London has a reputation as an expensive place to rent property, and it’s a deserved one. However, it doesn’t have to be as expensive as you might think. Whether you’re looking for a short-term rental or a long-term let, being patient and keeping an open mind about the property and its location can go a long way.
Below we’ll provide you with some valuable insights and top tips for finding affordable accommodation in London. You can find all top hostels in London here. Hostelz compares the rates for you on different booking sites. It is an easier way to get a better rate.
University Rooms is a unique accommodation option for visitors and a budget alternative to typical hotels and B&Bs, staying in vacant rooms and residences during the academic term and holiday periods. You don’t have to be a student to stay there and they have rooms at nine different London universities.
Areas with Good Transport Links
While you might have an idea of what your dream area in London is, don’t be too steadfast about your choice. The key in London is being able to get around, and most people are reliant on public transport to achieve this. London has a very comprehensive Underground and bus service and getting to grips with these can make all the difference. Generally speaking, the further you are from the centre, the more affordable property can be. However, being further from the centre isn’t necessarily a problem if you’re close to some good transport links. With the rental price for a double room ranging from £500 to well over £1000 a month, being prepared to utilise local transport links can save you a considerable amount.
Get Creative
London welcomes millions of visitors every year. This means there are options for every budget. A short-term option while you’re finding work or looking for something more permanent could be a hostel or even house sitting for someone. Newer hostels offer safe and clean accommodation with plenty of facilities for a reasonable price. They also usually offer different room options and you may even be able to do a deal for a slightly longer stay.
If you’re looking for a temporary solution before finding something more long-term, then you might find self storage in London to be an affordable and useful solution. Having to compromise on the size of your property means self-storage is fairly common and you’re never too far from a professional set-up. Companies like Safestore have units located near to all the major tube stations and public transport routes making them easy to access.
Longer Term Solutions
If you want to move straight into a longer-term solution but have limited funds, then it’s worth checking websites where private owners rent out their spare room, or where people club together as room mates to share the cost of the accommodation. Sites like SpareRoom or Gumtree help you find cheap accommodation and they are free to use. You just need to set up a profile and start browsing the available options.
Coming to Study in London
If you’re a student in London, there are many affordable options. At International Students House (ISH) you can get a 4-bed shared room from £79.80 per week. If sharing isn’t for you, then there are still a few other options available for less than £200 per week from United Students or Chapter London. Most student accommodation provides an all-in price to make budgeting easier, but if you’re looking at a private rental, don’t forget to factor in the cost of utilities.
Keep an Open Mind
London is a great place to live. Your priority should just be to get here, whether that means you need to join up with others to rent an apartment or change your property expectations to a much smaller flat. Once your foot is in the door, it becomes a lot easier to view properties and get a feel for the local property market and transport options.
Whatever your needs and budget, whether your budget is limitless or meagre, there will be an option for you in London. The city caters to everyone, and you may be pleasantly surprised by some of the properties available if you keep an open mind and have a little patience.
Again, if you are looking to live in a small space long-term, then you will want to consider London self storage for your non-essential belongings. Not only will your stuff be safe, you can also rest assured knowing you are still spending less for a small space and a storage unit rather than a large property.