but all bills are included in the rent.

Utilities in London

Utilities, such as electricity, gas, water and council tax, are usually not included in the quoted rental price and will be an extra expense. For more guidance on paying council tax, you should visit the official council websites for your particular London borough. Most services are available online, including making payments and setting up a direct debit.

Before moving in, confirm with the real estate agent or landlord that all utilities are set up, switched on and ready to be used come move-in day.

The previous tenant or owner should have given the final meter readings to the utility companies. However, new tenants are encouraged to take the gas and electricity readings when moving in. This will ensure that you are not charged for electricity used by previous occupants.

Different utility companies offer a variety of rates and tariffs. It’s easy to change suppliers in the UK, and it’s usually possible to save money by shopping around and switching tariffs or suppliers. Price comparison websites make it easy to compare suppliers.

For more details, see our page on Setting up Household Utilities in the UK.

Bins and recycling

Typically, bins are collected weekly, and there are separate containers for cardboard, glass and plastic. Each London borough has a different system for rubbish collection and recycling. The official council websites for each borough will give details on bin-collection days and what each bin is used for.

Parking

Every London borough now operates a residents' parking scheme, where the council taxpayers can apply for a parking permit that allows them to park in the borough or within an area within the borough. The cost of a permit for one car is usually between GBP 150 and GBP 250 per year. Most councils also allow residents to buy visitor permits.

Useful links

• Greater London Authority, the official website of the Mayor of London and London Assembly Members
• London Councils official website
• City of London Corporation official website